What causes nausea and cold sweats?

Excessive sweating refers to an abnormal increase in perspiration. Normally, people sweat after physical activity or when exposed to high temperatures. However, patients with pathological sweating may experience abnormal perspiration even during sleep or rest. So, what causes nausea accompanied by cold sweats?

What Causes Nausea Accompanied by Cold Sweats?

Nausea with cold sweats may result from Spleen deficiency or insufficient Lung Qi. For cases involving both Spleen- and Lung-Qi deficiency—manifesting as spontaneous sweating, nausea, and vomiting—Yu Ping Feng Granules may be recommended. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Lung governs the skin; thus, weakened Lung Qi leads to laxity of the skin’s defensive barrier, resulting in excessive sweating. Chronic respiratory diseases that remain unresolved over time are a primary cause of deficient Lung Qi. From the perspective of the Five Elements theory, the Spleen and Lung share a “mother-child” relationship: prolonged Lung Qi deficiency may deplete the Spleen’s resources (“child stealing mother’s Qi”), ultimately leading to concurrent Spleen- and Lung-Qi deficiency.

Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, sweating, poor appetite, abdominal distension, and generalized fatigue. Patients with mild symptoms may benefit from Yu Ping Feng Granules, whereas those with more severe manifestations require comprehensive treatment targeting both the Spleen and Lung. Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Wan (Perilla and Cardamom Six-Gentleman Pills) may be prescribed. During treatment, patients should maintain warmth and avoid exposure to wind—especially critical, as wind invasion is easily facilitated when pores are open due to sweating, increasing susceptibility to external pathogens.

Patients are advised to undergo gastroscopy at a hospital and receive pharmacological treatment—such as prokinetic agents or gastric acid inhibitors—to address underlying gastrointestinal dysfunction. We hope this information proves helpful.