Perspiration (sweating) is a normal bodily reaction that can occur in order to regulate the body temperature. However, perspiration can also occur as a result of a mental disorder or an underlying medical condition. Fortunately, there are ways to manage the causes of perspiration.
Panic Disorders
Panic disorder refers to severe anxiety attacks that can occur suddenly. Symptoms of panic disorder include sweating, hot flashes, chills, dizziness and chest pain. Panic disorder can also cause trembling, shaking, shortness of breath and fear of losing control and fear of choking.
The exact cause for panic disorders is unknown but they typically begin before a person is 25 years old.
Treatment for panic disorders involves taking benzodiazepines as alprazolam, antidepressants such as paroxetine and monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as isocarboxacid. These medications are best combined with relaxation techniques and cognitive behavioral therapy (talk therapy). Sometimes, simply exercising and getting enough sleep can decrease the frequency of panic attacks.
Hyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is a condition in which the body sweats excessively. Specifically, people can sweat so much that perspiration actually soaks through clothing. Also, sweating can occur on the feet, face, hands, soles of the feet or armpits. Sweating qualifies as hyperhidrosis when it affects a person's social life.
Two types of hyperhidrosis exist: focal and generalized hyperhidrosis. Focal hyperhidrosis,the most common type, typically affects the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and armpits. This type of sweating runs in families and isn't a harbinger for any medical disease.
Generalized hyperhidrosis refers to sweating that affects large areas of the body. Typically, this may be due to medical problems such as lymphoma, leukemia (blood cancer) or a heart attack.
Treatment for hyperhidrosis involves taking prescription antiperspirants such as aluminum chloride and anticholinergic medications such as glycopyrrolate. Both medications can reduce sweating. A doctor can also treat hyperhidrosis with iontophoresis, a procedure in which electrical currents are placed on the hands, feet and armpit to decrease perspiration. Also, botulism toxin can be injected to interfere with the nerves responsible for controlling the sweat glands. Surgery is also another option to either remove the sweat glands or sever the nerves supplying them.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia, commonly known as low blood sugar, can also lead to sweating. Other symptoms of hyperglycemia include cold sweats, confusion, blurry vision, double vision (diplopia), nervousness and shakiness. Hypoglycemia also causes hunger, headaches, fatigue, dizziness, paleness and fainting.
Hypoglycemia results from excessive insulin use. Insulin is a hormone that lowers blood sugar levels. Also, the cells can take up the blood sugar too quickly. Sometimes, glucose (sugar) is slowly released into the blood. Alcohol consumption, liver disease and a pancreatic tumor that releases too much insulin also can lead to hypoglycemia.
Consuming a food item or beverage high in sugar can reduce hypoglycemia symptoms. In severe cases, a glucagon injection can be given.
Other Causes
Perspiration can also be a response to warm environments, stress, nervousness, fear or emotional stress. Sometimes, eating spicy foods or drinking a hot beverage can lead to perspiration. Simply avoiding related environments, stressors, foods or beverages can prevent perspiration.
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