Heat intolerance

Definition

Heat intolerance is the inability to be comfortable when external temperatures rise.

Alternative Names

Sensitivity to heat; Intolerance to heat

Considerations

Heat intolerance often produces a feeling of being overheated, and can produce heavy sweating. Heat intolerance usually comes on slowly and persists long-term.

Common Causes

  • Thyrotoxicosis (excess thyroid hormone, which increases the metabolic rate, causing body temperature to rise)
  • Amphetamines such as appetite suppressants
  • Caffeine
  • Menopause

Home Care

Room temperature should be kept at a comfortable level. Drinking lots of fluids is recommended.

Call your health care provider if

Call your health care provider if there is persistent and unexplained heat intolerance.

What to expect at your health care provider's office

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting heat intolerance in detail may include:

  • Time pattern
    • Have you had heat intolerance before?
    • Have you always had difficulty tolerating heat?
    • When did you begin to develop heat intolerance?
    • Do you often feel hot when other people do not complain of the heat?
  • Associated complaints
    • Is it worse when you exercise?
    • What other symptoms are present? Especially, is there:
      • Fainting
      • Vomiting
      • Dizziness
      • Palpitations
      • Rapid pulse (heart rate)
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:
  • Blood studies
  • Thyroid studies (TSH, T3, free T4)

After seeing your health care provider:

You may want to add a diagnosis related to heat intolerance to your personal medical record.

Review Date: 2/27/2006
Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, MD, Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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