There are a number of factors that could cause you to sweat excessively. Find out what you can do to ease the problem.
Seasonal flu
It comes with a sore throat, cough, backache, and a fever, and causes you to sweat a lot. It's best to treat these symptoms with painkillers and by staying indoors.
This type of sweating is most likely caused by a viral infection. The body's response to the infection is to raise its core temperature in an attempt to kill off the invader.
Do a Covid test as well, just in case.
Hyperthyroidism
This is characterized by symptoms such as sweating profusely, a racing pulse, clammy palms, and weight loss. Hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) increases your metabolism and hence raises your body temperature.
Sweating is your body's attempt to bring your temperature down. See your doctor arrange thyroid function tests and possibly referral to a specialist for assessment and treatment.
Menopause
Hot flushes can cause excessive sweating, especially at night when it's likely that you will pour with sweat for several minutes. This happens because a lack of estrogen sends your internal thermostat haywire, telling your body that it's overheating even when it's not.
To combat this, sleep with as little covering as possible. Keep the windows open at night, use a fan, and get in touch with your doctor to ask if you can try hormone replacement therapy.
What is diaphoresis?
This rather grand medical term simply means excessive sweating affecting your whole body. It's normal to sweat when you are hot or you exercise but drenching sweat is usually a symptom of an underlying condition such as menopause, an overactive thyroid, motion sickness, or anxiety.
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