If you suddenly start waking up in the night with your bedclothes drenched in sweat, you may have a condition known as secondary hyperhidrosis, or night sweats. This condition occurs as a symptom of another condition or sometimes as a side effect of a medication, says the International Hyperhidrosis Society. While night sweats are more bothersome than dangerous, it is important to identify their cause to rule out any serious underlying medical conditions.
Tuberculosis
Night sweats are a symptom of tuberculosis, also known as TB, a type of lung infection that commonly affects people with weak immune systems. The Merck Manual of Geriatrics says that people older than 65, particularly those who live in long-term care facilities, are especially vulnerable to TB, accounting for up to 30 percent of all new cases. Other TB symptoms include fatigue, weight loss and a persistent cough. According to the New York State Department of Health, TB is highly contagious and can cause serious illness or even death, so if you suffer these symptoms, see a doctor right away.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a common lung infection that can cause night sweats. There are several different types of pneumonia, though bacterial pneumonia is common in older adults. According to the New York Times Health Guide, other symptoms of bacterial pneumonia include fever and chills, difficulty breathing, fatigue, confusion, headache and a cough with green, yellow or bloody sputum. Pneumonia can cause serious complications in the elderly, so if you suspect you have pneumonia see a doctor for treatment.
Drugs
Night sweats are a common side effect of both prescription and non-prescription medications. While taking certain medications can cause night sweats or excessive sweating in a small percentage of people, some medications cause sweating in approximately half the people who take them. The drugs desipramine, nortriptyline, pilocarpine, protriptyline and supplements containing zinc are all likely to cause night sweats. If you have night sweats, consult a physician or pharmacist to learn if your medications could be the cause.
Hodgkin Lymphoma
Night sweats are sometimes a symptom of Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of cancer that starts in the cells of your immune system. While not as common as non-Hodgkin lymphoma, this cancer tends to strike people younger than 35 and adults older than 55, says the National Cancer Institute. Other symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma include persistent fever and cough, pain or swelling in the lymph nodes, unexplained weight loss and fatigue. See your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
Hyperthyroidism
People with hyperthyroidism, or people who make too much thyroid hormone, often suffer night sweats. According to the Thyroid Foundation of Canada, the risk of developing thyroid problems tends to grow with age because the thyroid often does not function as well in older people. Hyperthyroidism can cause a general intolerance of heat, which can lead to night sweats. Other symptoms of hyperthyroidism include heart palpitations, weight loss and anxiousness. You should report these symptoms to a doctor.
References
- New York Times Health Guide: Pneumonia
- International Hyperhidrosis Society: Understanding Hyperhidrosis
- National Cancer Institute: Hodgkin Lymphoma: Symptoms
- International Hyperhidrosis Society: Drugs/Medications Known to Cause Hyperhidrosis
- New York State Department of Health: Tuberculosis (TB)
- "American Family Physician"; Diagnosing Night Sweats; Anthony J. Veira, LCDR, MC, USNR, Micahel M. Bond, LT, MC, USNR, Dr. Scott W. Yates; Mar. 1, 2003
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