MOREHEAD, Ky. — Most people don't enjoy 90-degree temperatures with Kentucky's infamous humidity. But for some people, the heat isn't just uncomfortable—it can make them physically ill.
That condition is known as heat intolerance, and it's more common than many people realize.
With much of eastern Kentucky once again under a heat advisory, health experts say it's important to know the warning signs before spending extended time outdoors.
What Is Heat Intolerance?
Heat intolerance isn't a disease by itself. Instead, it's a condition in which a person's body has trouble cooling itself down when temperatures rise.
Normally, the body regulates its temperature by sweating and increasing blood flow to the skin. People with heat intolerance don't cool themselves as efficiently, causing them to overheat much faster than others.
While anyone can become overheated in extreme temperatures, people with heat intolerance may begin experiencing symptoms long before others do.
What Causes It?
Heat intolerance can be caused by a variety of medical conditions and medications.
Some of the more common causes include:
Thyroid disorders
Diabetes
Heart disease
Multiple sclerosis
Parkinson's disease
Obesity
Certain medications, including some antidepressants, blood pressure medications, antihistamines, and stimulants
Dehydration
Aging, as older adults often have a reduced ability to regulate body temperature
Some people are simply more sensitive to heat than others, even without a diagnosed medical condition.
What Are the Symptoms?
Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to signs of a medical emergency.
Common symptoms include:
Feeling excessively hot when others seem comfortable
Heavy sweating—or sometimes very little sweating
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Fatigue
Headaches
Muscle cramps
Nausea
Weakness
Rapid heartbeat
Difficulty concentrating or feeling confused
If left untreated, heat intolerance can progress to more serious heat-related illnesses.
When Does It Become an Emergency?
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are medical emergencies.
Seek immediate medical attention if someone develops:
A body temperature of 103°F or higher
Confusion
Slurred speech
Loss of consciousness
Seizures
Hot, red skin
Difficulty breathing
Heat stroke can cause permanent organ damage and can be fatal if treatment is delayed.
How Can You Protect Yourself?
Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce your risk.
Health professionals recommend:
Drink plenty of water throughout the day—even before you feel thirsty.
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, generally between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Take frequent breaks if working outside.
Use fans or air conditioning whenever possible.
Avoid alcohol, which can contribute to dehydration.
Check on elderly neighbors and family members during periods of extreme heat.
If you begin feeling overheated, move to a cool location immediately, loosen clothing, drink cool water if you're alert, and use cool, wet towels on your neck, wrists, and forehead.
Who Should Be Especially Careful?
Some groups face a much higher risk of heat-related illness, including:
Older adults
Young children
Pregnant women
Outdoor workers
Athletes
People with chronic health conditions
Anyone taking medications that affect sweating or hydration
A Reminder During Kentucky's Heat Advisory
As temperatures climb into the upper 80s and 90s—and humidity pushes the "feels like" temperature even higher—it's important not to ignore warning signs.
Feeling sick from the heat isn't always "just part of summer." For some people, it may be a sign that their body simply can't regulate heat effectively.
If symptoms become severe or don't improve after cooling down, seek medical attention immediately.
Morehead Minute Tip
Heat intolerance is different from simply disliking hot weather. If you consistently become dizzy, nauseated, or unusually exhausted in temperatures that others tolerate well, it's worth discussing with your healthcare provider. An underlying medical condition or medication could be contributing to the problem.
To Order, click on the image.