Heat Stroke and Vomiting: What to Know

Heat stroke overwhelms the body's ability to control temperature. The digestive system may slow or become irritated, leading to nausea or vomiting. Vomiting is a presentation of heat stroke, but vomiting alone does not identify its cause. Heat exhaustion can also cause nausea and should be treated seriously, especially if the person becomes confused or unusually sleepy.

Move the person to shade or an air-conditioned place. Remove extra clothing and cool the skin with wet cloths, cool water, or fanning. Stay with them and keep the airway clear if they vomit. Do not force drinks while they are drowsy, confused, or vomiting repeatedly. Arrange emergency medical care; clinicians may consider IV Fluid Therapy when drinking is unsafe or fluid loss is substantial.

Treat suspected heat stroke as an emergency if there is confusion, fainting, a seizure, severe weakness, very hot skin, trouble breathing, or repeated vomiting. Do not wait for the person to improve or for a temperature reading. Call local emergency services, describe the heat exposure and symptoms, and continue cooling while help is coming.

Ask what caused the vomiting, whether kidney or electrolyte checks are needed, and when normal fluids and activity can resume. Tell the clinician about medicines, recent illness, and how long the heat exposure lasted.