People on medication urged to stay hydrated in East Midlands heatwave
A Leicestershire doctor has given us his advice
People on medication in the East Midlands are being urged to stay hydrated as a heatwave hits the region.
Most of the Midlands is covered by an Amber Heat Health Alert by the UK Health Security Agency, meaning there is likely to be added pressure on health and social services.
Medication that reduces blood pressure...
Grant Ingram is from the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Local Medical Committee: "Medication that reduces your blood pressure, in particular, stops your body from being able to push your blood pressure up.
"That means if you become dehydrated and you have less blood circulating, your blood pressure can drop significantly. It can cause you to faint.
"If you feel dry and wobbly, drink straight away. Then go inside into the shade and lie down," he said.
Check the side effects...
Grant encourages those on medication to check the side effects: "It should say whether your medication can affect you in the heat.
"For example, if your child is on ADHD medication, those tablets increase your core temperatures. Those children should be kept in the shade as they are more liable to get heat stroke.
"Most of the side effects are due to dehydration. If you do not replace those fluids lost through sweat, your internal organs can start to fail, particularly your kidneys," he said.
When will temperatures cool down?
The heat is expected to peak on Thursday and Friday when temperatures will “widely exceed 30C” across the UK and some areas in England could hit 36C, according to the forecaster.
The heat is expected to ease gradually across southern and eastern parts of the UK across the weekend and into next week, the Met Office said.
UV levels are set to be high or very high across many parts of the UK throughout the week, the forecaster said, advising people to use sun protection.