What should you know about sun stroke diarrhea?

Loose stools can remove water and salts, making it harder for the body to regulate temperature. Heat exposure, infection, food-related illness and medicines can all contribute to diarrhoea, so the symptom has several possible explanations. Sun stroke becomes the urgent concern when diarrhoea occurs with confusion, collapse, seizure, severe drowsiness or other signs of nervous-system disturbance after heat exposure.

Move the person to a cool place and rest them. If they are alert, able to swallow and not vomiting, offer frequent small sips of water or an oral rehydration drink. Continue cooling measures. Do not give drinks to a confused, faint or unconscious person. Avoid alcohol and strenuous activity, and note how often diarrhoea occurs and whether urine becomes unusually dark or scant.

Call emergency services for altered alertness, collapse, seizure, severe weakness, inability to drink or suspected sun stroke. Seek medical advice promptly if diarrhoea persists, vomiting prevents fluids, there is blood in the stool, or dehydration signs develop. A GP Consultation can help when the person is stable and needs assessment of ongoing diarrhoea or medicine effects.

Ask whether the diarrhoea could be infectious, medicine-related or linked to another illness, and which fluids are suitable for you. Tell the clinician about heat exposure, recent food, travel, medicines, vomiting, urine output and any confusion or fainting.