Increased sweating is what type of heat loss

These glands release a heavier, fat-laden sweat that carries a distinct odor. The smell, referred to as body odor, occurs when apocrine sweat breaks down and mixes with the bacteria on your skin. Your autonomic nervous system controls your sweating function. This is the part of your nervous system that functions on its own, without your conscious control.

When the weather is hot or your body temperature rises due to exercise or fever, sweat is released through ducts in your skin. It moistens the surface of your body and cools you down as it evaporates. Sweating is normal and occurs regularly in your daily living. However, a variety of causes can stimulate increased sweating.

Sweating may be a response to the foods you eat as well. This type of perspiration is called gustatory sweating. It can be provoked by:.

The hormonal fluctuations associated with menopause can also trigger sweating. Menopausal women often experience night sweats and sweating during hot flashes. You can take steps to make yourself more comfortable and minimize your sweating:.

If illness or medications cause uncomfortable sweating, talk to your doctor about alternative treatments. Sweating may indicate a medical problem if it occurs with other symptoms. Let your doctor know if you experience these as well:. The following conditions result from either excessive sweating or the absence of sweating. Sweating is a normal bodily function. Beginning at puberty, most people start to use antiperspirants to minimize sweating and odor.

Sweating either too much or too little can indicate a medical problem. When exposed to cold air, cover exposed skin and take shelter from the wind. The thicker the insulating clothing layer, the better it prevents convection. Conduction — Direct contact with an object. For instance, sitting or lying on the cold ground removes heat from the body, until the ground and the body are the same temperature.

The more dense the insulating barrier think dense steel metal vs. The thicker the barrier, the better. Radiation — The body radiates like a fire — you can feel heat without being inside the fire. Bodies can lose heat even in 70 degree weather. Combined with the wrists and ankles, this can approach 60 percent.

These areas need to be covered! Respiration — Air is warmed, then exhaled, resulting in a significant source of heat loss. Breathing through the nose helps warm the air as it enters the body and lungs slightly more than breathing through the mouth. Heat loss in cold, wet weather increases the risk for hypothermia and cold injury.

Heat loss can occur in warm temperatures through conduction. Swimming or sitting in cool or cold water can cause the body to lose heat very quickly and increase the risk for hypothermia. Hypothermia can occur quickly within a few hours or gradually over days and weeks depending on a person's age, overall health, and environmental conditions. Blahd Jr. Author: Healthwise Staff.

Medical Review: William H. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.