Loose motion due to heat stroke

Heat stroke occurs when the body cannot control its temperature after heat exposure or strenuous activity. Loose motion may add to fluid and salt loss, but it is not specific to heat stroke. Warning features include very hot skin, severe weakness, headache, dizziness, vomiting, a fast heartbeat, confusion, unusual behaviour, seizure, or collapse. Heat exhaustion is a milder heat illness, but it can worsen, especially when a person remains in a hot environment or cannot drink.

Call emergency services for suspected heat stroke. While help is coming, move the person into shade or an air-conditioned place, remove excess clothing, and cool the skin with water, wet cloths, or fans. Stay with them and place them on their side if they are vomiting or drowsy. Do not force fluids into someone who is confused, having a seizure, or unable to swallow. Hospital treatment may include [IV Fluid Therapy](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/iv-fluid-therapy/) and careful monitoring.

Urgent help is needed for confusion, fainting, seizure, severe weakness, very hot skin, breathing difficulty, repeated vomiting, or inability to drink after heat exposure. Even without these signs, arrange prompt advice if diarrhoea continues, urine becomes very dark or infrequent, or dizziness does not improve after cooling and rest. [Fever](/symptoms/fever/) or [Vomiting](/symptoms/vomiting/) may accompany many illnesses, so heat exposure and mental changes should guide the urgency.

Ask whether the episode fits heat exhaustion or possible heat stroke, how to replace fluids safely, when you can return to activity, and how to prevent another heat illness in your work or travel setting.