Possible causes of sweating a lot (not related to heat)

Whether due to the heat, during sports or nervousness, we can start to sweat quickly. It’s natural and normal, but in some people the sweat seems excessive and is a matter of concern. What are the possible causes of sweating a lot?

why we sweat

Sweating is an essential bodily function to regulate body temperature. To protect itself from overheating, the body sweats. So it’s natural to sweat when it’s hot or when we’re exercising, but why do we sweat when we’re scared or stressed, for example? This It is due to the action of the hormone adrenaline and the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. that our body releases when we are nervous to trigger the “fight or flight” response.

Sweat is made up of 99% water. Other components are urea, uric acid, amino acids, ammonia, sugar, lactic acid and ascorbic acid.

Some parts of our body sweat more than others. Many Sweat glands are found in the armpits, the palms of the hands, the feet, and the face.

We lose about half a liter of sweat every day. In heat and during physical exertion, the amount can be several liters. By the way, if you sweat a lot, you should compensate for the loss of fluid by drinking a lot of water.

possible causes of sweating a lot: HYPERHIDROSIS

Hyperhidrosis occurs when those affected sweat for no known cause or due to an underlying disease. Around a million people in Spain suffer from hyperhidrosis, but more than half of the population is unaware of the existence and symptoms of this disorder. Hyperhidrosis is divided into primary and secondary hyperhidrosis:

primary hyperhidrosis It happens for no apparent reason. Doctors suspect that an inherited disorder of the autonomic nervous system increases sweating during stress, physical exertion or emotions.Secondary hyperhidrosis it often occurs as an accompanying symptom of another underlying disease, for example, in connection with an overactive thyroid gland. Psychological problems can also lead to increased sweating.

But how much sweating is really “normal” and when do we talk about abnormal sweating (hyperhidrosis)?

The people that have a problem with sweat display a number of features:

They only sweat a lot in certain places, for example, under the armpits or on the palms of the hands. In the case of very severe hyperhidrosis, the sweat flows and the affected body parts are very humid. They only have discomfort during the day, they do not sweat excessively at night.

possible cause of sweating a lot: MENOPAUSE

Especially during menopause, women may experience increased sweating and hot flashes due to hormonal changes. The hot flash usually starts in the chest area and spreads to the neck and face.

Other women report constant sweating during this time. It is not yet known why women sweat more during perimenopause. But it is logical that estrogen and progesterone, as messenger substances, have an influence on the autonomic nervous system.

Estrogen is important for heat regulation in the diencephalon. Due to hormonal fluctuations, the brain also becomes unbalanced by mistranslating signals. The good news is that sweat production regulates itself after menopause.

POSSIBLE CAUSES OF SWEATING A LOT: heart problem

It is not uncommon for heart problems to manifest through sweating. For example, in the case of coronary artery disease, these they can narrow so that blood flow is affected.

Such vasoconstriction initially does not cause any problems. However, If the heart is not getting enough oxygen and nutrients, this can be noted through increased sweating, shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest.

Also may cause increased sweating in acute heart failure, in addition to shortness of breath, an extreme feeling of weakness, pale skin, and severe chest pain. To determine the exact cause and rule out heart disease, a doctor should be seen without delay.

sweating a lot: possible solutions

There are a variety of therapeutic options to treat excessive sweating. Starting with the antiperspirants, hEven various ointments and sprays that act on the sweat glands, including iontophoresis, which are electrical stimulations that help reduce sweating.

Some specialists use the botulinum toxin (Botox) to treat sweating. This neurotoxin reduces the transmission of nerve impulses to the sweat glands. Since Botox breaks down gradually, the effect only lasts three to six months.

Another option is a surgery that consists of remove the sympathetic nerves that regulate sweating. The surgery is minimally invasive and is considered, in conventional medicine, a routine and low-risk procedure.

Undoubtedly, the most recommended option to control excessive sweating of nervous origin is learn a relaxation technique, such as yoga, meditation or biofeedback. The effect is immediate.