As the UK braces for cooler weather after days of extreme heat, a GP is warning that the health risks associated with heatwaves can persist long after temperatures drop. Dr Asiya Maula, a private GP at The Health Suite, cautions that many people fail to recognize ongoing dehydration, which can lead to serious issues such as kidney stones.
Dehydration Dangers After Heatwave
Dr Maula explained: “Heatwaves don’t always end when the temperature drops. Looking after your hydration in the days afterwards is just as important as staying cool during the hottest weather itself.” She noted that patients often develop symptoms several days later because they haven’t fully replaced lost fluids. Common symptoms include persistent headaches, fatigue, dizziness, constipation, and urinary issues.
“Even mild dehydration can affect how you feel for several days,” she added. “People often describe ongoing tiredness, poor concentration, headaches or feeling generally ‘run down’ without realising dehydration may still be contributing.”
Vulnerable Groups and Recovery
Older adults, young children, pregnant women, and those with long-term health conditions are especially vulnerable. However, even healthy adults can feel the impact. Proper recovery requires regular fluid intake in the days following a heatwave. Dr Maula recommends water as the best choice, but also suggests milk, soups, and water-rich foods like watermelon to increase intake.
If symptoms such as persistent dizziness, severe headaches, confusion, reduced urine output, or ongoing vomiting occur after rehydrating, she advises seeking medical attention. The NHS lists common dehydration symptoms: thirst, headache, lightheadedness, dark yellow urine, infrequent urination, dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, lips, and tongue, and sunken eyes.
