Heat Wave and ME

Extreme heat can be particularly challenging for many not adapted to the climate and especially for people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis because many already have problems with autonomic nervous system regulation, blood flow, temperature control, and energy production.

Heat causes discomfort for most, including dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, but it can significantly worsen symptoms and sometimes trigger prolonged crashes known as post-exertional malaise for those with this disease.

Autonomic Dysfunction

Many people with ME experience orthostatic intolerance, including conditions such as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. Heat causes blood vessels to dilate, which can worsen blood pooling in the legs and reduce blood flow to the brain.

Impaired Temperature Regulation

Difficulty regulating body temperature is a recognized feature of autonomic dysfunction in ME. This means it’s difficult to handle extreme weather when the body feels hot and cold seemingly at random and using up energy in changing clothing, or in some cases not having the energy to change so end up being stuck sweating in inappropriate clothing.

Limited Energy Reserves

The body’s efforts to cool itself (sweating, increased circulation, faster heart rate) require energy, which may contribute to symptom worsening in ME who often have to work within a strict and limited energy envelope.

External Stimuli

A common symptom of ME is difficulty coping with sound and light, in extreme heat it can be difficult to balance having windows open to get fresh air vs the noise of everyday life e.g aircraft or loud motorcycles.

Staying in the shade or keeping curtains closed can reduce light and keep rooms cool, but this risks a lack of vitamin D.

Symptoms

People with ME may experience worsening of symptoms such as, but not limited to:

• Increased fatigue or exhaustion
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Feeling faint or actual fainting
• Faster or pounding heartbeat
• Brain fog and concentration difficulties
• Headaches or migraines
• Muscle weakness
• Nausea
• Increased pain
• Worsening of orthostatic intolerance symptoms when standing or sitting upright or changing position.

Check in with people to make sure they are ok.