Diaphoresis: what it is, causes and diseases that generate this symptom

Sweating plays an important role in cooling body temperature when levels are higher than normal, which is why the brain sends signals to sweat glands in order to release sweat, and when the latter evaporates, the surface of the skin is cooled, so that the body temperature gets descend.

Sweating is a normal process but when it occurs at excessive levels or without apparent cause, this may be an indication of be suffering from a problem with going out, as is the case with diaphoresis, so you may need medical attention.

Diaphoresis is a process of excessive and uncontrollable sweating, which is normally produced throughout the body, even if the person is not in a favorable environment for this sweating process, nor is the person performing a demanding physical activity that Trigger.

In this article we will see in more detail what this condition that causes excessive sweating consists of and what other health conditions it is usually accompanied by.

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What is diaphoresis?

Diaphoresis, also known as secondary hyperhidrosis, is a term used within the medical field to refer to the excessive sweating, rising to levels highly disproportionate to the environment in which the individual finds himself (for example, with a low ambient temperature) and at your activity level. This excess sweating tends to occur throughout the body and not just in a specific area.

Unlike diaphoresis, or secondary hyperhidrosis, which usually causes excessive sweating around the entire body, the Primary hyperhidrosis, usually causes excess sweating in certain parts of the body only (for example, in the least or in the feet).

Diaphoresis or secondary hyperhidrosis does not usually occur in isolation, but is usually a symptom of an underlying condition at the health level, and in some cases it may be serious enough to endanger the life of that person, so urgent medical attention is needed. That is why in the next section we will see some of the most common conditions in which diaphoresis can occur.

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Main causes of diaphoresis

Below we will explain the conditions in which diaphoresis is most common among its symptoms.

1. Menopause

Studies reveal that up to 85% of women during menopause may experience sweating, especially at night, along with hot flashes.

Throughout perimenopause, the period from when a woman stops menstruating until she begins menopause, it is very common for her to have diaphoresis at night. This it could be related to the hormonal fluctuation you experience, such as estrogen levels, due to the changes experienced during this process, so they can send false signals to the brain that your body is overheated, so you resort to excessive sweating in order to lower these levels of temperature.

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2. Pregnancy

During pregnancy, it is common for hormone levels to increase considerably throughout the body., so the metabolism is accelerated, so that with it the body temperature rises. This process could trigger excess sweating in the body, known as diaphoresis.

It should be noted that if there are no symptoms such as vomiting, body aches or fever, among others, diaphoresis alone does not usually require medical attention.

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3. Hyperthyroidism

When a person has hyperthyroidism, your thyroid gland becomes overactive and this causes an excess production of the hormone thyroxine, so the metabolism speeds up considerably and that person could experience the following symptoms:

• Diaphoresis or excessive sweating.
• Anxiety.
• Noticeable weight loss
• Nervousness.
• Insomnia.

Hyperthyroidism is a controllable medical condition, but requires medical treatment, in which case antithyroid drugs are usually prescribed in most cases, being the first-line treatment for these cases.

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4. Diabetes

In the case of a person with diabetes, because have noticeably low blood sugar levels, which is also known as hypoglycemia, and on the other hand, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Diaphoresis (this could be an early warning sign to detect a possible case of hypoglycemia).
• Tremors
• Dizziness
• Blurred mink.
• Anxiety.

When you are suffering from low blood sugar or hypoglycemia, it is very important to restore those sugar levels urgently, since otherwise you would be putting your life at risk.

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5. Cancer

Has been found an association of sweating or sweating with some types of cancer, as the following:

• Leukemia.

• Lymphoma

• Carcinoid tumors

• Bone cancer

• Liver cancer.

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6. Myocardial infarction

A myocardial infarction, or heart attack, occurs when a part of the heart muscle is severely affected for various reasons (for example, construction of the arteries that are responsible for supplying blood to the heart), so that the blood which is responsible for transporting oxygen to the heart does not have the possibility to access it due to an obstruction arterial; therefore, in this case medical attention is urgently needed.

In this case the most frequent symptoms are:

• Diaphoresis
• Tightness or discomfort in the chest.
• Pain in one or both arms.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pain in the jaw, back, neck, or stomach.
• Pale face.

7. Drug or alcohol withdrawal syndrome

Diaphoresis or excessive and uncontrollable sweating is frequently experienced, along with other symptoms, when suffering a withdrawal syndrome when you are in the process of stopping consuming alcoholic beverages or any type of drug.

In addition to diaphoresis, during withdrawal symptoms, the following symptoms may be experienced:

• Anxiety.
• Tachycardias
• Tremors
• Irritability.
• Fluctuation in blood pressure levels.
• Vomiting or nausea
• Seizures.

Due to the breadth of symptoms often experienced during a withdrawal period, whether from alcohol or drugs, it is important that the person receives psychological support from a professional specialized in addictions and, if possible, from a relative or close friend, given the difficulty of getting ahead only in this process.

• Related article: "Drug withdrawal syndrome: its types and symptoms"

8. Anaphylactic shock

An anaphylactic shock, also called anaphylaxis, is caused by a severe allergic reaction, happening quickly after a person has been exposed or ingested a substance that causes a high allergy.

The most common symptoms of anaphylactic shock are:

• Diaphoresis
• Reddened skin that is itchy.
• Difficulty breathing, due to a narrowing of the airways.
• Noticeable and rapid decrease in blood pressure levels.
• Diarrhea or vomiting
• Loss of consciousness

An anaphylactic shock is life threatening, requiring urgent medical attention. Therefore, at the slightest suspicion, it is important to go to a medical center or call the emergency service immediately.

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9. Medicines

There are a number of drugs that can cause diaphoresis, among other side effects, some of these drugs being the following:

• Antidepressants.
• Medicines used during chemotherapy treatment.
• Some pain relievers
• Hormonal drugs.

10. Other conditions that could cause sweating

In addition to the aforementioned conditions, there are other types of conditions that could also cause sweating or excessive sweating and uncontrollable, such as the following: malaria, sepáis, sleep apnea or psychological problems, such as disorders of anxiety.

Warning signs

When a person is experiencing excessive and uncontrollable sweating or sweating, it is important that you seek help or call the emergency services or your health center if the diaphoresis is accompanied by some of the symptoms listed below:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Clammy skin
• Tightness in the chest or tachycardia.
• Trouble breathing

What to do to reduce excessive sweating?

If you experience diaphoresis episodes, you can take a series of measures to help reduce the amount of sweating:

• Wear clothes that breathe, such as those made of natural fibers with cotton.
• Drink plenty of cold water.
• Dress in layers instead of wearing a thick garment, so you can take off clothes when you need to.
• Keep the environment cool by ventilating enough and even using air conditioning.
• It is preferable to avoid the consumption of caffeine, alcohol and spicy foods.