The body starts sweating as soon as we go out in summer or do some work out. Many people wonder whether excessive sweating is a sign of any disease? The answer is- no.
Sweat is our body’s natural cooling system. Its main function is to control the temperature of the body. When the body temperature increases, millions of sweat glands present in the skin produce sweat. This sweat evaporates from the skin and cools our body. But if excessive sweating starts without heat, without any workout or without any reason, then we should be alert.
After all, how is sweat formed?
There are approximately 20 to 40 lakh (2 to 4 million) sweat glands in our body. When the hypothalamus of the mind senses that the body is getting hot, then it gives a message to these glands to produce sweat. As –
– walking in the sun
– exercising in the gym
– having high fever
– having tension or nervousness
In these conditions the body sweats more to keep itself cool.
What is the normal reason for excessive sweating?
1. Hot weather: In countries like India, due to high heat and humidity, the body sweats more.
2. Exercise: Running, gym or doing heavy work increases body temperature and causes excessive sweating.
3. Tension and nervousness: While giving an interview, exam or speech, or doing any work for the first time, many people suddenly start sweating on their hands, feet and face.
4. Spicy food: Some things like green chillies, hot spices, tea, coffee and alcohol also increase sweating.
5. Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, thyroid disease or adolescence cause excessive sweating.
When can excessive sweating be an alarm of disease?
If you are sweating profusely without any heat or hard work, then there may be some problems behind it. As –
Hyperthyroidism (excessive thyroid)
– Low blood sugar in diabetes
– Heart related problem
– Some infections (such as TB)
– obesity
– Side effects of some medicines
– A disease called Hyperhidrosis, in which there is excessive sweating.
Some general knowledge related to sweat
There are 20 to 40 lakh sweat glands in the human body.
– During extreme heat, hard work or excessive yoga-exercise, a person can sweat 1 to 2 liters in an hour.
– About 1% to 3% of the world’s population suffers from hyperhidrosis (abnormally excessive sweating).
– About 99% of the total sweat of the body is water, while the rest consists of salt and other minerals.
Content Source: WHO, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, MSD Manual Consumer Version, American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).