Can you drink normal saline when suffering from heatstroke?
Jul 16, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
In general, it is acceptable to drink normal saline (physiological saline) for heatstroke. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment at a正规 hospital. Detailed explanation is as follows: although normal saline can alleviate symptoms of heatstroke to some extent, it cannot fully replace professional medical care. When suffering from heatstroke, patients are advised to seek medical attention promptly and use normal saline or other treatment measures under the guidance of a physician.
Generally speaking, heatstroke patients can drink normal saline. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely treatment at a qualified hospital. Detailed explanation is as follows:
Heatstroke is often accompanied by excessive sweating, which causes the body to lose not only water but also important electrolytes such as sodium and chloride. Normal saline has a composition close to that of human body fluids and can promptly replenish lost water and electrolytes, helping maintain the body's water and salt balance. For patients with mild heatstroke, drinking normal saline can relieve discomfort such as thirst and fatigue and aid in restoring normal physiological functions. Even for severe heatstroke patients, appropriately drinking normal saline before seeking medical care or during treatment can help replenish basic water and electrolytes, buying time for subsequent medical interventions. It should be consumed in small amounts multiple times to avoid increasing the burden on the gastrointestinal tract by consuming large quantities at once.
Although normal saline can alleviate symptoms of heatstroke to some extent, it cannot completely replace professional medical treatment. Patients are advised to seek timely medical attention and use normal saline or other treatment measures under a doctor's guidance.
