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Definition:
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Heat intolerance refers to 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.
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Alternative Names:
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Sensitivity to heat; Intolerance to heat
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Common Causes:
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Heat intolerance may be caused by:
- Amphetamines or other stimulants, such as those found in drugs that suppress your appetite
- Anxiety
- Caffeine
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Menopause
- Too much thyroid hormone (thyrotoxicosis)
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Home Care:
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Keep room temperature at a comfortable level. Drink plenty of fluids.
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Call your health care provider if:
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Call your health care provider if you have unexplained heat intolerance.
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What to expect at your health care provider's office:
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Your health care provider will take a medical history and perform a physical examination.
Medical history questions may include:
- When do the symptoms occur?
- Have you had heat intolerance before?
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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?
- Do you have palpitations or a rapid pulse (heart rate)?
Tests that may be performed include:
- Blood studies
- Thyroid studies (TSH, T3, free T4)
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References:
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Kim M, Ladenson P. Thyroid. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2011:chap 233.
Winkenwerder W Jr., Sawka MN. Disorders due to heat and cold. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2011:chap 109.
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