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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 basal 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?
  • 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.


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