Definition

Cold intolerance is 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?
    • 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 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:2/27/2006
Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, MD, Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.