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Heat intolerance

Sensitivity to heat; Intolerance to heat

 

Heat intolerance is a feeling of being overheated when the temperature around you rises. It can often cause heavy sweating.

Heat intolerance usually comes on slowly and lasts for a long time, but it may also occur quickly and be a serious illness.

Causes

 

Heat intolerance may be caused by:

  • Amphetamines or other stimulants, such as those found in drugs that suppress your appetite
  • Anxiety
  • Caffeine
  • Menopause
  • Too much thyroid hormone ( thyrotoxicosis )

 

Home Care

 

Exposure to extreme heat and sun can cause heat emergencies or illnesses . You can prevent heat illnesses by:

  • Drinking plenty of fluids
  • Keeping inside room temperatures at a comfortable level
  • Limiting how much time you spend outdoors in hot, humid weather

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

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

 

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

 

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

Your provider may ask you questions like these:

  • When do your symptoms occur?
  • Have you had heat intolerance before?
  • Is it worse when you exercise?
  • Do you have vision changes?
  • Are you dizzy or fainting?
  • Do you have sweating or flushing?
  • Do you have numbness or weakness?
  • Is your heart beating fast, or do you have a rapid pulse?

Tests that may be performed include:

  • Blood studies
  • Thyroid studies ( TSH , T3 , free T4 )

 

 

References

Kim M, Ladenson P. Thyroid. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 226.

Sawka MN, O'Connor FG. Disorders due to heat and cold. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 109.

 

        A Closer Look

         

          Talking to your MD

           

            Self Care

             

              Tests for Heat intolerance

               

                 

                Review Date: 1/31/2016

                Reviewed By: Laura J. Martin, MD, MPH, ABIM Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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