What problems can occur if a patient with heatstroke drinks water?
Aug 01, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
In general, drinking water may cause increased cardiac burden, electrolyte imbalance, higher risk of vomiting, reduced heat dissipation efficiency, and potential cerebral edema in patients with heatstroke. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment at a qualified hospital. During first aid and treatment for heatstroke, rehydration should follow the principle of small, frequent doses and gradual progression.
Generally, drinking water may cause heatstroke patients to experience increased cardiac burden, electrolyte imbalance, higher risk of vomiting, reduced heat dissipation efficiency, and possible cerebral edema. If symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely treatment at a qualified hospital. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Increased Cardiac Burden
Heatstroke patients are in a state of severe stress, and their cardiac function has already been affected. Rapid and excessive water intake at this time can cause a sudden significant increase in blood volume, forcing the heart to endure greater pumping pressure and increasing the cardiac load.
2. Electrolyte Imbalance
Heatstroke causes patients to sweat heavily, and sweat contains various electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride. If only large amounts of plain water are consumed without timely replacement of the lost electrolytes, the concentration of electrolytes in the bloodstream may become diluted, leading to electrolyte disturbances.
3. Increased Risk of Vomiting
Heatstroke patients often suffer from gastrointestinal dysfunction, including slowed intestinal motility and reduced digestive capacity. Consuming large amounts of water at this stage can cause excessive stomach distension and stimulate the gastrointestinal tract, easily inducing vomiting.
4. Reduced Heat Dissipation Efficiency
The core issue in heatstroke is impaired body heat dissipation, leading to elevated body temperature. After consuming large amounts of water, the kidneys must work harder to excrete the excess water, increasing urine output.
5. Cerebral Edema
During heatstroke, high temperatures can damage brain tissue, increasing the permeability of cerebral blood vessels. Excessive water intake at this time may allow water to pass through the damaged blood vessels into brain tissue, causing cerebral edema.
In the emergency care and treatment of heatstroke, hydration should follow the principle of small amounts taken frequently and progressing gradually, while attention should also be given to electrolyte replacement. At the same time, the patient's vital signs and condition should be closely monitored, and if any symptoms occur, appropriate treatment measures should be taken promptly to ensure the patient's safety.
