Excessive Sweating
Alternate Names : Diaphoresis, Excessive Perspiration, Profuse Sweating
Excessive sweating is difficult to measure. It is usually noticed by a person or by the healthcare provider.
What is going on in the body?
The main purpose of sweating in the body is to get rid of excess body heat. Sweat on the skin evaporates, and this cools the body. Excessive sweating can sometimes be a sign of serious underlying conditions.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
Excessive sweating has many causes, including:
strenuous activity
hot weather or wearing too much clothing for the temperature
inherited factors, as some people sweat more than others
migraine headaches
almost any infection, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis or a serious heart infection called endocarditis
hyperthyroidism, or an increased level of thyroid hormone in the body
pain, stress, anxiety or fear
hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar
serious heart conditions, such as a heart attack or congestive heart failure
serious lung conditions, such as emphysema, pulmonary edema or a pulmonary embolus
medications, such as haloperidol, which is used to treat psychosis
illegal drugs, such as cocaine
tumors or cancer
autoimmune disorders, in which a person's immune system attacks the body. Some examples are rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.
strokes, which can affect the temperature control center of the brain
Other causes are also possible. In some cases, no cause can be found.
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