Cold Sweat Causes

Cold sweats are characterized by extreme perspiration, nervousness and low body temperature. In most of the cases, they are experienced at night. This condition can be accompanied by other symptoms, depending on the cause.

Cold sweats can appear at any time, at any temperature. Secondly, the reason for it may not always be the obvious one. For e.g., if a person has been running or exercising, he is bound to sweat. But, if he sweats in the middle of the night, even at a low room temperature, then he is suffering from cold sweats. The following are the potential causes for the same.

Fear is one of the most common and prominent causes. Fear can be caused due to a variety of reasons in people. However, it is observed that fear caused by nightmares is one of the major reasons for cold sweats while sleeping, in children and adults.

Anxiety is a condition of permanent or long-lasting nervousness caused by fear, panic attacks or other psychological disorders. More than half of the world's population is prone to anxiety. The modern-day lifestyle, finances, job stress, relationships, etc., lead to anxiety and stress. Cold sweats, nervousness, insomnia, etc., are prominent symptoms of anxiety.

Heart attack is one of the most severe cold sweat causes. Heart attack is caused due to blocking of the blood vessels of the heart. Risk factors for the same include high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, high cholesterol level, diabetes, etc. Pain in the chest, excess perspiration, left arm pain, etc., are the warning signs of heart attack.

Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar occurs when the sugar or the glucose level in the body drops to a very low level. When a person does not eat for a long time, the sugar level in his body drops, resulting in hypoglycemia. On the other hand, excess secretion of insulin also leads to hypoglycemia. Blurred vision, dizziness, trembling, confusion and cold sweats are the symptoms of hypoglycemia.

The normal blood pressure for human beings is 120/80 mm Hg. When this drops to 90/60 or still lower, the person suffers from low blood pressure. Pregnancy, infections, blood loss, malnutrition, dehydration, etc., are the major causes for low blood pressure. Dizziness, cold and clammy skin, depression, etc., are the symptoms of it.

Migraine headaches are a series of recurring and chronic headaches that are usually experienced only on one side of the head. The exact cause of migraine is unknown; however, there are several trigger factors like diet, stress, loud noise, strong odor, etc., that lead to migraine. Symptoms include severe headache, dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, cold sweats, etc.

Shock is a condition that arises when the cells in the body do not receive adequate amounts of oxygen. In extreme conditions, a shock can lead to complete organ failure. Breathing at high altitude, malfunctioning of the lungs, blood vessels, heart, etc., can lead to shock. Rapid breathing, dizziness, fainting, weakness, etc., are the symptoms of shock.

It is a condition that marks the end of the menstrual cycle in women. It is usually experienced after 40 years of age. It is not a disorder, but, merely a phase in a woman's life. After menopause, a woman is not longer fertile and pregnancy cannot occur. Other symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia, urinary disorders, vaginal dryness, etc., are also experienced

It can also be a reaction caused due to certain drugs and medication. Blood pressure medications and antibiotics usually cause cold sweats. It can also be one of the possible symptoms of an over-the-counter medication, natural herb or supplement, etc. It is, therefore, recommended to consult the doctor immediately if any medication side effects are observed.

Apart from these, hormone imbalances, influenza, immune disorders, viral infections, circulatory disorders, etc., are some other possible causes of cold sweats. Chills, dizziness, weakness and confusion are the common symptoms that are observed in most of the aforementioned conditions.

• Do you suffer from mood swings, changes in behavior pattern, irritability?
• Do you experience anxiety or stress about something in your life?
• Do you take medications for any chronic conditions?
• Have you made changes in your diet recently?
• Have you lost weight? Or are there any other noticeable symptoms?

Nearly all the possible causes mentioned above can be treated and cured. Initially, the doctor may advise you to make changes in the environment to prevent cold sweats. Medication and other related treatment may be required for treating severe causes. Similarly, alternative treatment methods like therapy, meditation, change in lifestyle, etc., can also prove effective for treating day or nighttime cold sweats. You can also undertake the following methods:

✔ Try relaxation techniques to reduce stress and anxiety. You can even take help from professionals if you are unable to cope up with anxiety.

✔ Set the temperature right in your bedroom. You can use a thermostat and control the temperature accordingly. This can help in treating non-serious causes of excessive perspiration.

✔ Make sure you take medication only after consulting the doctor.

✔ If cold sweats are caused during sleeping, change your bedding and sleep in comfortable bed clothes. You can even try making environmental changes.

✔ If diet is one of the reasons for it, make changes in your diet and avoid consuming food that triggers off this symptom.

If a person experiences cold sweats frequently, along with other symptoms, it is advisable to consult the doctor immediately. Take care!

Disclaimer: This story is meant only to provide information. It should not be substituted for proper medical advice and treatment.