Heavy sweating in the heat not only causes discomfort, but can also lead to various health problems, such as dehydration. Together with an expert, we find out why a person sweats a lot in the heat and how to deal with it.

Why does a person sweat?

Sweating is a natural process of thermoregulation of the body, that is, it is the main way our body regulates its temperature. Water is released through sweat glands located on the skin and then evaporates from it, taking heat with it. In this way, the body cools down.Cooling is the main function of sweating, although not the only one. Without it, our body would not be able to release excess heat and a person would die from internal overheating.

How to avoid dehydration:

• Drink water throughout the day, not just when you think you need it. The minimum level in hot weather is 50 ml per 1 kg of body weight;
• Avoid drinking caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, which can increase the effect of dehydration, as they have a diuretic effect;
• choose water instead of sugary drinks;
• During intense exercise and heavy sweating, replenish lost electrolytes with beverages such as mineral water.

When does excessive sweating indicate illness?

Excessive sweating in some cases can signal serious and life-threatening diseases.Doctors call this pathological condition hyperhidrosis.

There are two types of hyperhidrosis:

1. Primary or focal, when excessive sweating is observed only in certain areas of the body: palms of the hands, armpits, soles of the feet. This is often associated with dysfunction of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. A distinctive feature is the symmetry of the appearance of sweat, and this often manifests itself during stress.

This is more of an aesthetic problem and does not threaten a person’s life.

2. The second type is general excessive sweating, it is called secondary hyperhidrosis. One of its obvious signs is excessive sweating at night. This process is called the “wet pillow” symptom.

There are many diseases that can be accompanied by the “wet pillow” symptom. Among them:

• age-related decrease in sex hormones (menopause in women and men);
• thyroid disease;
• diabetes mellitus;
• infectious diseases such as tuberculosis;
• systemic connective tissue diseases;
• malignant neoplasms;
• lymphoma (oncological disease).

If you wake up wet at night, be sure to see a doctor and undergo a comprehensive examination. It is important not to miss the disease at an early stage of development.

How to prevent excessive sweating?

1. Apply antiperspirant at night

Use an antiperspirant rather than a deodorant, as the former simply neutralizes the smell of sweat, while the latter blocks the sweat glands, reducing sweating and odor.

Photo: istockphoto.com/Vasyl Dolmatov

It is best to apply antiperspirant at night, when sweating levels are at their lowest.

2. Avoid foods and drinks that cause sweating

Gastroenterologist names 9 foods that should not be eaten in hot weatherCarbonated drinks, coffee and spicy foods put stress on the adrenal glands, causing an increase in body temperature.

3. Wear clothes made from natural fabrics

You should dress in loose clothes (it is better to choose oversized) made of natural fabrics: cotton and linen are better suited for hot weather. Synthetics do not allow the body to breathe and do not absorb sweat from the skin surface, which in high temperatures can be dangerous for our health.

Feet need to “breathe” too, so avoid thick socks and bulky shoes during the warmer months.

4. Consult a specialist

If you can’t cope with the problem on your own, consult a doctor. Remember that excessive sweating can be a sign of many diseases, so do not ignore this condition.