Excessive sweating is a condition that occurs when the sweat glands work more than normal to maintain the body’s temperature balance. If it occurs without any underlying disease, it is called primary excessive sweating. This condition is usually inherited, begins before the age of 25, and intense sweating is seen in areas such as the palms, soles, and armpits. However, excessive sweating is not limited to this condition; it can also occur with other health problems such as psychological, neurological, hormonal, or inflammatory diseases. In this context, the causes of excessive sweating are frequently investigated.
What causes excessive sweating?
Hyperhidrosis, commonly known as excessive sweating, is the name given to intense sweating that occurs beyond the physiological needs of the body. Excessive sweating is divided into two main categories: primary and secondary. Primary regional hyperhidrosis is the excessive sweating condition seen in healthy individuals without any disease and is actually the main condition called excessive sweating disease. Secondary hyperhidrosis is sweating that develops due to other diseases. Examples of this type of sweating include diabetes (hypoglycemia), thyroid diseases (hyperthyroidism), obesity, alcoholism, menopause, respiratory and heart failure, and other health problems.
Excessive sweating during sleep
Some hyperhidrosis patients do not experience excessive sweating at night. However, the causes of night sweats include diseases as well as thick pajamas, heavy bed linens, side effects of certain medications, and alcohol or drug use. They can cause sweating in the neck and head area during the night. In addition, paying attention to the spice content of foods consumed during the day and not letting the body dehydrate can be effective methods to reduce night sweats.
Excessive sweating in children
Excessive sweating in children can be a symptom of various health problems. Respiratory diseases and allergies are the main factors that cause children to sweat frequently. Adenoid enlargement and nasal congestion are also common causes of sweating in children. Heart diseases can cause sweating by increasing the heart rate or the amount of blood returning to the heart. In infants, hypoglycemia, which means excessively low blood sugar, can cause serious sweating. Especially in children during adolescence, excessive thyroid function is also known as a common cause of sweating.
Excessive sweating is a symptom of which disease?
In addition to various factors such as obesity and psychological disorders, menopause is also a common cause of excessive sweating. This condition, known as hot flashes, should definitely be evaluated under the supervision of a doctor if it negatively affects a person’s quality of life. In addition to menopause, similar excessive sweating can also occur during pregnancy.
Goiter, infectious diseases, heart failure, hypoglycemia, respiratory failure and diabetes are among the health problems that can cause excessive sweating. Excessive sweating can also be seen in some types of cancer. Therefore, it is important for people who sweat more than normal to consult a doctor. This condition can be a symptom of a sweating disorder such as hyperhidrosis, as well as another serious disease.
How to treat excessive sweating?
People who experience this problem often seek the answer to the question, “How can excessive sweating be cured?” In the treatment of excessive sweating, secondary excessive sweating is usually brought under control by treating an underlying health problem such as diabetes or thyroid disease. In the treatment of primary regional hyperhidrosis, patients try various methods.
First, creams and deodorants are used to temporarily reduce sweating. However, these methods are only effective in the short term for mild sweating and are inadequate in more severe cases.
Botox treatment stops sweating by injecting it into the sweaty area. It can be effective for 3 months for hands and 6 months for armpits, but it needs to be repeated and this can become tiring for patients over time.
For those looking for a permanent solution, excessive sweating surgery is the most effective and permanent method.
Within the scope of these treatment methods, the question “which doctor should be seen for excessive sweating?” comes to the fore. People who have excessive sweating problems should apply to the dermatology department due to skin problems.
What is good for excessive sweating?
If there is no serious underlying health issue, the answer to the question “how to stop excessive sweating?” can be given as changes people make in their lifestyle. Stress and anxiety can increase sweating. Stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga or breathing exercises can be useful. In terms of nutrition, avoiding spicy foods and drinking plenty of water can reduce sweating.