If you see your little one sweating even though his body feels cold, it may be a sign of cold sweat in the baby. Although it looks mild, this condition can be a symptom of a serious illness that the baby may be suffering from, especially if the cold sweat causes the baby to look weak.
Cold sweats are generally experienced by babies because their bodies have not been able to regulate body temperature properly. So actually, baby sweating is normal. Cold sweats can appear in several parts of the body, such as the soles of the feet and hands or armpits.
However, cold sweat can sometimes also occur when the baby is exposed to certain diseases or health problems. Thus, parents must also remain vigilant.
Possible Causes of Cold Sweats in Babies
Cold sweats in babies can occur when he is in a hot or cold room and has air conditioning. This condition is not something that is dangerous and does not make the baby feel disturbed.
However, cold sweats in babies can sometimes also occur due to certain diseases or medical conditions. The following are various causes of cold sweat in babies to watch out for:
1. Shock
Shock is a condition when blood pressure drops very drastically, so that the function of the body's organs is disrupted because it does not receive enough oxygen or blood. In infants, shock can be caused by dehydration or a severe infection. If not treated immediately, this condition can damage organs and be life threatening.
2. Sepsis
Sepsis is a bacterial or viral infection in the blood. This condition can make the blood clot and make blood flow in the body not smooth, so that the organs and tissues of the body have difficulty getting blood and oxygen.
Babies with sepsis may experience cold sweats and other symptoms, such as seizures, fever, weakness, refusal to breastfeed, shortness of breath, and paleness.
3. Hypoglycemia
Blood sugar is the main source of energy for the body. When blood sugar levels drop, the body will lack energy and cannot function properly. This condition is known as hypoglycemia.
In infants, hypoglycemia can be caused by premature birth, severe infections, low birth weight, being born to a mother with diabetes, cold, and congenital abnormalities (birth defects), such as congenital heart disease.
4. Lack of oxygen
Cold sweats can appear as the body's response when the brain is deprived of oxygen. Lack of oxygen or hypoxia in babies can be caused by certain diseases or medical conditions, such as shortness of breath, severe infections, anemia, and head injuries at birth.
5. Congenital heart disease
Heart defects or congenital heart defects in babies can make blood flow in the body problematic, resulting in reduced oxygen supply to organs and body tissues.
Babies with congenital heart disease may experience cold sweats when they are being fed or when they cry. Congenital heart defects can also make the baby's skin look pale and bluish.
6. Overheated
Swaddles or blankets that are too tight on the baby's body can overheat. It can also increase the risk of sudden infant death.
To prevent your baby from sweating a lot, set the bedroom temperature to around 20–22o Celsius and make sure your baby is wearing comfortable, breathable clothes. Also make sure the baby gets enough fluids or breast milk to prevent him from becoming dehydrated.
It has been previously explained that cold sweat in infants is a common condition. As long as the cold sweat doesn't make the baby look cranky, weak, or tight and pale, this condition is not dangerous.
However, it is recommended that you immediately take your little one to the doctor if he experiences cold sweats accompanied by other symptoms, such as looking pale and weak, his skin and lips appear bluish or black, shortness of breath, dry lips, and does not want to eat and drink or breastfeed. .
Cold sweats in babies that appear along with some of the signs and symptoms above may be caused by certain medical conditions that need to be treated by a doctor immediately.