Most people do not like extreme heat, but you may have more difficulty in hot weather if you have a heat intolerance, which is also called heat hypersensitivity. When you have heat intolerance, it happens because the body does not regulate the temperature properly.
The hypothalamus is the part of the brain that regulates your body temperature. When you get very hot, the hypothalamus sends a signal through nerves to the skin, which increases sweat production. When sweat evaporates from the skin, it refreshes the body.
What leads to heat intolerance?
Heat intolerance has a number of possible causes.
- Treatment: One of the most common causes of heat intolerance is medication. Allergies, blood pressure and medications are among the most common. Allergic medications can impair the body's ability to cool down by preventing sweating. Blood pressure medications can reduce blood flow to the skin. This also inhibits sweat production.
- Caffeine: Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase heart rate and speed up metabolism. This can cause the body temperature to rise and lead to heat intolerance.
- Hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. Thyroxine affects the regulation of the body's metabolism. An excess of this hormone can lead to an increase in body temperature.
Multiple sclerosis: Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord. This disease affects the protective covering, or myelin. If myelin is damaged, the body’s nerve signals are interrupted.
What are some signs to look out for?
Being intolerant to heat can make you feel like you are overheating. Excessive sweating is also very common in people who have a heat intolerance. Symptoms may appear gradually, but once intolerance develops, it usually lasts for a day or two. Other possible signs of heat sensitivity include:
- headache
- dizziness
- fatigue
- cramping
- nausea
- frequent heartbeat
Treatment and prevention of symptoms
- Stay in a cool environment
- Drink plenty of water and cold drinks
- Wear light clothes and cotton
If symptoms worsen, contact your doctor.
Sources: Health, Healthline
