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Britain's climate is changing dramatically, and with
these changes in temperature and weather, come changes
in our health. In a typical year, by the end of August
we are preparing for the autumn, but this year, we are
still experiencing record temperatures which bring with
them a whole host of ailments.
Hospitals have reported increases in admissions for
respiratory disorders linked to smog created by the
combination of atmospheric pollution and the heat. But
there are other more common ailments that are linked
to the rising temperature. The Consumer Health Information
Centre (CHIC) - an advice service set up to help consumers
understand more about their health - conducted a survey
across the UK looking at the incidence of 'summer ailments'
and how much people will suffer before seeking help.
The findings showed that in the last few months:
- 36% of people have suffered from indigestion, with
44% of people saying that they would suffer to the
extreme before seeking help
- One in three people have suffered an insect bite.
Bites and stings can cause misery in the summer months
but yet 25% of people would suffer to the extreme
before seeking advice or treatment
- 34% of Britons have suffered a 'summer cold'
- 25% of those questioned have suffered heat exhaustion
and dehydration this summer
- Women are far more tolerant of symptoms of hayfever
and allergies than men, with double the number of
women than men saying that they would suffer to the
extreme before treating the condition.
So, why are we leaving it so late to seek help and
treatment for these minor ills? Some would blame the
fact that we will wait to seek advice from the Doctor.
However, research from CHIC shows that a staggering
33% of people do not get an appointment with their doctor
until five to 14 days after calling to book, and even
then, only 9% of women (compared to 40% of men) believe
the doctor knows best!
When we do seek treatment for these ailments, 72% of
us choose to self-treat, visiting our local pharmacist
for advice on the range of OTC medicines that are available
to help. Here are some handy hints from CHIC to guide
you through your treatment options.
It's a Jungle out there - Insect bites
The high temperatures we are still experiencing mean
that the insects traditionally associated with summer
- such as bees, wasps and midges - are still bothering
us as we draw near to September. However, there are
a wide range of creams, lotions and sprays that will
ease the bite or sting and help clear up the redness.
Common ingredients in these medicines include hydrocortisone
to clear up the redness and lidocaine or benzocaine
to soothe the pain. There are a range of antihistamine
creams and local anaesthetics that can provide relief.
The pharmacist will give advice on what will be most
suited to each individual.
Rumble in the jungle - Upset stomach
One of the effects of prolonged exposure to high temperatures
is an upset stomach.
Tummy troubles are also brought on by the change in
the type of food we consume during the hot weather:
an increase in protein-rich meats such as burgers and
sausages can upset our digestive systems.
When it comes to treating an upset stomach, there are
a number of indigestion remedies that work in different
ways. Some contain ingredients that work by neutralising
the acid (antacids), others stop the stomach from producing
too much acid (acid reducers), stop acid rising up from
the stomach (alginates), release trapped wind in the
stomach (antiflatulents) or help the stomach get back
its normal movement (motility restorers). Some remedies
contain a mixture of these ingredients. Ask your pharmacist
to get the remedy that is most suitable for you.
Feeling hot, hot, hot - Heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion can develop after several days of exposure
to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement
of fluids. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly
people, people with high blood pressure, and people
working or exercising in a hot environment. Warning
signs of heat exhaustion include: heavy sweating, paleness,
dizziness, nausea or vomiting and muscle cramps. Heat
exhaustion is closely linked to dehydration; therefore
we need to drink more than the usual 8 glasses of water
each day to help our bodies replace the fluid lost through
sweating. But remember, alcohol dehydrates you, so make
sure you drink a glass of water for every alcoholic
drink taken. However, if you are suffering from a headache
either induced by heat or by alcohol, there are a number
of remedies at hand to help. Treat your headache with
a pain relief product such as ibuprofen, paracetamol
or aspirin and drink plenty fluids to ensure you re-hydrate
yourself.
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