10 June 2023 , 09:00
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After a wet and gloomy Spring, the UK is finally enjoying some sun - with some of us lucky to enjoy temperatures as high as 25C and above.
So what better excuse than to have a drink?
And many of us do, with a recent survey showing more than half of Brits consume more alcohol when the weather is warm. While there is nothing wrong with enjoying a refreshing beverage - or two - experts at Private Rehab Clinic Delamere have warned of the dangers of drinking in the sun that a lot of people may not be aware of.
It’s important to drink responsibly by sticking to the recommended alcohol consumption levels of 14 units a week, as fun in the sun can certainly turn hazardous when alcohol is involved, here’s why:
Dehydration
One of the biggest risks of drinking outside during summer is dehydration. Alcohol removes fluids from your blood through the renal system, which includes the kidneys, ureters and bladder, much more quickly than other liquids - leading to dehydration.
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And this can become an even bigger problem in the sun. When the weather is hot outside, our body attempts to cool down through sweating, meaning we are losing more fluid.
If this fluid isn’t replaced, it can lead to dangerous levels of dehydration. Signs include dizziness, fatigue, feeling thirsty and having a dry mouth, lips and eyes.
If you start to display signs of dehydration, it's important to replenish the fluid levels in your body, by drinking water or sports drinks. If your symptoms do not improve, it's vital to seek medical treatment as it can develop into a serious problem.
Sunburn
Another common issue with mixing alcohol and hot weather is sunburn. Studies have shown that an individual's skin becomes more vulnerable and sensitive to the sun after consuming alcohol. The research shows that the amount of UV it took to burn the individual's skin was a lot less than without consuming alcohol.
Additionally, when someone overindulges in alcohol, their ability to make decisions reduces significantly. This means they are more likely to forget to reapply sunscreen, therefore increasing the chances of burning their skin and causing sun damage.
Heatstroke
Heatstroke is the most severe form of heat illness and is caused by the body overheating, typically as a result of being exposed to high temperatures.
It occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature, causing an increased heart rate, rapid breathing, nausea, high body temperature, headaches and altered mental behaviour.
Alcohol can increase the chances of heatstroke, this is because when the body starts to overheat, it cools itself down by sweating. Alcohol can reduce the amount of sweat we produce, thus making it harder for the body to cool down, this can then cause your body temperature to rise to extremely dangerous levels.
If you think someone is experiencing heatstroke, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately.
Five things to remember if someone has heatstroke
Make sure the sufferer is in a cool place, which is usually indoors. Failing that, some shade will suffice – anything that gets the affected person out of direct sunlight.
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Remove as much of their outer clothing as possible, then call for an ambulance. Try to keep them as cool as possible while waiting.
Cover the person in a cool, wet sheet and keep topping it up. If possible, take their temperature at regular intervals until it has fallen to 38C (100.4F).
Once their temperature has fallen to this level, discard the wet sheet and replace with a dry one.
The experience can be distressing for the patient, so it’s important to reassure them until help arrives.
Drowning
Whether it's a trip to the beach, your local lake or just taking a dip in your inflatable outdoor pool, when the weather is hot it's important to be extra cautious around water - especially when alcohol is involved.
Alcohol weakens the nerves that control involuntary actions, like breathing and the gag reflex. This makes swimming and being around water extremely dangerous, as it increases the risk of drowning if you start to struggle in the water.
Drinking alcohol also makes decision-making harder for individuals, increasing the risk of accidents in the water.