Do you feel heat that others don't? Let's talk about Heat Intolerance!

Do you ever find yourself sweating and struggling to stay cool even when everyone else is not using a fan? Or do you feel uncomfortable even in a room with AC on? If you feel unbearably hot even in an environment that most people consider to be normal temperatures, you may have a condition called 'Heat Intolerance'. This is a little more than just saying "I'm hot." Let's talk about this in more detail.

What exactly is Heat Intolerance?

Simply put, heat intolerance is when your body feels too hot at a temperature that others find normal and comfortable. This happens when your body is unable to regulate its own temperature properly. Just as a car's radiator malfunctions and the engine overheats, this condition occurs when there is a weakness in our body's temperature control system.

This condition can develop gradually over time, but sometimes, it can appear suddenly with a serious medical condition.

What are the symptoms of this condition?

The symptoms of heat intolerance can vary from person to person, but there are some common symptoms. Let's take a look at what they are.

What can cause heat intolerance?

There are many possible causes for this, so if you feel like you have this symptom, it's best to definitely talk to a doctor to find out the cause.

Underlying medical conditions

Heat intolerance is often a symptom of another disease.

• Thyroid problems: Hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis, a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much hormone , causes the body's metabolism to speed up and the body to heat up. Graves ' disease is another such condition.
• Menopause :This condition can occur with "hot flushes" caused by hormonal changes during menopause in women.
• Anxiety disorders: Excessive anxiety and stress can stimulate the body's nervous system, increase heart rate, cause sweating, and make you feel hot.
• Diabetes: Diabetes can damage blood vessels and nerves. This can impair the function of sweat glands and make it difficult to control body temperature.
• Other conditions: In addition, diseases that affect the nervous system such as multiple sclerosis, heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, and lack of physical fitness can also affect this.

Some medications

Some medications you take may also be a cause of this.

There are several types of medications that can cause this condition:

• Some antibiotics
• Medication for high blood pressure
• Allergy medications (Antihistamines and Decongestants)
• Some antidepressants
• Diabetes medications
• Caffeine (found in tea and coffee) and some stimulants that help you lose weight
• Some painkillers

In addition, the use of alcohol and illegal drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine also severely affects body temperature control.

Does age also affect it?

Yes. People over the age of 65 are at higher risk of heat-related health problems. This is because the body's ability to adapt to sudden changes in environmental temperature decreases with age. In addition, older people are more likely to have a chronic medical condition or take medications that affect temperature control.

How do you find this, Doctor?

When you go to see a doctor, they will first ask about your medical history and perform a physical examination. They will ask questions such as when you started experiencing these symptoms and when they tend to get worse.

After that, some tests may be recommended to find the exact cause.

• Blood studies: To check for any infections or other problems in the body.
• Thyroid hormone tests (Thyroid studies): Tests like TSH, T3, and T4 to check the functioning of the thyroid gland.

How is it treated?

Treatment for heat intolerance depends entirely on the underlying cause. Since it is a symptom, not a disease, the symptom will go away on its own once the underlying disease is treated.

For example, if this is due to a problem with your thyroid gland, your doctor will treat it. Then the intolerance to heat will also decrease. If this is due to a medication you are taking, your doctor may decide to change the medication or change the dosage.

Could this be dangerous if ignored?

Absolutely yes. If heat intolerance is left untreated, it can progress to a more serious condition called heat stroke, which occurs when the core body temperature reaches 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) or higher.

In such a situation, it is very important to go to a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately. If heat stroke is not treated quickly, it can cause permanent damage to the brain or other organs, and even death.

How do you stay safe from the heat?

There are a few simple things you can do to manage heat intolerance and prevent heat-related problems.

• Stay in a comfortable environment: Keep the temperature inside your home at a comfortable level. Use a fan or AC. Wear clothes made of light, cotton-like fabrics.
• Drink plenty of water: Drink plenty of water and fluids throughout the day to prevent dehydration.
• Reduce going out during hot weather: Minimize outdoor activities and exercise during high sun and humidity.

You can also take steps to protect yourself from heat in the workplace. Sometimes employers can measure employees' body responses to heat. This can include things like heart rate, skin temperature, and changes in weight due to sweating.