Sweating, excessive

Alternative names:

diaphoresis; increased sweating; perspiration-excessive

Home care:

After an episode of unusual sweating, the face and body should be sponged, wet clothes and/or bed sheets changed. Lost body fluids should be replaced by drinking plenty of water.

Room temperature should be kept moderate to prevent additional sweating.

For sweating due to menopause, consult your health care provider about estrogen replacements.

Call your health care provider if:

• there is prolonged, excessive, and unexplained sweating.
• sweating is accompanied or followed by chest pain or pressure.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting excessive sweating in detail may include:

• location
  • Is it on face and/or palms?
  • Is it all over the body?

• time pattern
  • Does it occur at night?
  • Did it begin suddenly?
  • How long have you had it?

• aggravating factors
  • Does it occur in response to reminders of a traumatic event?

• other
  • What other symptoms are also present?
  • Are there cold clammy hands?
  • Is there a fever?

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• audiometry
• blood cultures
• blood tests such as CBC, blood differential, and other tests depending on the suspected cause
• CT scan
• X-rays of the chest

Intervention:
Fluids and electrolytes will be replaced as necessary.

After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to excessive sweating, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.