Heat intolerance

Alternative names:

intolerance to heat; sensitivity to heat

Home care:

Room temperature should be kept at a comfortable level. Drinking lots of fluids is recommended.

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?

• aggravating factors
  • Is it worse when you exercise?

• associated complaints
  • Have you also suffered a heat stroke?

• other
  • 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 (such as CBC, or blood differential)
• X-rays of the skull
• thyroid studies (TSH, T3, T4)

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to heat intolerance to your personal medical record.