Why Some People Sweat Less During Heatwave - And Why It’s Dangerous

An

intense heatwave is currently on across India – it becomes imperative to keep yourself not only cool and comfortable but also look for signs that are not good for your health. While sweating is often seen as the body’s natural cooling system, experts believe that during extremely high temperatures, some people notice something unusual - they sweat very little or stop sweating altogether. While it may seem harmless, doctors warn that reduced sweating during a heatwave can be a danger sign linked to overheating and heat-related illness.Also read: Heatwave Survival: 10 Common Mistakes That Can Secretly Turn Dangerouses

Why do humans sweat?

Sweating helps regulate body temperature. When body heat rises, sweat glands release moisture onto the skin. As the sweat evaporates, it cools the body down. This process is essential during hot weather, exercise, or heatwave conditions. However, not everyone sweats normally. Some people naturally sweat less, while others may stop sweating due to dehydration, medical conditions, medications, or heat exhaustion.

Why do some people sweat less during heatwaves?

Severe dehydration

One of the most common reasons for low sweating in extreme heat is dehydration. When the body loses too much water through heat exposure, it tries to conserve fluids. As a result, sweat production decreases. This is dangerous because the body loses its primary cooling mechanism, increasing the risk of heatstroke.

Heat exhaustion turning into heatstroke

Reduced or absent sweating can signal that heat exhaustion is progressing into heatstroke - a medical emergency. In some cases, the skin may become hot, flushed, and dry despite high body temperature. Heatstroke can damage the brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles if not treated quickly.

Certain medical conditions

Some health conditions affect sweat glands or the nervous system, leading to reduced sweating. These include diabetes, thyroid disorders, Parkinson’s disease, skin disorders, and nerve damage conditions. People with these conditions may struggle to cool themselves properly during hot weather.

Medications that reduce sweating

Certain medicines can interfere with sweating, including:

• Antihistamines
• Antidepressants
• Blood pressure medications
• Some psychiatric drugs

Doctors say people taking such medications should be extra cautious during heatwaves.

Age-related changes

Older adults and very young children often sweat less efficiently. Ageing reduces the activity of sweat glands, making seniors more vulnerable to heat-related illness. Children may also become dehydrated faster because their bodies regulate temperature differently.

Warning signs you must not ignore

Low sweating during extreme heat may be dangerous if it happens along with:

• Dizziness
• Rapid heartbeat
• Headache
• Confusion
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea
• Hot and dry skin
• Fainting

These symptoms may indicate heat exhaustion or heatstroke and require immediate cooling and medical attention.

How to stay safe during a heatwave

Health experts recommend that you drink water regularly, even when you are not thirsty, avoid direct sun during peak afternoon hours, wear loose and breathable clothing, limit caffeine and alcohol, use fans and cool showers or air conditioning, and check on elderly family members and children frequently. If someone stops sweating and appears confused or overheated, emergency medical help should be sought immediately.