Both men and women can experience hot flashes. When this happens you break out into a sudden uncontrollable sweat, usually around the neck and chest area. There could be various factors that cause this, like a sudden drop in blood pressure, an over active thyroid, low blood pressure or when women are going through menopause. Hormonal changes during the monthly cycle of a woman can also cause her to break out in a sudden sweat on certain days of the month.

Hot flashes can occur during the day or sometimes even in the night, and are usually referred to as night sweats.

If you experience hot flashes very frequently, there are things that you can do which can help you deal with the situation.

Women, who experience hot flashes when they are ovulating, should wear loose fitting clothes in natural fabrics like cotton which help your body breathe easily.

Avoid drinking too many hot drinks or eating spicy food during those days. Also, avoid smoking or drinking.

When you experience hot flashes, try calming yourself by deep breathing. Sit down and close your eyes, look for a magazine or newspaper to fan yourself with.

If you have someone with you, it would be better to get that person to fan you as this would help you relax better. Look for some ice or a wet cloth and use it on the nape of your neck.

When sleeping at night, wear loose, soft cotton or jersey material clothing and try sleeping with the fan on. Avoid intense exercises at least 3 hours before bedtime.

If the hot flashes are due to a drop in blood pressure or blood sugar, eat a piece of chocolate or something sweet. The trick here is to gobble it up and not take small bites. This helps normalize the blood pressure or sugar levels.

Try and avoid the triggers completely. Avoid getting into situations which make you nervous or anxious. Plan your day in advance to avoid the last minute rush, which happens to most of us in the morning before getting to work.

Eat frequent meals in the day. This way you control blood pressure or blood sugar levels.

If after taking all the precautions, you still experience hot flashes every other day, it is best to have a medical advice from your doctor.