Kylmänhikisyys

Kylmänhikisyys is a Finnish term that translates to "cold sweat" or more literally, "cold sweatiness." It refers to the phenomenon of breaking out in a cold sweat, a physiological response characterized by the skin becoming clammy and cool, often accompanied by a feeling of unease or anxiety. This is typically caused by the body's reaction to stress, fear, pain, or even a sudden drop in blood sugar. The body releases adrenaline, which can trigger this sweating response as part of the "fight or flight" mechanism. While it can be a sign of an underlying medical condition such as hypoglycemia, shock, or certain infections, it is often a temporary and harmless reaction to a stressful situation. In common usage, the term is frequently used to describe the feeling of intense nervousness or dread experienced before a challenging event, such as public speaking or an important examination. The physiological mechanism involves the sympathetic nervous system stimulating sweat glands. The feeling of coldness arises because the evaporation of sweat from the skin cools the body.