Heat intolerance differential diagnosis

A clinician may ask when the problem began, whether it occurs indoors or outdoors, and whether exertion, fever, alcohol, or a new medicine makes it worse. They may check temperature, pulse, blood pressure, hydration, skin, and sweating. Symptoms such as tremor, palpitations, weight change, diarrhoea, dizziness, or fainting help shape the next step. Heat intolerance can occur with several conditions, so the symptom alone does not identify one diagnosis.

Keep a short record of the setting, activity, clothing, fluid intake, sweating, associated symptoms, and recovery time. Review medicines and supplements with a clinician rather than stopping a prescribed treatment yourself. Cool surroundings, breathable clothing, rest, and regular fluids may reduce strain while you arrange an assessment. A clinician may choose blood tests or other checks according to your examination and symptom pattern.

Move to a cool place and seek urgent medical help for confusion, fainting, seizure, severe weakness, trouble breathing, chest pain, or worsening symptoms after heat exposure. Repeated episodes, new loss of sweating, a racing heartbeat, or unexplained weight change deserve a prompt appointment. Heat exhaustion can worsen if cooling and fluids do not help.

Ask which causes fit your pattern, whether any medicine could affect sweating or temperature control, which tests are appropriate, and how to exercise or work safely in heat.