Why can heatstroke cause vomiting?

Heatstroke, also known as sunstroke, occurs following prolonged exposure to the sun and high temperatures. The mechanism by which the body regulates its own temperature then fails, preventing the body from cooling properly. This can lead to a rapid rise in body temperature, which can exceed 40°C. Heatstroke can have serious consequences, as it places a heavy strain on many bodily functions.

Find out more: How long does heatstroke last?

Among the common symptoms of heatstroke is vomiting. What causes this nausea and vomiting? Here’s an explanation: 

A malfunction of the central nervous system: When the body overheats, particularly in cases of severe heatstroke, the central nervous system (the brain) can be affected. This disrupts the ‘control centres’ responsible for various processes such as digestion. This disruption can lead to nausea and vomiting as the gastrointestinal tract becomes dysregulated.

Electrolyte imbalances and dehydration: Heatstroke often leads to excessive sweating, resulting in a significant loss of water and essential electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances can irritate the stomach lining and cause feelings of nausea, which may progress to vomiting.

The body’s response to stress: When the body is struggling to cope with excessive heat, it may trigger a generalised stress response. This response manifests as increased activity of the autonomic nervous system, leading to a rise in the production of adrenaline and other ‘emergency’ hormones. These changes have a negative impact on gastrointestinal function, which increases the risk of nausea and vomiting.

See also: how can we explain the link between heatstroke and diarrhoea ?

If you’re suffering from sunstroke and vomiting, here are some natural remedies that might bring you relief, whilst still allowing you to take medication if necessary: 

Ginger:

Ginger is known for its natural anti-nausea properties. You can drink ginger tea or eat ginger sweets to help relieve nausea.

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Coconut water:

Coconut water is rich in natural electrolytes and can help rehydrate the body whilst providing a slightly sweet flavour that may be more pleasant to drink than plain water.

Discover our coconut milk powder

Fennel:

fennel seeds have carminative properties that help relieve bloating and nausea. Steep fennel seeds in hot water to make a soothing herbal tea. We recommend drinking it lukewarm – neither scalding hot nor ice-cold.

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Lavender:

Very gentle, lavender soothes, calms and refreshes. We recommend using it on the skin as a spray or in compresses.

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If natural remedies and medication aren’t working, here are a few steps you can take to reduce vomiting and bring your body temperature down: 

1. Rehydration: Dehydration is often a trigger for nausea and vomiting. It is essential to drink small amounts of fluid regularly to restore hydration, ideally 1.5 litres of water a day or more. Oral rehydration solutions such as electrolyte drinks or lightly sweetened drinks can be very effective.

2. Light, easily digestible food: Avoid heavy, fatty foods that could aggravate gastrointestinal symptoms. Instead, opt for light, easily digestible foods such as cooked rice, bananas or clear broths. Also avoid ice cream and iced drinks, which could cause thermal shock.

3. Rest: Give your body time to recover by avoiding any physical activity. Rest in a cool, comfortable place, away from direct sunlight.

4. Apply cool compresses or a damp cloth: Apply cool, damp compresses to your forehead, neck or all over your body to help cool you down and relieve symptoms. Opt for damp cloths or compresses rather than ice, as ice could cause thermal shock due to the high body temperature.

Discover our traditional home remedies for heatstroke.

Avoid eating or drinking anything too cold when you have heatstroke. Drinking ice-cold liquids will require the body to use more energy to warm them up, which may actually raise your body temperature even further. To bring your body temperature down, opt for lukewarm or room-temperature food and drinks. You might also want to have some slightly warm soup rather than drinking lots of ice-cold water.

Laura is a health, beauty and lifestyle writer. Passionate about travel and gastronomy, she shares all her nutritional advice on how to combine pleasure with well-being. Through her articles, she is committed to providing you with meaningful information and practical advice to nourish your body and mind.