Is it normal to feel unwell in the heat?

[Faint1]

I’m in London and it’s been hot for a while this summer, following all general advice and staying hydrated. Also trying not to overexert myself in this weather but I’ve still been feeling pretty rough and unwell for a while now. Constantly seem to have a dull headache in background (gets worse when exerting myself or overheating). On hotter days (29c or higher) I feel really close to fainting

Today I worked from home (didn’t exert myself and it was max of 28c inside so not the worst). Around 7pm I decided to to take the bus just to go to the supermarket (shouldn’t be that taxing) however en route I started feeling really dizzy and panicked about passing out, I got off the bus early to stand inside corner shop with ac for a bit. I then carry on my journey and make it to the supermarket etc but it still feels pretty stressful and I feel weak and unwell with headache. Sipping water or snacking for energy doesn’t help reduce symptoms much. I don’t even know how I luckily managed to make it home as thought at some point may need to call taxi due to faintness and feeling unwell.

As soon as I got in I stripped off and took lukewarm shower, now just lying down because I feel so exhausted and my headache still hasn’t fully recovered. Thankfully less dizzy from lying tho

This is just today’s example but I’ve been feeling very similar for a while now with this long summer. Is it normal to feel like this in heat? I’m young-ish and very lean

Wjat can I do to cope better and feel normal

It’s quite scary when feeling like I’m about to pass out tbh

Are you on any medication? Some can have issues with heat.

No.

do you have a freezer? If so then you can get freezeable cool packs that help keep your temperature down. Ice cubes or a damp cold towel (run cold water on it) also helps.

water on it’s own isn’t really enough you lose salts through sweating. Look into re-hydration salts, taste like shit but do help.

I am feeling like you it’s awful. I take rehydration powders with water every day. I have invested in an aircon unit as I couldn’t take it any more. Perhaps get supermarket deliveries for now.

I don’t know but it does seem an extreme reaction to high 20s heat. Perhaps exasperated by medication or not eating?

I couldn't understand why I've felt so off colour for the last month - headache, nausea, exhaustion. Then I read something online about people on diuretics in the heat and realised I was on one. Now it all makes sense.

My IBS flared up when we had that long period of really high temperatures. I didn’t feel great in the heat at all.
how much water are you drinking?

Have you had your blood pressure checked? Hot weather can make it drop especially if you are a bit dehydrated or start off from a normally low BP.

How old are you OP?I

I've felt exactly the same in this heatwave, it feels like it hasn't cooled down in our house at all. I'm still breaking a sweat cooking and going upstairs etc.
I'm on sertraline which I read can make you feel hotter, and I'm 37 so maybe sliding into peri territory.

Are you feeling anxious about the heat, and that you could pass out? Only asking because I worry about overheating and feeling faint, and that makes me feel faint.
Go and get checked at the doctors, blood pressure, sugar, iron etc

So age, what meds you take regularly , health wise usually, weight, will all help anyone to advise

A 25 year old with a perfect BMI, no health issues , will cope a lot better then a 49 year old overweight peri meno or even meno woman

I’m taking Yasmin contraceptive pill daily

I’m late twenties and have a healthy BMI (around 19)

I have some dioralyte sachets at home too, I’ve sadly not noticed big difference taking them

I often find my heart races more too

I'm afraid it is normal to feel awful -unless you think you should get checked out? It does sound scary.

When I was a teenager, I was a fainter in this kind of hot weather very scary for my Parents, but didn't amount too much

Understood later on that it's because my blood pressure went too low

And to be honest, I've been trying to give up vaping for ages and now delaying again because I think it's the only thing keeping me going! I used to have terrible dizziness in hot weather!

Yesterday was meant to be a bit cooler, so we were on a nice long walk and I didn't feel well at all going home because the heat had built up by that time

I have 22 and 25-year-old who are feeling it too. Some of us aren't cut out for it.

Do you have a way to check your blood pressure?

I find it helpful to take the rehydration sachet first thing in the morning, by the way

Its not normal op no. Have you had any blood tests to rule other causes out?

Your young, presumably fit and generally healthy?

Ive been feeling unwell on and off since the heatwaves kicked in. I think it’s down to being overweight, being diabetic and the meds I’m taking. Doesn’t sound like those factors apply to you. I’m almost twice your age too.

If you feel you are looking after yourself properly then maybe make a GP appointment to investigate further?

I’m keeping hydrated and exercising early in the morning on the days I do something. And keeping out of the sun whenever possible.

Try taking a electolyte drink every day. It definitely helps me feel less lethargic

I just googled your pill and heatwave and I think it could be that. It also said it needs to be stored under 30degrees so be careful the effectiveness isn't an issue. No other pregnancy symptoms I would hope!

Might be worth a chat with your doctor?

Also do you ever check your BP? It can effect some people. I could never take the pill because it raised my BP.

TBH I dont think its normal to think you are going to feint at a drop of a hat

Heart racing as well

I think you have some severe anxiety over the conditions - understandable with the doom and gloom on the news about climate change, the dangers of the heat etc

First step for me would be GP - NHS or private drop in, and get a full blood screen, BP, oxygen flow etc

If they all come back as normal, maybe it can help calm you. Or maybe then there is something underlying , which you can get treatment for

These heat waves are new to you, there's an underlying fear going on - climate change - can all feed fear and anxiety , so go get yourself checked out to help with worrying about actual physical health.

You shouldn't feel so bad in high 20's.

However in the extreme heat last month I felt incredibly ill working at home but much better when out walking in the same heat the next day. I think maybe sitting down in the heat doesn't help and gentle walking, with water, is better.

Investing in a blood pressure monitor might be a good idea.

I’d get checked out. We have low blood pressure in my family so hydration is essential but dd1 (18) is terrible for forgetting to drink. I buy her lucozade full sugar hydration drinks (EMT in USA advised full sugar Gatorade and it made a difference). She doesn’t get affected until over 30 degrees though. 20-30 is normal summer heat imo.

I would get your iron levels checked

I also feel heavy headed and headachy if the temperature goes over 25 degrees - it takes ages to shift however I am on the coast and I do get relief with sea breezes - must be awful in London

No, it's not normal. Go and see your GP. Better to be safe than sorry. Keep a diary of symptoms.

This was the exact message I intended to write.
Low blood pressure can and does cause fainting. Heat could be a cause or exacerbate the issue if your normal blood pressure is on the lower side.
Stay hydrated, make sure you consume some salt in your diet, eat light but nutritious meals, reduce caffeine, no alcohol.

I had proper heat exhaustion a couple of weeks ago. I’m in France, our office was 31-32 degrees constantly. I worked in there for 2-3 hours each morning, then at home in 28-30 degrees for the rest of the day, then it stayed around 28 degrees overnight. By Friday morning I was properly ill - nauseous, dizzy, exhausted. I rested / slept all day, didn’t eat except for a couple pieces of bread, drank plenty water with some salt / sugar added. I felt better by the afternoon. Does that sound familiar? If so it could be heat exhaustion.