Heat Intolerance Hacks

Spring is around the corner.  That means that the weather can change faster than the Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point in Illinois (it reaches speeds of 120mph!).  You wake up and it’s slightly above freezing outside.  Then as the day drags on, it’s like the sun amps up.  How does someone with heat intolerance manage?

What is Heat Intolerance?

Heat intolerance is when you have a feeling of being overheated when the temperature around you begins to rise.  Often, it comes on slowly and it can take a long period of time to recover.  Things that bring this on even for average people include: caffeine, anxiety, hormones, some medications, and more.  

Symptoms of Heat Intolerance

Heat intolerance mimics symptoms of dehydration. They include: headache, dizziness, nausea, cramping, fatigue, excessive sweating, etc.  

Managing Heat Intolerance with Dysautonomia

People with chronic illness such as POTS, EDS, and other forms of dysautonomia often report the symptom of heat intolerance.  It can make normal seasonal changes difficult.  How do you manage heat intolerance when you have dysautonomia?  Knowing how to manage these intolerances will make you better prepared for whatever the day brings you, and it can prevent you from losing needed spoons (ie, energy).

It’s time to think out of the box with these hacks:

1. Cooling Towels.  Made from special materials that are super absorbent, cooling towels work when thoroughly soaked in ice cold water.  Placed around the neck, they can help keep you cool for up to two hours.  
2. Cooling Neck Fans.  Yes, they actually exist!  They’re like tiny little hands free angels blowing cool air into your face!  
3. Ice Hats.  Usually meant for migraines, these are a great hack for heat intolerance.  Don’t have a fancy ice hat?  An ice pack on top of your head can produce similar effects.
4. Ice Your Wrists and Sternum.  Keep a bottle of water in the freezer, or use an ice pack.  Hold it to your wrists and sternum for temporary relief.
5. Hydrate.  Using an ORS (oral rehydration salt) can actually help keep you cooled down.  Sweating relates to being overheated.  Staying hydrated will help your body maintain your temperature.  Using an ORS, like NormaLyte, will keep your body working effectively when it’s hot out.

Potsies (people with POTS) are always finding creative ways to manage their symptoms.  What are out of the box ways have you found that help with heat intolerance?  Drop it in the comments below.