Health Encyclopedia
Cold intolerance
Definition
Cold intolerance is an abnormal sensitivity to a cold environment or cold temperatures.
Alternative Names
Sensitivity to the cold; Intolerance to coldConsiderations
Cold intolerance can be an indication of a metabolic problem.
Some people (often very slender women) do not tolerate cold environments simply because they have minimal body fat and are unable to keep warm.
Causes
- Anemia (low blood counts)
- Anorexia nervosa
- Chronic severe illness
- General poor health
- Hypothyroidism
- Vascular problems, such as Raynaud's
Home Care
Follow recommended therapy for treating the underlying cause.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if you have prolonged or significant intolerance to cold.
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
Your health care provider will take a medical history and perform a physical examination.
Medical history questions may include:
- Time pattern
- Have you always been intolerant of cold?
- Has this developed recently?
- Has it been getting progressively worse?
- Do you often feel cold when other people do not complain of the cold?
- Medical history
- What is your diet like?
- How is your general health?
- What are your height and weight?
- What other symptoms do you have?
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:
After seeing your health care provider:
If your health care provider made a diagnosis related to cold intolerance, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.
Reviewed By: Nancy J. Rennert, M.D., Chief of Endocrinology Diabetes, Norwalk Hospital, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
