Sweating in summer is a common phenomenon, but if sweating continues incessantly, it is important to be cautious about potential health problems. To understand the reasons behind excessive sweating in summer, we need to consider the following factors.
Pathological Causes of Excessive Sweating
Spontaneous Sweating
Sweating that is not caused by hot weather or other external stimuli is referred to as "spontaneous sweating." Spontaneous sweating is often caused by weak lung qi and leakage of body fluids. It is accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and aversion to cold, which are indicative of deficiency of yang qi. This type of sweating is common in patients with rickets and hyperthyroidism.
Night Sweats
Night sweats occur mainly after falling asleep and stop naturally upon waking up. This phenomenon is often related to yin deficiency and is accompanied by symptoms such as dry mouth, tongue dryness, and irritation. Night sweats are commonly seen in patients during the infiltrative stage of pulmonary tuberculosis.
Cold Sweats
Cold sweats occur when a person feels cold and experiences cold limbs. There is no fever or thirst prior to sweating. This type of sweating is accompanied by pale complexion, lethargy, long and clear urine, loose stools, and other symptoms. Cold sweats are often related to deficiency of yang qi and inadequate stomach qi. They can also be triggered by fright.
Complete Absence of Sweating
When a patient's condition is critical and vital energy is weak, profuse sweating can occur along with symptoms such as rapid breathing, cold limbs, weak pulse, and occasional absence of pulse. This is commonly seen in patients with heart failure and collapse.
Diseases that Cause Excessive Sweating in Summer
Hypoglycemia Causes Excessive Sweating
During an episode of hypoglycemia in summer, blood sugar levels suddenly drop, stimulating the sympathetic nervous system and leading to excessive secretion of adrenal hormones. This can cause excessive sweating, pale complexion, tremors in the hands and feet, and other reactions in patients.
Hyperthyroidism Causes Excessive Sweating
Hyperthyroidism, also known as an overactive thyroid, is characterized by excessive sweating and intolerance to heat. Patients may also experience nervousness, irritability, lack of concentration, insomnia, and increased appetite.
Diabetes Causes Excessive Sweating
Diabetes combined with autonomic neuropathy can lead to abnormally increased sweating. Patients may experience the "three polys and one loss" syndrome, which includes polyphagia (increased appetite), polydipsia (increased thirst), polyuria (increased urination), and weight loss.
Menopausal Syndrome Causes Excessive Sweating
Women entering menopause experience varying degrees of autonomic nervous system dysfunction, leading to vascular constriction disorders and excessive sweating.
Different Body Parts Sweat for Different Reasons
Excessive Underarm Sweating Due to Stress
Underarms are the most prone to sweating in summer. Even slight activity can cause underarms to feel damp. Excessive sweat secretion in the underarms is actually related to excessive stress. When stress becomes overwhelming, the body's nervous system becomes disrupted, resulting in excessive sweating, depression, anxiety, and other symptoms. Due to the high density of sweat glands in the underarms, excessive stress can easily trigger sweat production.
Excessive Nasal Sweating Due to Deficiency of Lung Qi
Excessive nasal sweating is related to lung qi deficiency and requires qi tonification. The body's immune system is often weak, and immune function needs to be enhanced. Stimulating the lung meridian through tapping and pressing the sides of both legs can help regulate the condition.
Dizziness, Blurred Vision, and Excessive Sweating: Beware of Heatstroke
During hot summer temperatures, prolonged outdoor activity can easily lead to excessive sweating. If sudden dizziness, blurred vision, and a sense of weakness in the limbs occur after cooling down and stopping sweating, or if vomiting occurs, this may indicate heatstroke. In such cases, it is best to replenish fluids immediately, rest well, avoid outdoor activities as much as possible, take precautions against heat, and focus on hydrating and consuming heat-clearing foods.
