Can you drink alcohol when suffering from heatstroke?

Jul 16, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, individuals suffering from heatstroke should not consume alcohol, as it increases the body's burden and is detrimental to recovery. To promote recovery after heatstroke, it is recommended to replenish fluids and energy with cool boiled water, light salt water, or electrolyte beverages. Additionally, individuals should promptly leave the high-temperature environment and take measures to lower body temperature. During hot weather, it is important to reduce alcohol consumption and prepare adequately for heatstroke prevention.

Generally speaking, people suffering from heatstroke should not consume alcohol, as drinking will increase the body's burden and be detrimental to recovery after heatstroke. The specific analysis is as follows:

If the heatstroke is mild, presenting only symptoms such as dizziness, thirst, and fatigue, drinking alcohol can cause blood vessel dilation, accelerate water loss in the body, worsen dehydration, and alcohol can also irritate the gastrointestinal tract, affecting digestive function, further weakening the already uncomfortable body condition, which is not conducive to symptom relief.

When a patient experiences severe heatstroke, such as elevated body temperature, nausea and vomiting, confusion, and other symptoms, drinking alcohol can further disrupt the body's temperature regulation and metabolic functions, increase organ burden, and may even lead to worsening of the condition, hindering the recovery process. In such cases, it is especially important to avoid contact with any type of alcohol.

To promote recovery after heatstroke, it is recommended to replenish fluids and energy with cooled boiled water, light salt water, or electrolyte beverages, and to promptly leave the high-temperature environment and take cooling measures. During hot weather, reducing alcohol consumption and preparing for heatstroke prevention can lower the probability of heatstroke occurrence and reduce additional burdens on the body.

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