Media Coverage: GP Warns Heatwave ‘Danger’ Can Continue Even After Temperatures Drop

As the UK begins to move past a recent spell of extreme heat, a private GP has warned that the health risks linked to heatwaves do not necessarily end when temperatures fall.

Dr Asiya Maula, GP at The Health Suite, said many people underestimate the lingering effects of dehydration, which can continue for several days after hot weather has passed.

“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 said.

She explained that patients often assume they are safe once the heat subsides, but delayed symptoms linked to fluid loss are commonly seen in clinical practice.

“People often associate dehydration with collapsing in extreme heat, but what we frequently see is the aftermath. Patients can develop symptoms several days later because they haven’t fully replaced the fluids they lost during a heatwave,” Dr Maula added.

According to Dr Maula, this “post-heatwave effect” can present in a range of ways, including persistent headaches, fatigue, dizziness, constipation and urinary symptoms.

“Even mild dehydration can affect how you feel for several days. People often describe ongoing tiredness, poor concentration, headaches or feeling generally ‘run down’ without realising dehydration may still be contributing,” she said.

She also highlighted that insufficient fluid intake after prolonged heat exposure can increase the risk of complications such as urinary tract infections and kidney stones.

“Not drinking enough can also make constipation worse and increase the risk of urinary tract infections or, in some people, kidney stones, particularly if fluid losses haven’t been adequately replaced,” Dr Maula warned.

Older adults, young children, pregnant women and people with long-term health conditions were noted as being particularly vulnerable, although she stressed that healthy adults are also at risk.

Dr Maula advised that recovery from a heatwave should be gradual, with consistent hydration rather than sudden overcompensation once temperatures drop, reinforcing the importance of ongoing care even after extreme weather events subside.

Read the complete article: “GP warning as heatwave ‘danger’ can continue after temperature drops” in the Daily Mail.