Should you drink more water when suffering from heatstroke?

Jul 01, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

Last week, I went hiking with my colleagues, but it was too hot that day. After returning home, I felt unwell from heatstroke and drank a lot of water. I'm wondering if someone with heatstroke should drink a lot of water?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
When suffering from heatstroke, it is important to drink more water. Heatstroke occurs when the body loses excessive amounts of water and electrolytes in a high-temperature environment, leading to an imbalance in body temperature regulation. Drinking more water helps replenish lost fluids, lower body temperature, and alleviate symptoms of heatstroke. However, it should be noted that water intake should be moderate; drinking large amounts of water at once should be avoided to prevent additional strain on the heart and kidneys. It is also advisable to drink an appropriate amount of lightly salted water or electrolyte-containing beverages to replace lost electrolytes. Along with drinking water, other cooling measures should be taken, such as moving to a cool and well-ventilated place, applying cold compresses with a wet towel, to accelerate the relief of heatstroke symptoms. Drinking adequate amounts of water is very important during heatstroke, but attention must also be paid to moderation and electrolyte replacement.