A GP is warning Brits to be aware of bladder and kidney issues this summer, as hot weather, dehydration, and travel can increase discomfort and raise the risk of infections.
During warmer months, people generally sweat more and drink less than they need, especially when travelling, drinking alcohol, or spending time outdoors. This can make urine more concentrated and, in turn, irritate the bladder and increase the risk of UTIs or kidney stones.
To spread awareness and help people stay safe in the heat, Dr Rupa Parmar, GP and Medical Director of Midland Health, is explaining the warning signs people shouldn’t ignore and practical steps to help avoid any health issues caused by dehydration this summer.
Dr Rupa Parmar said, “The signs of dehydration are something we should all be aware of in the hotter months, especially due to the health issues it can cause and to minimise your risk of heat exhaustion.
“Heat exhaustion occurs when your body overheats. Symptoms can include dizziness, headaches, tiredness, heavy sweating, muscle cramps, nausea, a high temperature and feeling very thirsty.
“If someone is showing signs of heat exhaustion, they should move somewhere cool, remove unnecessary clothing, drink fluids and cool the skin with water or a fan. If symptoms do not improve after around 30 minutes, or if someone becomes confused, loses consciousness, has a seizure or develops hot skin without sweating, this could be heatstroke and should be treated as an emergency.
“One of the easiest ways to spot dehydration is to look at your urine. If it is dark yellow, strong-smelling, or you are peeing less than usual, it may be a sign that you need more fluids.
“Other warning signs include feeling thirsty, dizzy, lightheaded or unusually tired, as well as headaches, dry lips, a dry mouth or sunken eyes. In hot weather, you should be drinking enough so that your urine is a pale colour.”
Dr Parmar has shared the summer habits that could be making bladder and intimate health problems worse. Women, especially, may be particularly affected by summer-related discomfort, as over 50% of women will experience a UTI in their lifetime, compared to just 12% of men.
1. Not drinking enough before you feel thirsty
“In hot weather, don’t wait until you feel unwell to drink. Keep water with you, especially when travelling, commuting, exercising or spending time outdoors.”
2. Drinking alcohol in the sun without extra water
“More social activities mean that many of us will drink more alcohol. However, alcohol is a diuretic, which means it increases urine production. This means that your water intake needs to be much higher when drinking in the heat. So, I’d recommend having water between drinks to help you stay hydrated. Plus, this can help to alleviate hangover symptoms the next day.”
3. Holding in your wee while travelling or at events
“Long journeys, festivals, days out and beach trips can make people delay going to the toilet, but holding urine for long periods can irritate the bladder.”
4. Staying in wet swimwear or sweaty gym clothes
“Warm, damp clothing can trap heat and moisture around the vulva. That’s why it’s wise to change into dry clothes as soon as possible after swimming or exercising.”
5. Wearing tight or synthetic underwear in the heat
“Tight jeans, leggings or synthetic fabrics can trap sweat and increase discomfort. Cotton underwear and loose, breathable clothes can help keep intimate areas cool and dry.”
6. Using scented soaps, sprays or douches
“It’s important to remember that the vagina is self-cleaning, and perfumed products can irritate the vulva and disrupt the natural balance of bacteria. You should avoid using scented products around the genitals and wash the outside area gently with water instead.”
7. Ignoring symptoms after menopause
“Women who are perimenopausal or post-menopausal may be more prone to recurrent urinary symptoms, so repeat cystitis symptoms, burning, urgency or vaginal dryness should not be dismissed as ‘just ageing’.”
8. Missing the red flags
“You should seek medical attention if you have pain or burning when peeing, blood in your urine, lower tummy pain, back or side pain, fever, chills, vomiting, confusion, or symptoms that do not improve.”
