Feeling nauseous or experiencing vomiting after spending time in extreme heat might be more than just discomfort. It could be a sign of heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body overheats due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures, often accompanied by dehydration and excessive sweating. Among its common symptoms are dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and, in some cases, vomiting. These signs indicate that the body is struggling to regulate its internal temperature.

For same-day heat-related illness treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Clark. Our medical team is available to diagnose and treat your symptoms 7 days a week. Just stop by today, no appointment necessary!

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How Heat Exhaustion Causes Nausea and Vomiting

Heat exhaustion disrupts the body's ability to regulate temperature, which in turn affects several internal systems, including the digestive system. Here's how this condition can lead to nausea and vomiting:

• Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalance: Prolonged sweating during heat exposure causes a significant loss of fluids and electrolytes like sodium and potassium. This imbalance can disturb normal digestive function, often triggering nausea or an upset stomach.
• Reduced Blood Flow to the Digestive Tract: When the body overheats, blood is redirected away from internal organs and toward the skin to help cool down. This shift in circulation can reduce blood flow to the stomach and intestines, impairing digestion and causing nausea or vomiting.
• Central Nervous System Distress: High body temperatures can affect the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates both temperature and nausea response. As the brain struggles to manage rising temperatures, it may trigger sensations of dizziness, confusion, and nausea as warning signals.

Symptoms of Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are often warning signs of an underlying issue, such as heat exhaustion, and may present with additional symptoms that indicate your body is under stress. Common signs include:

• A persistent feeling of discomfort in the stomach, often described as a rolling or churning sensation, usually occurs before vomiting.
• People experiencing nausea often lose interest in food or feel unable to eat without triggering the urge to vomit.
• Nausea is frequently accompanied by cold sweats, dizziness, or a feeling of being faint, which can worsen with movement or standing up.
• Some individuals may notice an increase in saliva production just before vomiting as the body prepares to expel stomach contents.
• Mild to moderate stomach cramps may occur alongside nausea and can intensify during vomiting episodes.

Nausea and vomiting caused by heat exhaustion should never be overlooked. Some symptoms may indicate that your body is overheating beyond safe levels and could be progressing toward heatstroke, which is a life-threatening condition.

Get Walk-In Heat-Related Illness Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Clark

If you or someone you know experiences persistent nausea and vomiting after heat exposure, it's essential to seek prompt medical attention. Visiting urgent care can help ensure proper hydration, restore electrolyte balance, and prevent serious complications from developing. At AFC Urgent Care Clark, our dedicated team of healthcare professionals is here to provide prompt, professional care. We’ll work to diagnose the cause of your nausea and help you find effective relief so you can go back to enjoying your summer. Our center is open 7 days a week and operates on a walk-in basis.

We accept most major health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about the services we provide, please call us directly at (732) 301-5114.