Managing the Heat When You Have Kidney Disease
Stay safe, stay cool, and protect your kidneys this summer.
Hot weather can be enjoyable, but for people living with kidney disease, it can also present additional health challenges. High temperatures increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and changes in blood pressure, all of which can put extra strain on the kidneys.
Your kidneys regulate the body's fluid balance. During hot weather, sweating increases water loss. Dehydration can reduce kidney function, increase the risk of acute kidney injury, affect blood pressure, increase the risk of kidney stones, and cause dizziness or weakness.
Top Tips for Staying Safe
Stay hydrated if your healthcare team has not restricted your fluids. If you are on a fluid restriction,
do not increase your intake without medical advice.
Stay in the shade during the hottest part of the day (11am–3pm).
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
Use fans or air conditioning where possible.
Exercise during the cooler parts of the day.
Eat cooling foods if appropriate for your kidney diet.
Continue taking prescribed medication and seek advice if you feel unwell.
Warning Signs
Seek medical advice if you experience extreme thirst, very dark urine, passing very little urine, dizziness, fainting, muscle cramps, persistent vomiting, confusion, severe weakness, or a high temperature that does not improve.
Dialysis Patients
Continue following your prescribed fluid allowance, attend all dialysis appointments, and contact
your dialysis unit if you become unwell.
Kidney Transplant Recipients
Stay hydrated unless advised otherwise and protect your skin from the sun, as anti-rejection medicines can increase the risk of skin cancer.
A Message from AACKA
Awareness saves lives. Understanding how hot weather affects kidney health can help prevent complications. Check in on family, friends, and neighbours living with kidney disease, and seek medical advice if something doesn't feel right.
Disclaimer: This article is for general awareness and educational purposes only. It is not a
substitute for professional medical advice. Always follow the advice of your kidney specialist, GP, or
healthcare team
