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Cold intolerance
Definition:
This symptom describes an abnormal sensitivity to a cold environment or cold temperatures.

Alternative Names:
Sensitivity to the cold; Intolerance to cold

Considerations:
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.
Common Causes:
Home Care:
Follow recommended therapy for treating the underlying cause.
Call your health care provider if:

Call your health care provider if there is prolonged or significant intolerance to cold.
What to expect at your health care provider's office:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting your cold intolerance in detail may include:
  • time pattern
    • Have you always been intolerant of cold?
    • Has this developed recently?
    • Has it been getting progressively worse?
  • medical history
    • What is the diet like?
    • How is the general health?
    • What are the height and weight?
  • other
    • What other symptoms are also present?

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to cold intolerance, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.
Review Date: 3/2/2002
Reviewed By: Todd T. Brown, M.D., Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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