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

Diaphoresis is an excessive increase of sweating in the body; let's see its characteristics.

Sweating plays an important role in cooling the body temperature when the levels are higher than normal, so the brain sends signals to the sweat glands in order to release sweat, and when the latter evaporates, it cools the surface of the skin, so the body temperature gets lower.

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

Diaphoresis is a process of excessive and uncontrollable sweating.The sweating process, 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 triggers it.

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.

What is diaphoresis?

The diaphoresis, also denominated as secondary hyperhidrosis, is a term used within the field of the medicine to refer to the excessive sweating, rising to levels that are grossly disproportionate to the environment in which the individual is located (e.g., with an ambient temperature (e.g. low ambient temperature) and activity level. This excessive sweating usually occurs all over the body and not only in a specific area.

Unlike diaphoresis, or secondary hyperhidrosis, which usually causes excessive sweating all over the body, primary hyperhidrosis usually causes excessive sweating in certain parts of the body only (e.g., on the feet).

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

Main causes of diaphoresis

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

1. Menopause

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

Throughout perimenopause, the period from the time a woman stops menstruating until menopause begins, it is very common to experience diaphoresis at night. This may be related to the hormonal fluctuation she experiences, such as estrogen levels, due to the changes experienced during menopause.This can send false signals to the brain that your body is overheating, so it resorts to excessive sweating in order to lower those temperature levels.

2. Pregnancy

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

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

3. Hyperthyroidism

When a person suffers from hyperthyroidism, their thyroid gland is overactive and this causes an excess production of the hormone thyroxine, so that the metabolism is reduced.As a result, the metabolism speeds up considerably and the person may experience the following symptoms:

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

Hyperthyroidism is a manageable medical condition, but it requires medical treatment.In this case, antithyroid drugs are prescribed in most cases, as they are the first-line treatment for these cases.

4. Diabetes

In the case of a person who suffers from diabetes, due to the fact that has noticeably low blood sugar levels, also known as hypoglycemia.This is also known as hypoglycemia and, on the other hand, he/she may experience the following symptoms:

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

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

5. Cancer

It has been found an association of diaphoresis, or excessive sweating, with some types of cancer.such as the following:

• Leukemia.

• Lymphoma.

• Carcinoid tumors.

• Bone cancer.

• liver cancer.

• 6. Myocardial infarction

  A myocardial infarction, or heart attack, is given when a part of the cardiac muscle is seriously affected by different reasons (for example, construction of the arteries). (for example, construction of the arteries that supply blood to the heart), so that the blood that transports oxygen to the heart is unable to reach the heart due to an arterial obstruction; therefore, in this case, urgent medical attention is 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.
  • Paleness of the face.

  7. Drug or alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

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

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

  • Anxiety.
  • Tachycardia.
  • Tremors.
  • Irritability.
  • Fluctuation in Blood Pressure levels.
  • Vomiting or nausea.
  • seizures

  Due to the range of symptoms often experienced during a period of withdrawal from either alcohol or drugs, it is important that the person receives psychological support from a professional specialized in addictions and, if possible, from a family member or relative, given the difficulty of coping with this process alone. and, if possible, from a family member or close relative, given the difficulty of getting through this process alone.

  8. Anaphylactic shock

  An anaphylactic shock, also denominated as anaphylaxis, is caused by a severe allergic reactionoccurring rapidly after a person has been exposed to or ingested a substance that causes a heightened allergy.

  The most common symptoms of anaphylactic shock are as follows:

  • Diaphoresis.
  • Red, itchy skin.
  • Difficulty breathing, due to a narrowing of the airways.
  • Rapid and noticeable drop in blood pressure levels.
  • Diarrhea or vomiting.
  • Loss of consciousness.

  Anaphylactic shock is life-threatening and requires urgent medical attention. Therefore, at the slightest suspicion, it is important to go to a medical center or call the emergency service immediately.

  9. Medications

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

  • Antidepressants.
  • Medications used during chemotherapy treatment.
  • Some analgesics.
  • Hormonal drugs.

  10. Other conditions that could cause diaphoresis

  In addition to the above conditions, there are other conditions that may also cause diaphoresis or excessive and uncontrollable sweating, such as malaria, sepsis, sleep apnea or psychological problems, such as anxiety disorders.

  Warning signs

  When a person is experiencing diaphoresis or excessive and uncontrollable sweating, it is important to seek help or call for help, it is important to seek help or call the emergency services or your health care facility if diaphoresis is accompanied by any of the symptoms listed below:

  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Dizziness.
  • Clammy, clammy skin.
  • Tightness in the chest or tachycardia.
  • Difficulty breathing.

  What can be done to reduce excessive sweating?

  If you experience episodes of diaphoresis, you can take a number of steps to help reduce the amount of sweating. measures can be taken to help reduce the amount of sweating:

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