Heat intolerance
Heat intolerance is a symptom reported by people who feel uncomfortable in hot environments. Typically, the person feels uncomfortably hot and sweats excessively.
Compared to heat illnesses like heatstroke, heat intolerance is usually a symptom of endocrine disorders, drugs, or other medical conditions, rather than the result of too much exercise or hot, humid weather.
Contents
Symptoms[edit]
- Feeling subjectively hot
- Sweating, which may be excessive
In patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), heat intolerance may cause a pseudoexacerbation, which is a temporary worsening of MS-related symptoms.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis is largely made from the patient history, followed by blood tests and other medical tests to determine the underlying cause. In women, hot flashes must be excluded.
Causes[edit]
Excess thyroid hormone, which is called thyrotoxicosis, is the most common cause.[1]
Other causes include:
- Amphetamines such as appetite suppressants
- Anticholinergics, which impair sweating
- Caffeine
- Menopause
- Multiple sclerosis
- Hypothalamic tumors[1]
- Methadone treatment
- Dysautonomia[2]
- Sensory defensiveness/Sensory processing disorder
Treatment[edit]
Treatment is directed at making the affected person feel more comfortable, and, if possible, resolving the underlying cause of the heat intolerance.
Symptoms can be reduced by staying in a cool environment. Drinking more fluids, especially if the person is sweating excessively, may help.
References[edit]
- ^ a b Wilkins, Lippincott Williams &. Nursing: Interpreting signs & symptoms. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2007-03-01 . ISBN 9781582556680. p. 306–307.
- ^ "Autonomic neuropathy" from U.S. National Library of Medicine's MedLine Plus. Accessed 2015-05-20.
