As the scorching sun beats down during heat waves, our bodies face a host of challenges, with dehydration and heat-related illnesses being common occurrences. But do you know that heatwave can also impact your stomach? To know the veracity of this, we spoke to Dr Ritesh Shah, MD Senior Consultant, Physician - Bhatia Hospital, Mumbai.
Can Heatwave Cause Stomach Issues?
According to Dr Shah, "Higher temperatures change the bacterial composition of the Gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It may also cause aggravation of some GI diseases, such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and relapse of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)." He added that heat waves can also increase the risk of infectious gastroenteritis.
How Heatwaves Affect Your Stomach?
According to the doctor, heatwaves cause altered blood flow to maintain body temperature and the GI system is impacted more in these cases. Thus, it may lead to GI flare-ups that may cause more stomach pain and diarrhoea than normal. "When heat waves do not directly cause stomach pain, they can cause diseases that affect the digestive system," he said.
During high temperatures, you may experience the following conditions:
Dehydration
Dr Shah stated, "Heat is often accompanied by high temperatures, resulting in increased body sweating and dehydration." He added that dehydration occurs when fluid intake is insufficient to compensate for this loss.
"Dehydration affects the digestive system by reducing saliva production and digestive function. This can cause symptoms, such as dry mouth, indigestion, and constipation," added the doctor.
Heatstroke
Heat increases the risk of heatstroke, a mild form of heat illness. "It occurs when the body overheats and does not cool down properly," explained. "It is a serious condition and happens when the body temperature rises to a dangerous level, affecting the functioning of many organs, including stomach diseases," said the doctor.
He added that heatstroke can cause symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and stomach bleeding. These symptoms can directly affect the digestive system and cause digestive discomfort.
What Can One Do To Prevent These Issues?
According to Dr Shah, you can follow these measures:
- Do routine physical activity but avoid it during late mornings
- Maintain adequate hydration
- Add probiotics, like curd, to the diet
- Avoid eating outside food
When To Visit The Doctor
"If you have stomach problems during heat, it's important to monitor your symptoms and seek treatment if needed," said Dr Shah.
"If your stomach problem persists or worsens after home remedies and precautions, it is recommended to consult a doctor. They can assess your condition, identify the cause, and provide appropriate treatment," he added.
Here is when you should consider visiting your doctor.
"Get medical attention if you have severe stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhoea. These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition that needs to be evaluated and treated," stated Dr Shah.
"It is important to seek medical attention if you are dehydrated and have symptoms, such as extreme thirst, dry mouth, dizziness, loss of vision, or dark urine," advised Dr Shah. He added that severe dehydration can be life-threatening, and intravenous fluids may be needed to treat it.
"If you think you or someone you know had heatstroke or its symptoms, like rapid heart rate, vomiting, or nausea, then you need to immediately seek medical attention," said Dr Shah.
[Disclaimer: The article is for informational purposes only. If you suffer from heat-related illness, visit your healthcare provider for a thorough diagnosis and treatment as per your body's requirements.]