Showering after a strenuous workout is non-negotiable. But do you take a hot or cold shower? Well, the temperature of the water you bathe in really matters. Because the wrong one could land you in an intensive care unit, and even become fatal. Yes, the wrong temperature could kill you. Dr. Aditij Dhamija, a general physician and medical educator, has recently shared a chilling case of a 24-year-old man, a regular gym-goer, who collapsed after a hot shower and woke up in the intensive care unit (ICU). This incident has sparked conversation around post-exercise recovery and the often overlooked role of water temperature.How a hot shower can turn hazardous
“A 24-year-old man hit the gym like every day… but when he didn’t come out of the bathroom for 30 minutes, the door had to be broken down. He was found unconscious on the floor, pulse barely there,” Dr. Dhamija said, in a video shared on Instagram. The man was taken to the emergency room (ICU) and later shifted to a ventilator. So, what went wrong?Taking a hot shower after a workout may seem soothing, but it could be extremely dangerous. How can a hot shower after exercise almost kill you? The science behind it is simple. After an intense workout, your body is dehydrated. So, when you take a hot shower post the intense workout, your blood vessels suddenly dilate. This could drop your blood pressure sharply. This sharp drop in blood pressure left him unconscious, and he collapsed on the bathroom floor. He was rushed to the ICU and then put on a ventilator to save his life. “Blood flow to the brain decreases, and you collapse. This patient barely escaped death,” the physician added. The Don’ts
Dr. Dhamija also shared some tips to avoid such accidents. He shared that one must never do the following things.
- Don’t rush into a hot shower immediately after gym
- Don’t ignore light-headedness or dizziness
- Don’t forget to hydrate properly
The Do’s
Instead of rushing to shower immediately after a workout, the doctor suggests the following steps.
- Rehydrate with water + electrolytes post-workout
- Rest for 10–15 minutes before bathing
- If feeling faint, lie down and elevate your legs
He also added that fitness is supposed to “make you stronger, not take you closer to death.” Hydration is crucial following any workout. Incorporating electrolytes can restore energy. Ignoring warning signs such as dizziness, light-headedness, nausea, or a spinning sensation after a workout could land you in serious trouble. These could be signal that your body is dehydrated, under stress, and needs recovery time. Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or fitness routine.