5 Underlying Causes of Excess Sweating
Excessive sweating is a medical condition known as hyperhidrosis. When the temperature is high, the sweat glands will produce the perspiration that will be carried to the surface of the skin; this normally happens when you are exercising, have a fever, or feel anxious. However, often an underlying medical condition (i.e., hormonal imbalance) may cause abnormally excessive sweating in areas such as the head, hands, and underarms so much so that the patient soaks through clothing and bedclothes.
For the individuals who suffer from excessive sweating, the sweat glands are often triggered regardless of activity levels or temperature. While in some cases, excessive sweating is harmless. In some instances, it may be due to one of the following medical conditions, and needs to be addressed immediately via a medical professional
1. Spinal cord injury
When you sweat, the body is trying to cool down. Nevertheless, for people with a spinal cord injury, you will experience excessive sweating, and the condition can be referred to as autonomic dysreflexia. The condition comes about when your spinal cord has incurred excessive damage. The blood pressure will be high when some of the areas below the injured part are stimulated. Apart from high blood pressure, if you have autonomic dysreflexia, you will experience symptoms such as flushed skin, chest tightness, headaches and feelings of anxiety and pain
2. Anxiety disorder
Anxiety and depression can be linked to excessive sweating. There are different types of anxiety that usually cause hyperhidrosis as well as heart palpitations. If heavy sweating is interfering with your daily activities, you may end up experiencing anxiety. Please speak to a medical professional.
3. Heart disease
Excessive sweating is among the signs of heart disease. In some cases, excessive sweating can signify a heart attack. Sweating closely relates to a condition known as atherosclerosis; this is a condition whereby the arteries become narrow, and the body will have a hard time delivering blood to the vital organs in the body. When you sweat at night and are not suffering from perimenopause, there is a chance that you may be suffering from a heart condition.
4. Hyperthyroidism
When the thyroid gland is making the thyroid hormones in excess, the temperature in your body will rise. As a result, you will end up sweating excessively
5. Parkinson’s disease
If you have Parkinson’s disease, there is a high likelihood that you will have an issue with excessive sweating since the nervous system is compromised. Excessive sweating with Parkinson’s may also occur due to the drugs being used to treat this condition. At times, people with the disease will experience excessive sweating at night
Excessive sweating is normal in some instances. However, if it is chronic and unexplained you may be suffering from an underlying health condition. In this case, you should consult a medical practitioner who will help determine your condition. Patients with medical conditions that cause excessive sweating can use prescription deodorant to help control sweat and odor.