Diaphoresis is excessive sweating, which can be caused by a variety of factors such as overactive sweat glands, spicy foods, and emotional stress. Hyperhidrosis is diaphoresis without an obvious cause and can be embarrassing for sufferers. It could be a symptom of an underlying medical condition such as an overactive thyroid or autoimmune disease. Treatment options vary depending on the condition and can include antiperspirants, prescription drugs, or surgery.
Diaphoresis is an umbrella term for unusually heavy or excessive sweating. Some people may sweat heavily in hot weather or while exercising. This is normal and rarely a cause for concern. People experiencing diaphoresis for no apparent reason should see a doctor, as it could be a symptom of an underlying medical condition.
People can sweat profusely for a variety of reasons. Some individuals sweat more heavily than others because they have overactive sweat glands. Eating spicy foods can cause sweating; emotional shock and traumatic or stressful situations can also make people sweat. Common causes such as heavy lifting, exercising, and exposure to high temperatures don’t usually require medical attention.
Hyperhidrosis is a medical term for diaphoresis without an obvious cause. Sufferers may sweat even in cold weather or when relaxed. Some people may have palmar hyperhidrosis or sweaty palms. Underarm hyperhidrosis occurs under the arms. Both conditions are embarrassing for sufferers and can lead to psychological distress and social problems.
A person suffering from diaphoresis or hyperhidrosis could have a medical condition that is causing the problem. Menopausal women often have hot flashes that can make them sweat profusely. Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can also cause sweating.
Other possible causes of diaphoresis include an overactive thyroid, infections, migraines, and illness. Excessive sweating could also indicate a life-threatening condition such as congestive heart failure, cancers, diabetes or an autoimmune disease such as lupus. Some prescription and nonprescription drugs can cause hyperhidrosis; alcohol or drug abuse could also be a factor.
Sweating is the main symptom in most patients who have diaphoresis or hyperhidrosis, but some patients may also have other symptoms, such as loss of appetite, rapid heart rate, or weight loss. Doctors diagnose diaphoresis by doing tests such as the paper test, in which the doctor absorbs some of the sweat with a special piece of paper and weighs it to determine how much sweat has accumulated. They might also order thyroid function tests or x-rays to look for underlying medical problems.
Treatment options vary depending on the condition. Some patients with diaphoresis can control their condition with strong antiperspirants or prescription drugs that prevent stimulation of overactive sweat glands. In severe cases, doctors might also perform an operation called a sympathectomy that turns off sweat synthesis receptors. Other cases are managed by treating the underlying condition that is causing the hyperhidrosis.
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