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Warning-sign checks

Night sweats: 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 sweating occurs with:

    • Severe trouble breathing
    • Chest pain or pressure
    • Confusion, fainting, or a seizure
    • Difficulty waking or staying awake
    • Coughing up more than a few streaks of blood
    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

    These symptoms need urgent assessment regardless of whether the sweating happens at night.

    Seek same-day medical advice if you have a fever and feel very unwell, or if you have a weakened immune system because of illness or treatment.

    You should also seek prompt advice if you use insulin or another medicine that can lower blood sugar and sweating occurs with confusion, severe weakness, or loss of coordination.

    Follow your established low-blood-sugar plan while arranging help.

    Arrange a review sooner if they occur with unexplained weight loss, recurring fever, a lasting cough, persistent diarrhoea, unusual pain, or a new lump or swollen gland.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Book a routine appointment if night sweats repeatedly soak your clothes or bedding, disturb your sleep, or have no clear environmental explanation.

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