Are You Experiencing Diaphoresis? Here’s What You Need to Know
Do you ever find yourself in a full-body sweat even when it’s not hot out and you’re not doing strenuous work or exercise? You also might be unable to stop sweating when trying to cool yourself off. If this sounds like you, you may be experiencing diaphoresis.
What is Diaphoresis?
Diaphoresis is the symptom of excessive sweating beyond average perspiration. It can happen at any time but more often occurs with high temperatures or intense physical activity. While diaphoresis alone isn’t life-threatening, it is often a sign of other underlying medical conditions that could be potentially dangerous without treatment.
Causes of Diaphoresis
Diaphoresis can result from a range of conditions. As such, your doctor must first assess any other symptoms and diagnose the underlying cause to treat diaphoresis effectively. This section highlights some of the more common causes of diaphoresis in more detail.
Menopause
Menopause is the stage in a woman’s life when menstruation stops, with the transition typically starting between ages 45 and 55. Among other symptoms occurring during this period, diaphoresis typically shows up in the form of hot flashes and night sweats.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy can also be a sweaty affair that results in hot flashes while awake or night sweats during sleep. Most women sweat more during pregnancy compared to other times in their lives.
Diabetes
Excessive sweating is an early warning sign that someone with diabetes has hypoglycemia or low blood sugar.
Hyperhidrosis
If the sweating is restricted to specific body parts, such as your hands or feet, you may be showing signs of a condition known as primary hyperhidrosis.
Withdrawal
When a person with substance or alcohol use disorder stops using drugs or drinking alcohol, they often go through a phase of physiologic withdrawal.
Cancer
Certain cancers may cause diaphoresis, including bone cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, and carcinoid tumors.
Medications
Diaphoresis can also be a potential side effect of some medications designed to improve your health.
When to See a Doctor
Certain circumstances may call for medical intervention, especially if sweating is so profuse that it affects your everyday life.
Treatments
The best way to treat diaphoresis is to determine the disease or disorder that’s triggering your excessive sweating in the first place.
The Lowdown
Diaphoresis is the symptom of excessive sweating, which may be linked to some underlying medical conditions. Seeking medical advice, taking the prescribed medication, eating right, exercising, and managing your blood sugars can help to control diaphoresis in many cases.