Heat Stroke and Throwing Up: What to Do

Heat illness can disturb the stomach, circulation, and nervous system. Vomiting may cause fluid loss and make oral rehydration unsafe, while nausea can occur alongside headache, cramps, weakness, or confusion. Heat exhaustion can include vomiting, but confusion, collapse, or worsening symptoms raise concern for heat stroke. A person who vomits after heat exposure should be watched closely rather than left alone.

Call emergency services if heat stroke is suspected. Move the person into a cool place, loosen or remove excess clothing, and cool the skin with wet cloths, cool water, and airflow. Turn a vomiting or drowsy person onto their side to help keep the airway clear. Do not offer food, drinks, or tablets while they are confused, very sleepy, actively vomiting, or unable to swallow normally.

Emergency assessment is needed for repeated vomiting, fainting, confusion, seizure, severe headache, hot skin, rapid breathing, or an inability to keep fluids down. Do not wait to see whether vomiting settles. Clinicians may consider monitored fluids, including IV Fluid Therapy, when drinking is unsafe or losses are significant.

Ask whether dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, infection, or another illness contributed, when drinking can restart, and which symptoms require a return to emergency care.