What are the drinking禁忌for heatstroke?
Aug 01, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Heatstroke patients have several strict contraindications regarding water intake, including prohibition of drinking large amounts of ice water, prohibition of excessive water intake at one time, prohibition of consuming alcoholic beverages, prohibition of drinking high-sugar beverages, and prohibition of consuming caffeinated drinks. When rehydrating, heatstroke patients should choose lukewarm water or light salt water, and drink small amounts frequently to slowly replenish fluids and electrolytes.
Generally, there are several strict contraindications patients with heatstroke should follow when drinking water, including avoiding drinking large amounts of iced water, avoiding excessive water intake at one time, avoiding alcoholic beverages, avoiding high-sugar drinks, and avoiding caffeinated beverages. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Avoid drinking large amounts of iced water: Patients with heatstroke have elevated body temperatures. Drinking large amounts of ice water at this time can stimulate the gastrointestinal blood vessels to constrict, affecting gastrointestinal blood circulation and digestion, and may even cause a sudden drop in body temperature, increasing the body's burden and being detrimental to the recovery of bodily functions.
2. Avoid excessive water intake at once: Patients with heatstroke often experience severe dehydration. However, excessive water intake at once can suddenly increase blood volume, burdening the heart and kidneys, and may even cause water intoxication, resulting in discomfort symptoms such as dizziness and vomiting.
3. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages: Alcohol accelerates water loss from the body, worsening dehydration symptoms. It also affects the body's temperature regulation function, interfering with the recovery process of heatstroke and causing additional adverse stimulation to the body.
4. Avoid high-sugar drinks: High-sugar beverages increase blood osmotic pressure. Rather than effectively replenishing water, they may cause water from inside the cells to seep into the bloodstream, worsening dehydration. Additionally, high sugar content might affect appetite, which is unfavorable for subsequent nutritional supplementation.
5. Avoid caffeinated beverages: Caffeine has a diuretic effect, causing the body to expel more water, worsening dehydration in patients with heatstroke. It may also stimulate the nervous system, affecting the body's rest and recovery.
When rehydrating, patients with heatstroke should choose lukewarm water or light salt water, drinking small amounts frequently to gradually replenish fluids and electrolytes. At the same time, timely cooling measures should be taken alongside professional treatment and care to help the body gradually return to a normal state.
