Stomach ache and heat exhaustion: what to know

Heat exhaustion develops when the body loses fluid and salt through sweating and cannot cool itself effectively. The stomach may feel unsettled or crampy, and nausea can make drinking difficult. Other clues include Excessive Sweating, Headache, Dizziness, Excessive Thirst or Dark Urine. Heat Intolerance can make warm conditions harder to manage, but a clinician should assess repeated episodes or symptoms that occur in mild conditions.

Stop exertion and move to a cool, shaded or air-conditioned place. Loosen extra clothing, rest and cool the skin with damp cloths or a fan. Take frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink if you are awake and able to swallow. Avoid alcohol and further heat until recovered. Read more about Dehydration and Heat Exhaustion if symptoms are recurring.

Get urgent medical help if there is confusion, fainting, a seizure, trouble breathing, inability to drink, worsening weakness, very hot skin or symptoms that do not improve promptly with cooling and fluids. Severe or persistent abdominal pain also needs urgent assessment because it may have another cause.

Ask whether your fluid loss, medicines, medical conditions or working environment increased heat risk, and how to replace fluids safely. Mention how long you were exposed, how much you were sweating and whether urine became dark.