What should you know about diarrhea after heat stroke?

Heat stroke is a medical emergency involving dangerous overheating and possible effects on the brain, circulation, kidneys and other organs. Diarrhea may happen during severe heat illness or alongside another gut problem. It also removes water and electrolytes, which can make weakness, dizziness and confusion worse. A person who has fainted, is confused, has a seizure, or cannot drink needs emergency help rather than home monitoring.

Move the person to a cool place, remove extra clothing and cool the skin with damp cloths or cool airflow while arranging emergency care. Do not give drinks to someone who is confused, drowsy or vomiting repeatedly. If they are fully alert and can swallow, small frequent sips of an oral rehydration drink may help while help is on the way. Do not use anti-diarrhea medicine to delay assessment.

Seek emergency care immediately for confusion, collapse, seizure, severe weakness, very hot skin, trouble breathing, fainting, or inability to keep fluids down. Urgent review is also needed for blood in the stool, worsening abdominal pain, very little urine, or persistent diarrhea after the heat illness. A clinician may check temperature, hydration, electrolytes and organ function; IV Fluid Therapy may be needed when drinking is unsafe or inadequate.

Ask what caused the heat illness, whether your electrolytes and kidney function need testing, which fluids are suitable, and when it is safe to return to work or exercise in heat.