Excessive arm pit sweating is caused by a medical condition called hyperhidrosis. It can be an embarrassing problem because you may find yourself sweating excessively even in cool temperatures. Plus, it is unpredictable so you are never sure when it may begin.
Significance
Sweating is a natural process that helps to cool your body. You probably find that you sweat more in hot weather, after exercising or in response to an uncomfortable emotion. If you are angry, embarrassed or afraid you may experience increased sweating. This is a normal response.
According to Medline Plus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, if you find yourself sweating without specific triggers, you may have hyperhidrosis which appears to be caused by over active sweat glands. Excessive sweating is embarrassing but there are some things that can help.
Considerations
If your excessive sweating affects your arm pits, hands and feet it is known as focal or primary hyperhidrosis. This condition affects about two to three percent of the entire population so you are not alone. Hyperhidorsis may run in your family especially if you have a relative or sibling who also suffers from this condition. It my be due to another medical condition you have as well but, in the majority of the cases, there is no specific cause that can be identified.
Types
If you have another medical condition that is causing your sweating it is known as secondary hyperhidrosis. With this type of hyperhidrosis you may find that you are sweating only under your arm pits, However, some individuals experience sweating of their entire body.
According to Medline Plus, the possible cases of secondary hyperhidrosis include the following medical conditions: infections, acromegaly, TB, anxiety and panic disorders, certain types of cancer, medications, drug abuse, cardiac and lung disease, problems with glucose control, thyroid disease, menopause, spinal cord injuries, stroke, Parkinson's disease and a condition called Pheochromocytoma, which results in high blood pressure and bouts of profuse sweating.
Treatments
Excessive sweating can be managed with antiperspirants and medications such as glycopyrrolate, brand name Robinul or Robinul-Forte which help reduce excessive stimulation of your sweat glands. There are two procedures that are effective in treating arm pit swelling as well. The first is an injection of Botox which blocks the nerves that stimulate sweating. Iontophoresis is a type of eclectic current that temporarily leaves the sweat glands ineffective. Both of these procedures will need to be repeated on a routine basis which is determined by your response to treatment.
Warning
Excessive sweating when combined with weight loss can be an indication of a serious condition. If this describes your symptoms, it is suggested that you contact your health care provider for more information about your condition.
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