Sweating

About the Symptom

Sweating is a body function that helps to maintain body temperature. It is also called perspiration and is the production of sweat by specialized glands in the skin.

When to See a Doctor

Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms

• Fine tremor of the fingers
• Abnormal menstruation
• Fever
• Respiratory wheeze
• Seizure attack
• Unexplained weight loss of 5% or more in 1 month
• Recent weight loss
• Palpitation

Possible Causes

Generally, Sweating can be related to:

• Pheochromocytoma

  Pheochromocytoma is a rare and typically benign tumor that grows in your adrenal gland. Your adrenal glands are small triangular organs, located above your kidneys, responsible for producing hormones that regulate your blood pressure, metabolism, and body reactions in stressful states. Pheochromocytomas are usually caused by genetic mutations and are associated with hereditary syndromes. Some symptoms include These symptoms can include: high blood pressure, headaches, irregular heartbeat, and sweating.

• Dyshidrotic Eczema

  This refers to a skin inflammation where small blisters develop on the fingers, palms, and soles.

• Hyperhidrosis

  This refers to excessive sweating, even in cool weather and when not exercising. This can affect the whole body or only specific parts (e.g. sweaty palms). Hyperhidrosis can occasionally be caused by some thyroid disorders, problems with the nerves, as a side effect of some medication, or most commonly has no known cause (idiopathic).

• Graves' Disease
• Hyperthyroidism
• Subacute Thyroiditis
• Late-onset Hypogonadism

Related Serious Diseases

Sometimes, Sweating may be related to these serious diseases:

• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

  This is a rare and serious reaction to certain medications. Symptoms usually begin within hours to days after exposure to the medication but can sometimes occur up to a month after starting it. Common causative medications include antipsychotics and occasionally drugs used to treat or prevent vomiting, Parkinson's disease, etc. Symptoms include dangerously high body temperature, muscular rigidity, and severe agitation and altered mental status.

• Cyclic Vomiting
• Malaria

Doctor's Diagnostic Questions

Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:

• Are you currently sweating?
• How long have you been excessively sweating?

Find Similar Symptoms

References

• Mack, G. W.; Nadel, E. R. (1996). "Body fluid balance during heat stress in humans". In Fregly, M. J.; Blatteis, C. M. (eds.). Handbook of Physiology. Section 4: Environmental Physiology. New York: Oxford University Press. pp. 187–214.