Heat intolerance

Heat intolerance is a symptom characterized by feeling overheated in warm environments or when the surrounding environment's temperature rises.[1] Typically, the person feels uncomfortably hot and sweats excessively.

Not to be confused with Heat stroke.

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.

Symptoms
  • 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. A temporary worsening of symptoms can also happen in patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and dysautonomia.

Diagnosis

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

Excess thyroid hormone, which is called thyrotoxicosis (such as in cases of hyperthyroidism), is the most common cause.[1][2]

Other causes include:

Treatment

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.

Cooling vests can be used as a preventative tool to reduce a persons body temperature or when symptoms present to feel more comfortable.

gollark: The liquid cooler is pointless and stupid.
gollark: It's not even 80+ bronze.
gollark: Anyway, DO NOT cheap out on the PSÙ.
gollark: I didn't see an SSD.
gollark: I didn't remove the ones marked Purchased.

References
  1. "Heat intolerance: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia". MedlinePlus. 2020-03-04. Retrieved 2020-03-20.
  2. Wilkins, Lippincott Williams &. Nursing: Interpreting signs & symptoms. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2007-03-01 . ISBN 9781582556680. p. 306–307.
  3. "Autonomic neuropathy" from U.S. National Library of Medicine's MedLine Plus. Accessed 2015-05-20.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.