Skip to Content

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 cause heavy sweating. Heat intolerance usually comes on slowly and lasts over the long-term.

Causes

Home Care

Keep room temperature at a comfortable level. Drink plenty of fluids.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if you have persistent and unexplained heat intolerance.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

Your health care provider will take a medical history and perform a physical examination.

Medical history questions 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 do you have?
      • Dizziness
      • Fainting
      • Palpitations
      • Rapid pulse (heart rate)
      • Vomiting

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.

References

Ladenson P, Kim M. Thyroid. In: Goldman L and Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2007:chap 244.

Review Date: 4/20/2010
Reviewed By: Ari S. Eckman, MD, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website, and its associated websites, is provided as a benefit to the local community, and the Internet community in general; it does not constitute medical advice. We try to provide quality information, but we make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this website and its associated sites. As medical advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each patient and healthcare is constantly changing, nothing provided herein should be used as a substitute for the advice of a competent physician. Furthermore, in providing this service, Adventist HealthCare does not condone or support all of the content covered in this site. As an Adventist health care organization, Adventist HealthCare acts in accordance with the ethical and religious directives for Adventist health care services.

Adventist HealthCare · 301-315-3030 · 1801 Research BLVD, Suite 400, Rockville, MD 20850

Submit an Online Information Request