T Subhashi
You all know about what sweats are – perspiration after excessive work, exertion or heat. But, there is something called cold sweats as well. It is a sudden sweating that doesn’t come from heat or exertion, but chill, and is often the body’s response to stress, called the fight or flight mechanism. While these, in itself, are not a problem but these can signal a problem – an injury or illness- among others. Some women experience this kind of sweat during menopause while chronic conditions like cancer can also lead to it. It would be prudent to visit a doctor in case you experience it very often. Listed below are some of the reasons of cold sweats:
Fear and anxiety
The most common reason for cold sweats is fear and anxiety. Anything from intense panic to everyday anxiety can lead to a fight or flight response and sweating with chill.
Infection
Sometime an infection can cause high fever. When the fever recedes, one can experience cold sweats.
Low BP
A sudden drop in blood pressure which causes fainting can also cause this kind of sweating.
Nausea
Sudden nausea or vertigo (a sensation that you, or the environment around you, is moving or spinning.) can lead to sweating while the body experiences a chill.
Pain from injuries
Intense pain from severe injuries, like fractures or amputations, can lead to it.
Heart Attacks
Cold sweats can also result when a person has a heart attack. Be aware when these are accompanied by chest pain. And call the doctor immediately.
Shortness of breath
Severe shortness of breath (like after heavy physical exercises) can lead to a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream. This leads to low oxygen to brain which then causes cold sweats.
Low blood sugar
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) also leads to it. This happens in people suffering from diabetes.
