If you’ve ever spent time outdoors on a hot summer day and suddenly felt nauseous, you’re not alone. Nausea in hot weather is a common complaint, especially during heat waves or after physical activity in high temperatures. While it may seem surprising, your body’s response to heat stress can affect your digestive system and trigger nausea, dizziness, fatigue, or even vomiting. Understanding why this happens and what you can do about it can help you stay safe, hydrated, and comfortable when temperatures rise.
For same-day heat-related illness treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Highlands. Our center is conveniently located at 3800 Irving Street in Denver, CO. Just walk-in any day of the week or plan your visit in advance below!
What Causes Nausea in Hot Weather?
Hot weather places significant stress on the body, especially when it’s combined with humidity or physical exertion. As your body works to regulate internal temperature through sweating and increased blood flow, other symptoms (like digestion) may take a back seat.
Here are the most common reasons why hot weather can make you feel nauseous:
- Dehydration: When your body loses too much fluid through sweating and you don’t replace it, dehydration can set in. One of the first symptoms is often nausea, along with dry mouth, fatigue, and dizziness.
- Overheating or Heat Exhaustion: When your body struggles to cool itself down, it can lead to heat exhaustion– a condition marked by nausea, headache, weakness, rapid heartbeat, and heavy sweating. If not addressed, this can progress to heatstroke, a medical emergency.
- Electrolyte Imbalance: Along with fluids, your body loses important electrolytes like sodium and potassium when you sweat. These are essential for nerve and muscle function, and imbalances can trigger nausea and muscle cramps.
- Reduced Blood Flow To Stomach: When it’s hot out, your body diverts blood to the skin to help cool you down. This can reduce blood flow to the digestive system, leading to an upset stomach or nausea.
When To Be Concerned About Heat-Induced Nausea
While mild heat-related nausea often improves with rest and hydration, there are times when symptoms indicate a more serious issue. Seek urgent care if you experience:
- Persistent or worsening nausea
- Vomiting that prevents you from keeping fluids down
- Dizziness or fainting
- Confusion or disorientation
- A rapid pulse or headache
- Lack of sweating, dry skin, flushed appearance
These may be signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke, both of which require medical attention.
Get Walk-In Heat-Related Illness Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Denver Highlands
Feeling nauseous in hot weather is often your body’s way of signaling that it’s under stress. Dehydration, overheating, and electrolyte loss are all common causes, and taking quick action to cool down and rehydrate can usually help. But if your symptoms don’t improve, or if you’re feeling dizzy or faint, it’s time to seek care. AFC Urgent Care Denver Highlands is here to help you manage heat-related illness and get you feeling better fast, so you can safely enjoy the summer months. Just walk-in! We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about heat nausea treatment, or other services we provide, please contact us directly at (303) 477-6000.
