Sunstroke Symptoms and Vomiting: What to Know

Sunstroke, also called heat stroke, happens when the body cannot control its temperature after heat exposure. The brain and other organs can be affected. Vomiting may occur alongside a very hot body, confusion, unusual behaviour, fainting, a severe headache, dizziness, weakness, or a seizure. Some people sweat heavily, while others have hot skin with little sweating. Vomiting can also make dehydration worse and can prevent the person from replacing lost fluid safely.

Heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, but a person with confusion, reduced alertness, collapse, or repeated vomiting should not be managed as though this were simple tiredness from the heat. A fever-like temperature after heat exposure can be part of the emergency picture; it does not by itself identify the cause.

Call your local emergency service for urgent advice or assistance. Move the person into shade or an air-conditioned area, remove unnecessary outer clothing, and cool the skin with cool wet cloths, fanning, or a cool shower if this can be done safely. Stay with them and keep checking their breathing and level of alertness.

Do not leave a confused, drowsy, faint, or vomiting person alone. Do not force drinks, because they may choke or inhale fluid. If the person is fully awake and able to swallow normally, a clinician or emergency dispatcher can advise whether small sips are appropriate. Do not give alcohol or use medicines to try to bring down the temperature while waiting for help.

Treat suspected sunstroke as an emergency if vomiting follows heat exposure, especially when it occurs with confusion, fainting, a seizure, severe weakness, trouble walking, a severe headache, unusual sleepiness, or difficulty breathing. Emergency assessment is also needed if the person cannot keep fluids down or does not improve promptly after cooling. Do not wait for sweating to stop or for a temperature reading before seeking help.

If the person becomes unresponsive but is breathing, place them in the recovery position if there is no suspected injury and keep the airway clear. If they are not breathing normally, follow emergency-dispatch instructions and begin resuscitation if trained.

Ask which symptoms should prompt emergency care if vomiting continues, whether any regular medicines increase heat illness risk, and when it is safe to return to exercise, outdoor work, or travel in hot weather. Tell the clinician how long the heat exposure lasted, what cooling was tried, whether the person fainted or became confused, and whether they have been able to urinate and drink.