Must patients with heatstroke be prohibited from drinking water?

Generally, whether patients with heatstroke must be restricted from water intake needs to be determined based on individual circumstances. During the acute phase of the illness, if symptoms such as vomiting and impaired consciousness are present, water restriction is usually required. If the condition is stable and the patient is conscious, water restriction generally isn't necessary. Detailed analysis is as follows:

When a heatstroke patient is in the acute phase and experiences frequent vomiting, difficulty swallowing, or altered consciousness, forcibly giving oral fluids may cause coughing, aspiration, and subsequent complications such as lung infection, thereby worsening the condition. Oral hydration should be withheld at this time, and medical staff should administer intravenous fluids to replenish water and electrolytes.

If the patient's condition stabilizes after treatment, consciousness gradually returns, and there are no significant symptoms such as vomiting, with normal swallowing function, water restriction is typically unnecessary. Under a doctor's guidance, the patient can drink small amounts of electrolyte-containing fluids multiple times throughout the day to replace lost fluids and minerals, aiding in recovery.

To reduce the risk of developing heatstroke, protective measures should be taken in hot and humid environments, such as avoiding prolonged strenuous activity, ensuring proper ventilation, and regularly consuming lightly salted water. If symptoms of heatstroke occur, immediate medical attention at a hospital is essential.