Late Effects of Polio and Temperature Intolerance

From Polio New Zealand

“Many polio survivors report that their feet or hands have always been cold to the touch, and their skin can turn a bluish colour, or during months of hot weather, you may find it hard to keep cool.”

Heat and cold intolerance (thermoregulation): Thermoregulation is the process that allows your body to keep its core internal temperature.

The Late Effects of Polio can include:

• Decreased metabolic rate due to lower muscle mass

• Decreased peripheral circulation due to lower capillary density / demand from active muscle tissue

• Decreased activity due to mobility Impairment

Common Symptoms Of Temperature Intolerance:

• Not being able tolerate temperature extremes very well and often feel extremely uncomfortable in heat, and/or under air conditioning that is a little too cold.

• Feet or hands have always been cold to the touch, and  the skin can turn a bluish colour.

• Some people may sweat extremely easily, while others may not sweat at all.

• Some may feel they are colder or hotter than they actually are and clothing choice may not be the best for them.

• Finding it harder and slower to warm up the feet and the hands.

• Loss in heat due to a delayed response to a change in environment.

The Complete Article from Polio New Zealand (and the Duncan Foundation).