a patient report with weight loss irritability and heat intolerance

What is heat intolerance and how can it affect your health?

Heat intolerance can provide clues to a person’s overall health. It suggests that either the body may not be able to cool itself down properly, the brain may not be responding correctly to heat, or the heart and lungs may be struggling to work efficiently enough.

Should people with heat intolerance talk to a doctor?

People with heat intolerance should discuss their symptoms with a doctor, especially if the symptoms appear suddenly or get progressively worse. To treat heat intolerance, doctors will focus on treating any underlying medical conditions.

How is activity intolerance assessed in the workup of a patient?

Monitoring the individual’s responses to activity are cue points in performing an assessment related to activity intolerance: Assess the physical activity level and mobility of the patient. Take the resting pulse, blood pressure, and respirations.

Why do I have a problem with heat sensitivity?

Endocrine system problems: The endocrine system helps the body regulate a wide range of functions. Disorders such as Graves’ disease, a thyroid condition, can increase heat sensitivity. Being less physically fit: For some people, heat intolerance is a sign of poor cardiovascular and respiratory fitness.

Is heat intolerance a symptom of hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism may cause sensitivity to heat and excessive sweating, where a person suffering from hypothyroidism may struggle to keep warm at all.

Why is there heat intolerance in hyperthyroidism?

When your thyroid gland makes more thyroid hormones than your body needs, your temperature is also likely to rise. As a result, you might find yourself extra sensitive to heat and perspiring 24/7.

Is heat intolerance a symptom of hypothyroidism?

—Hypothyroidism in the adult has been characterized clinically by cold intolerance, lethargy, constipation, and overall slowing of intellectual and motor activities. Conversely, classic clinical hyperthyroidism has been recognized by heat intolerance, palpitations, hyperkinesis, and emotional lability.

Can thyroid issues cause heat intolerance?

Too much thyroid hormone can put your metabolism into overdrive, potentially causing excessive sweating and heat intolerance.

What is heat intolerance a symptom of?

Those with heat intolerance may have a disorder called dysautonomia that affects their autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system helps regulate automatic functions of the body, including the body's response to heat. Several medical conditions can cause dysautonomia, including: diabetes. alcohol use ...

Can hypothyroidism cause weight loss?

Weight gain may signal low levels of thyroid hormones, a condition called hypothyroidism. In contrast, if the thyroid produces more hormones than the body needs, you may lose weight unexpectedly. This is known as hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism is far more common.

How do you manage heat intolerance?

How can I treat heat intolerance?Stick to cool environments, seeking air conditioning and shade as much as possible.Drink plenty of water.Wear breezy, loose-fitting clothes in natural fabrics.Take your medications on schedule.More items...•

Why is there weight loss in hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) occurs when your thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. Hyperthyroidism can accelerate your body's metabolism, causing unintentional weight loss and a rapid or irregular heartbeat.

Which two disorders occur when the thyroid does not properly regulate body temperature?

An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can cause a person to feel too hot, while an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can cause a person to feel too cold.

What are early warning signs of thyroid problems?

7 Early Warning Signs of Thyroid IssuesFatigue.Weight gain.Weight loss.Slowed heart rate.Increased heart rate.Sensitivity to heat.Sensitivity to cold.

Does hypothyroidism affect body temperature?

With hypothyroidism, however, body temperature tends to decrease because of a deficiency in thyroid hormone. A small rise or fall in thyroid levels can change the body temperature enough to significantly affect the levels of proteins in the bloodstream.

How does heat affect hypothyroidism?

People with subclinical hypothyroidism were nearly 1.5 times more likely to revert to normal TSH levels during warm weather. Similarly, people with normal thyroid function were more likely to be diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism because of elevated TSH levels in the colder months.

How to reduce heat intolerance in MS?

To reduce the potentially detrimental effects of heat intolerance, several treatment strategies have been employed to allow individuals with MS to participate in activities of daily living, including exercise . Simple behavioral strategies are used to minimize heat exposure, such as performing work or exercise outside during the early morning or late evening when temperatures are lower. A small number of studies have reported potential benefits using cooling strategies that are convenient methods available to most individuals with MS, such as cold showers, applying ice packs, the use of regional cooling devices, and drinking cold beverages (Bassett and Lake, 1958; Boynton et al., 1959; Watson, 1959; Scherokman et al., 1985; Grahn et al., 2008 ).

What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include tremulousness, anxiety, heat intolerance, diarrhea, and changes in mental status. The majority of hyperthyroid patients have a circulating thyroid-stimulating antibody, a thyroid adenoma, or thyroiditis. Hypersecretion of TSH by a pituitary adenoma is quite rare, occurring in less than 1% of hypothyroid patients.

What is subclinical hyperthyroidism?

Subclinical hyperthyroidism is a suppressed TSH with a high-normal T 4 or T 3. After the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism is made, the radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) and scan can differentiate the many causes. A high uptake confirms hyperthyroidism resulting from overproduction of thyroid hormone.

How do you know if you have thyrotoxicosis?

