Is Nausea a Symptom of Heat Exhaustion? Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
While the hot sunny days in the summertime may bring some much-needed relief after a long winter season, high temperatures and sun exposure can be taxing on your body. Heat-related illnesses are a very common outcome of overexerting yourself in hot weather. Identifying symptoms of heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion is essential so that you can take measures to cool your body down before your symptoms become severe. Heat-related conditions like heat exhaustion can cause symptoms like nausea and vomiting, and heat exhaustion can quickly progress to a life-threatening situation if not promptly and properly addressed. Keep reading to learn more about the connection between nausea and heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion.
If you’re feeling nauseous after spending a day in the sun and are in need of rapid same-day care for a heat-related illness like heat exhaustion, Priority 1 Urgent Care is available to help. Our doctors are available 7 days a week, including on weekends. You can walk in when it’s convenient, or reserve your spot online on your way using the button below.
What is Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion can occur when your body temperature rises too high and can’t adequately cool itself down. This most commonly happens during very active outdoor activities in hot temperatures while not drinking enough water and doing things to limit heat and sun exposure. Our bodies require water to produce sweat to cool down. When we are dehydrated to the point that we cannot sweat enough to cool our bodies down, our bodies can become overheated. When left untreated, this can lead to heat exhaustion and even heat stroke. Both conditions can cause various and very serious medical complications, so it is important to take preventative steps to stay hydrated and cool during the hotter months of the year.
Understanding the Connection Between Nausea and Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion can cause many symptoms. It is important to pay attention to the signs and symptoms you’re experiencing to avoid heat exhaustion from occurring. Ignoring your symptoms can cause them to become more severe. Heat exhaustion symptoms are often similar to symptoms of dehydration, however they can be more severe and include the following:
Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
Blurred vision
Dry mouth or lips
Dark urine
Fatigue
Loss of consciousness
Feeling nauseous and dizzy are common symptoms of heat exhaustion. Vomiting (especially when accompanied by diarrhea) can both worsen dehydration and make it progress much faster, so it is important to take the necessary steps to avoid these severe symptoms.
Tips for Preventing Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is completely preventable if you’re mindful about properly fueling and hydrating your body before exerting yourself in hot temperatures. If you plan to be outdoors and working up a sweat, be sure to hydrate well beforehand and always bring plenty of water with you. Consider replenishing lost electrolytes with supplement drinks if you’re sweating excessively. If you notice mild symptoms of dehydration or think you may be developing symptoms of heat exhaustion, take a break to rest and rehydrate out of the sun. If air conditioning is not available, sitting in the shade and applying a cool towel or cold water to your face, neck, and arms can help cool your body down.
Visit Priority 1 Urgent Care for Convenient Same-Day Medical Care All Summer Long
Heat exhaustion can cause severe symptoms like nausea and vomiting; however, it is completely preventable. Always be sure to hydrate sufficiently before spending a day in the sun, and take regular breaks to help your body stay cool. If you’re feeling unwell on a hot summer day and are looking for rapid medical care, come on into Priority 1 Urgent Care. Our doctors are available to provide same-day care on a walk-in basis at our clinic in Guilderland, New York.
We offer same-day medical care for minor conditions on a walk-in basis with no appointment required. Our clinic accepts many medical insurance plans, and we welcome self-paying patients. To learn more about our clinic, or to get in touch with our team, give us a call at (518) 867-8040.