Cold Sweat Causes

We are familiar with the term 'cold sweats', and must have also experienced it some time or the other in our life. Cold sweats are characterized by extreme perspiration, nervousness and low body temperature. Sweating is experienced, mostly, in hands and feet. In most of the cases, cold sweats are experienced at night, however, sometimes, it may also be experienced during the day. This condition may also be accompanied by other symptoms, depending on the cause. There are several causes that lead to this discomforting condition. Let us take a look at it in detail.

Causes of Cold Sweat

The distinguishing factor between cold sweats and normal sweating is that 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 temperature, then he is suffering from cold sweats. You may not be aware, but there are various cold sweat causes that you should be mindful of. The following are some of the potential reasons:

Fear
Fear is one of the most common, yet, prominent causes of cold sweats in people. Experiencing cold sweats is one of the first signs and symptoms of fear. 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 causes of cold sweats while sleeping in children and adults.

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

Heart Attack
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, cold sweats, left arm pain, etc. are the warning signs of heart attack.

Low Blood Sugar Level
Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar is yet another common cause of cold sweats. It 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 longer period, 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.

Low Blood Pressure
The normal blood pressure for human beings is 120/80 mm Hg. When this drops to 90/60 or still lower, a 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, cold sweats, depression, etc. are the symptoms of it.

Migraines
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 of migraine include severe headache, dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, cold sweats, etc.

Shock
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 total organ failure. Breathing at high altitude, malfunctioning of the lungs, blood vessels, heart, etc. can lead to shock. Rapid breathing, dizziness, fainting, weakness, cold sweats, etc. are the symptoms of shock.

Apart from these, pain, drug reactions or abuse, hormone imbalances, hot flashes, menopause, influenza, immune disorders, heart diseases, viral infections, circulatory disorders, etc. are some other possible causes of cold sweat. Chills, dizziness, weakness and confusion are the common cold sweat symptoms that are observed in most of these aforementioned conditions.

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 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.

These were some of serious cold sweat causes. All the aforementioned conditions can be treated completely if timely treatment is undertaken. If a person experiences cold sweats frequently along with other symptoms, it is advisable to consult the doctor immediately. Take care!