Patients commonly complain about night sweats, or nocturnal hyperhydrosis, according to the American Association of Family Physicians, or AAFP. These sweats can be so severe that nightclothes become drenched, although most cases are milder. Dozens of conditions can cause night sweats, including cancers, infections, endocrine disorders and medications. A physician consultation can help determine the cause and the appropriate treatment.
Infections
Many infections can cause night sweats, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Mononucleosis, caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, frequently causes night sweats in the acute phase. Infections related to HIV/AIDS, such as cytomegalovirus and Mycobacterium avian complex, commonly cause night sweats. Infections contracted while traveling, such as the chronic form of histoplasmosis and coccidioidomycosis, also cause night sweats.
Lymphoma
Lymphomas are cancers of the lymphatic system, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. The lymphatic system includes organs and tissues that produce, store and carry white blood cells, the cells that fight infection.
Drenching night sweats are the most common symptoms of Hodgkin's disease, according to the AAFP. Occasionally, patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma also may experience night sweats. Fevers may also accompany night sweats. In addition to night sweats, symptoms of lymphoma include painless swelling of the lymph nodes located in the neck, armpits and groin, fatigue, itchy skin and weight loss.
Menopause
Menopause is a transition in a woman's life when menstruation and fertility end. The hormones progesterone and estrogen decrease, resulting in symptoms that include drenching night sweats sometimes followed by shivering, episodes of flushing of the skin accompanied by sweating known as hot flashes, changes in sex drive, mood shifts and vaginal dryness. Similar symptoms may have other causes, according to the National Institute on Aging, and should be evaluated by a physician.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is an infection caused by breathing air contaminated by a person infected with the airborne bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, according to Merck Manuals. The most common sign is a cough that produces yellow or green mucus and eventually becomes streaked with blood. Commonly, patients will awaken at night soaked in sweat. Loss of appetite, weight loss, a general unwell feeling and a lack of energy are also common. Tuberculosis can spread to many parts of the body. Treatment includes multiple antibiotics.
Low Blood Sugar
Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can cause night sweats. Hypoglycemia during the night is called nocturnal hypoglycemia, explains the American Association of Family Physicians. Diabetics that experience nocturnal hypoglycemia may not have any other symptom. It can be caused by excessive exercise, taking large doses of insulin in the evening or missing a meal. Nocturnal hypoglycemia is life-threatening and should be reported to a physician.
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