Spending time outside on a hot day can be fun, until your body starts to feel the effects of extreme heat. You may expect symptoms like dizziness, sweating, or fatigue, but when stomach pain kicks in, it can be confusing. Many people wonder– can heat exhaustion cause stomach pain? In this blog, we’ll explore the connection between heat exhaustion and digestive issues so you can better recognize when it’s time to cool down or seek medical attention.
For same-day heat-related illness treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Elizabeth. Our urgent care center is open 7 days a week and appointments are never required. If you’d like to plan your visit in advance, just check-in below!
What Is Heat Exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion occurs when your body becomes overheated and struggles to regulate its internal temperature. This usually results from prolonged exposure to high temperatures, especially when combined with physical exertion and inadequate hydration.
Common symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Heavy sweating
- Weakness or fatigue
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Cool, clammy skin
- Headache
- Muscle cramps
- Stomach pain or cramping
If untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, a medical emergency that needs to be treated promptly in the ER.
Why Does Heat Exhaustion Cause Stomach Pain?
There are several ways heat exhaustion can affect your digestive system, including:
- Dehydration: Losing fluids through sweat without replacing them can reduce blood flow to your organs, including the stomach. This can lead to cramping, nausea, or general abdominal discomfort.
- Electrolyte Imbalance: When your body loses salt, potassium, and other electrolytes through sweating, the muscles in your stomach and intestines may begin to contract abnormally, causing cramps or spasms.
- Gastrointestinal Distress: Heat affects your gut. Some people experience slowed digestion, bloating, or even diarrhea when overheated, particularly during strenuous activity or when drinking not enough fluids.
- Nausea and Vomiting: A common part of heat exhaustion, nausea may be accompanied by pain in the upper abdomen. If vomiting occurs, it can further increase dehydration and worsen symptoms.
When To Seek Urgent Care For Heat Exhaustion
Some cases of heat exhaustion improve with rest and hydration, but you should visit an urgent care center if:
- Stomach pain is persistent or severe
- You’re vomiting and unable to keep fluids down
- You stop sweating despite feeling hot
- Symptoms last more than an hour even after cooling down
An urgent care provider can assess your hydration levels, check your vital signs, and offer treatments for quick relief.
Get Walk-In Heat-Related Illness Treatment at AFC Urgent Care Elizabeth
While it may not be the first symptom that comes to mind, stomach pain is a real and valid sign of heat exhaustion. It is your body’s way of signaling distress and warning you to cool down and rehydrate. If abdominal discomfort is accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, dizziness, or confusion, it’s time to take action. Come visit us at AFC Urgent Care Elizabeth so we can help you recover safely and comfortably. Our urgent care center provides immediate care to all patients in the Elizabeth, NJ area with no appointment required. We accept most health insurances and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about heat exhaustion treatment, or other services we provide, please contact us directly at (908) 677-5900.
