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Warning-sign checks

Sweating: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services if sudden heavy sweating occurs with chest pressure or pain, severe breathing difficulty, fainting, marked weakness, or confusion.

    These symptoms may signal a serious heart or circulation problem.

    Move to a cooler place and seek emergency help.

    Seek emergency help if you cannot swallow safely, lose consciousness, or do not recover.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Do not wait for the person to stop sweating.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine medical appointment if sweating:

    • Starts without a clear reason or becomes noticeably heavier
    • Regularly wakes you or soaks your bedding
    • Interferes with work, sleep, relationships, or everyday activities
    • Occurs with ongoing fever, unexplained weight loss, a racing heartbeat, or persistent cough
    • Began after starting or changing a medicine
    • Causes repeated rashes, broken skin, or infections

The article also says

Confusion, collapse, seizures, or very high body temperature during hot weather or exercise can indicate heatstroke.

If you have diabetes, sweating with shaking, hunger, dizziness, or confusion may mean low blood sugar.

Follow your personal low-blood-sugar plan.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Sweating. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.