The 8 Most Common Causes Of Diaphoresis

March 23, 2019

Have your recently noticed that you’ve started excessively sweating? Sweating too much even when the temperature is cool or you are resting, is not normal. It can point to a treatable underlying condition. If you’ve noticed that you’ve suddenly started sweating profusely just going about your daily activities, then you might have Diaphoresis.

Diaphoresis is fancy medical mumbo-jumbo for secondary hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating. Diaphoresis is when excessive sweating is triggered by changes in the body, hormones, illness, and other medical conditions. Some medications can also cause Diaphoresis. Once the cause of Diaphoresis is addressed then the Diaphoresis will stop.

Some of the things that may cause Diaphoresis are symptomatic of potentially serious medical conditions (also, abnormal sweating in relation to your environment and activity level). Staying in shape and making decisions that promote good health are some of the best ways to avoid health issues. If you do have Diaphoresis, then talking with your doctor is the best way to get specific answers for what may be the underlying cause of your excessive sweat.

There are a number of causes of Diaphoresis, here is a list of the 8 most common causes.

1. Menopause and Perimenopause

One of the most common signs of Menopause and Perimenopause is hot flashes. Women often experience hot flashes as a sudden feeling of heat, flushed face, and excessive sweating. Doctors aren’t entirely sure what causes hot flashes beyond changes in hormones. They are thought to be related to changes in circulation as well.

Hot flashes can occur at any time of day or night. When they happen while you sleep, they’re called night sweats. Diaphoresis, excessive sweating can occur at any time.

2. Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid starts to overproduce hormones. This change in hormone levels can to changes in the body’s metabolism including weight loss, rapid or irregular heartbeat, and Diaphoresis to name a few. Hyperthyroidism can lead to several health issues which make it difficult for doctors to determine hyperthyroidism as the underlying cause.

3. Diabetes

For people with diabetes, some can experience Diaphoresis. Excessive sweating can be caused by several complications from diabetes including heart problems, Kidney Disease, and nerve damage. Low blood sugar is one of the most common causes of sweating for diabetics and should be addressed immediately. Night sweats can often occur when low blood sugar occurs while asleep.

4. Obesity

Diaphoresis can occur for those who are overweight or obese. Those with obese bodies have a difficult time eliminating body heat efficiently. There is a low body surface area to weight ratio, so those who are obese sweat more to help cool the body down.

5. Withdrawals

When a person becomes dependent on a drug to function normally and the user quits taking the drug they can become sick, a condition called withdrawal. Drugs, especially opiates affect the nervous and hormonal systems. When the drug abuse ends, these systems will be more greatly affected and react negatively with symptoms such as Diaphoresis, severe nausea, unstable blood pressure, and physical pain. Those seeking to detox safely should do so with medical supervision.

6. Certain medications

There is a long list of medications, both prescription and non-prescription, that cause Diaphoresis. The International Hyperhidrosis Society has provided a list of these medications and can be found here. If you are experiencing Diaphoresis and are taking any of these medications, talk with your doctor. Once a certain medication is suspected of being the cause of Diaphoresis, the next course is to try a different medication.

7. Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that occurs when the body encounters an allergen. Allergens can include, certain foods, medicines, insects, and latex. Symptoms of Anaphylaxis occur shortly after contact with an allergen and worsen quickly. These symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, unconsciousness, confusion, collapse, chest/throat tightness, and Diaphoresis. Anaphylaxis should be treated immediately to prevent serious and life-threatening complications.

8. Some Cancers

Night sweats are one of the earliest signs of cancers, especially Lymphoma. It can often be extremely severe leading to soaked sheets and mattresses. Doctors are not sure what causes the night sweating. It is possibly related to chemicals produced by the lymphoma cells that trigger night sweats.

There are other medical conditions that can cause Diaphoresis. If you are experiencing Diaphoresis, pay attention to your body. What are some other symptoms you may be experiencing? Do you have an increased heart rate? Are you feeling anxious, nervous, or shaky? Do you have unexplained weight loss? Are you experiencing Insomnia? Keeping track of symptoms will help you and your doctor determine what the underlying health issue is.

While Diaphoresis is unpleasant, it’s a big clue that your body is trying to tell you something. Listen to your body, it may just save your life.