Symptoms of thyrotoxicosis include heat intolerance, excessive sweating, nervousness, irritability, anxiety, marked weight loss, increase in appetite, and palpitations with fast heart rates. Palpitations may be caused by a marked increase in heart rate, but the heart rhythm may become irregular because of the occurrence of atrial fibrillation. Physical signs include tachycardia, agitation, enlargement of the thyroid gland, and typicaleye signs. Atrial fibrillation with a rapid heart rate of more than 150 beats may force patients to seek attention. Increasing shortness of breath is usually caused by excessive cardiac work resulting in myocardial dysfunction and heart failure.

How long does adrenergic therapy last?

Therapy is usually maintained for 2 years. Patients must be monitored for side effects, which include rash, pruritus, hepatitis, cholestatic jaundice, lupus-like syndrome, and the rare but life-threatening complication of agranulocytosis. β-adrenergic antagonists ameliorate the signs and symptoms of disease.

Does thyrotoxicosis cause weight loss?

Clinically, thyrotoxicosis is frequently associated with nervousness, palpitations, heat intolerance, increased appetite with concomitant weight loss, hair loss, weakness, and, in the case of Graves’ disease, eye symptoms [64 ]. Menstrual irregularity is a frequent complaint in thyrotoxic women, but fertility is probably not significantly impaired in mild hyperthyroidism [ 74 ]. Classical signs include tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, hyperthermia, and muscle weakness and atrophy, as well as increased reflexes. The thyroid is diffusely enlarged in Graves’ disease. Many patients with hyperthyroidism have a stare because of the increased sympathetic activity; this should be separated from the findings of true endocrine ophthalmopathy [ 72 ]. One also has to bear in mind that some older hyperthyroid patients with relatively severe thyrotoxicosis have few symptoms (“apathetic thyrotoxicosis”).

What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include tremulousness, anxiety, heat intolerance, diarrhea, and changes in mental status. The majority of hyperthyroid patients have a circulating thyroid-stimulating antibody, a thyroid adenoma, or thyroiditis. Hypersecretion of TSH by a pituitary adenoma is quite rare, occurring in less than 1% of hypothyroid patients.

What are the symptoms of thyrotoxicosis?

The symptoms of thyrotoxicosis are those of increased metabolism—for example, heat intolerance, hyperhidrosis, anxiety , weight loss, tachycardia, and palpitations. These symptoms are nonspecific, and the diagnosis requires confirmation with serum thyroid function studies. A suppressed serum TSH less than 0.1 mU/L is diagnostic of thyrotoxicosis. This results from negative feedback on the pituitary by the elevated serum thyroid hormones. The only exception to a suppressed TSH without thyrotoxicosis is a rare hypothalamic or pituitary cause.

How do you know if you have thyrotoxicosis?

The classic symptoms of thyrotoxicosis include weight loss despite a hearty appetite, heat intolerance, palpitations, tremor, and hyperdefecation (increased frequency of formed bowel movements). Thyrotoxicosis can escape early detection because of its presentation with common nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, weakness, atypical chest pain, or dyspnea on exertion. Delayed recognition may also occur when atypical symptoms such as headache, weight loss, periodic paralysis, or nausea and vomiting dominate the clinical picture. Elderly patients may present with apathetic thyrotoxicosis typified by weight loss and the absence of sympathomimetic symptoms and signs.

How does hyperthyroidism affect metabolism?

One of the most prominent symptoms in the hyperthyroid patient is heat intolerance. The symptom reflects an increase in the basal metabolism of many substrates. The increase in metabolic activity results in increased consumption of adenosine triphosphate and oxygen. Despite the increased food intake, a state of chronic caloric inadequacy often ensues, depending on the degree of increased metabolism, and becomes more pronounced with age. In addition to losing fat stores, there is often a loss of muscle mass, making weakness a common complaint. Both synthesis and degradation of proteins are increased, with the latter increased to a greater extent than the former, so that there is a net decrease in tissue protein content.

Is radioiodine safe for long term hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism as a result of toxic nodular goiter is permanent and without spontaneous remission; ATDs are not appropriate long-term therapy. Radioiodine is the most common form of therapy. Larger doses (25 to 30 mCi) minimize the risk of persistent hyperthyroidism in such patients, who tend to be older and to have prominent cardiovascular symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Surgery is also quite effective, results in the most rapid achievement of euthyroidism and has a low recurrence rate.

How to promote energy levels in a patient?

Helps promote a sense of autonomy while being realistic about capabilities. Instruct patient to plan activities for times when they have the most energy. Activities should be planned ahead to coincide with the patient’s peak energy level.

How to assess a patient's physical activity?

Assess the physical activity level and mobility of the patient. Take the resting pulse, blood pressure, and respirations. Consider the rate, rhythm, and quality of the pulse. If the signs are normal, have the patient perform the activity. Obtain the vital signs immediately after activity.

How does sleep deprivation affect activity?

Sleep deprivation and difficulties during sleep can affect the activity level of the patient – these needs to be addressed before successful activity progression can be achieved. Determine the patient’s daily routine and over-the-counter medication. Fatigue can limit the patient’s ability to perform needed activity.

Can fatigue be a side effect of medication?

Fatigue can limit the patient’s ability to perform needed activity . It can also be a medication side effect. Pay attention to the patient’s use of beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, tranquilizers, antihistamines, relaxants, alcohol, and sedatives. Assess the need for ambulation aids (e.g., cane, walker) for ADLs.