Cold sweats are sudden sweating episodes unrelated to heat or exertion.
Cold sweats make you feel flushed yet chilly and may also cause moist, clammy skin and goosebumps.
While usually not a cause for concern, cold sweats can be a symptom of a life-threatening medical problem.
Illustration by Joules Garcia for Verywell Health
Anxiety and Stress
Anything that causes a fight-or-flight response can cause cold sweats.
This includes fear,phobias, andanxiety.
The fight-or-flight response is triggered when you encounter a situation your body perceives as a threat.
It allows you to defend yourself or escape.
This is probably the most common cause of diaphoresis (the medical term for sweating).
Sometimes they occur as a fever “breaks” or starts to go back down.
If an infection progresses and enters the bloodstream, the body may go into septic shock.
If you suspect septic shock, call 911 or get to an emergency room right away.
Diaphoresis vs. Hyperhidrosis
Diaphoresis andhyperhidrosisaren’t the same.
Diaphoresis is a symptom of many conditions whereas hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that involves excessive and unpredictable sweating.
It’s believed to be sparked by overactive sweat glands.
Fainting
Cold sweats may be a symptom ofsyncope, often calledfaintingor passing out.
When you have syncope, you briefly lose consciousness.
This typically makes you fall to the ground (or slump if you’re sitting).
These can include:
Fainting can lead to serious injuries.
Get medical help for someone who gets hurt during an episode of syncope.
You should always let your healthcare provider know if you’ve had syncope or pre-syncope.
Low Blood Sugar
Hypoglycemia(low blood glucose/sugar) is a fairly common reason for cold sweats.
It’s seen most often in people with diabetes orprediabetes.
Aside from diaphoresis, symptoms of a heart attack may include:
A heart attack is a medical emergency.
The faster that you act, the better your chances of limiting damage and having a better outcome.
A 911 dispatcher may advise taking a chewable aspirin.
Do so only If recommended.
Shortness of Breath
Severeshortness of breathcan lead to diaphoresis, among other symptoms.
If your usual treatments don’t work, call 911.
In severe cases, people may need to be carefully monitored for life-threatening complications.
Shock
Your body goes intoshockwhen blood flow to the brain and other vital organs becomes dangerously low.
That means the brain doesn’t get enough oxygen and nutrients.
Shock causes increasing body-wide stress.
Diaphoresis is a key symptom of this potentially life-threatening condition.
Other symptoms include:
Shock is serious enough to warrant immediate medical attention.
Call 911 if you suspect shock.
That helps preserve blood flow to the brain and vital organs.
Some medical causes of severe pain, such askidney stones, can also cause diaphoresis.
The only consistent symptoms in this case are severe pain and cold sweats.
Other symptoms will vary depending on what’s causing the pain.
In rare cases, severe pain can occur long after a head injury or spinal cord trauma.
This is a symptom ofcomplex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and diaphoresis is a common feature.
Once the severe pain is treated, cold sweats and other symptoms should diminish.
If you suspect you may have CRPS, make an appointment with your healthcare provider.
Cold Sweats and Cancer
Many types of cancer can cause cold sweats, especially at night.
Explain your symptoms and concerns and stress that you should probably be seen soon.
Early diagnosis can make for a better outcome.
Similar to menopause, hormonal changes frombreast cancerorbreast cancer treatmentmay cause hot flashes and heavy sweating.
Why sex hormone changes have this effect isn’t yet understood.
Emergency cases warrant a call to 911.
For others, you may want to see your healthcare provider.
Some causes, such as anxiety or stress, should go away quickly on their own.
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