What are the symptoms of hot flashes and night sweats?
Disease description:
Yesterday, I visited my aunt's house, and she mentioned that she seems to have an issue with hot flashes. Her pillowcase is damp every morning after waking up. I'm quite concerned about her and would like to ask about the symptoms of hot flashes and night sweats.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. He Haochen
The main symptoms of heat flushes and night sweats include the following aspects:
1. **Heat Flushes:** Patients suddenly experience a feeling of body heat, which comes on like a wave and then gradually subsides. This sensation usually starts in the chest area and quickly spreads to the head, neck, and entire body, possibly accompanied by skin flushing and a burning sensation.
2. **Night Sweats:** Patients experience unexplained sweating during sleep, which can be profuse enough to soak clothing and bed sheets. The sweating typically stops after the patient wakes up.
3. **Other Symptoms:** In addition to heat flushes and night sweats, patients may also experience dry mouth and throat, dry tongue, soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, general fatigue, and other symptoms. These manifestations may vary among individuals but are commonly associated with heat flushes and night sweats.
In traditional Chinese medicine, these symptoms are considered to be manifestations of excessive internal heat due to yin deficiency, especially common in menopausal women. If these symptoms occur, timely medical consultation is recommended to receive professional diagnosis and treatment.
