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Causes and Symptoms of Excessive Sweating

Causes of Excessive Sweating:
While doctors don't know why excessive sweating starts, the most likely cause is a genetic one. They have successfully linked it to over-activity in the sympathetic nervous system. Specifically, it is the Thoracic Sympathetic Ganglion Chain, which runs along the vertebra of the spine inside the chest cavity.

Further explanation of the problem can be divided into two categories; generalized hyperhidrosis or focal hyperhidrosis. In cases with generalized hyperhidrosis excessive sweating can appear in most parts of the body. It can happen on the face, trunk and extremities. In those cases most of the patients do have some other systemic problems such as obesity, febrile illnesses or some sort of neoplastic disease (cancers) or some endocrinological disorders (thyroid glands, etc). A search for a specific reason to excessive sweating in general can be long. A cause cannot be found in every case and then the diagnosis of idiopathic hyperhidrosis can be applied to those cases. Idiopathic meaning "unknown."

In focal hyperhidrosis there are specific sites with excessive sweating. The most common areas of the body are the hands, armpit and feet. In these cases of focal hyperhidrosis the most likely explanation is a genetic trait. We know that in most studies a genetic connection was shown in about 50% to 60% of the cases. Even though the genetic connection is very well established genetic manipulation for the purpose of treatment is still a very long ways off. Dr. Reisfeld believes one day this will be the key element in cases of focal hyperhidrosis.

This chain controls the glands, known as the apocrine and eccrine glands, responsible for perspiration throughout the entire body. The eccrine sweat glands are mainly concentrated in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. In most cases, the hands and feet are affected. To a lesser degree, the face and armpit (axillae) regions are affected. Another manifestation of the hyperactive sympathetic activity is facial blushing.

It used to be a common thought that excessive hand sweating is caused by over activity of the thyroid gland but over the years it was proven not to be the case. Another thought was that patients who suffered from anxiety problems would have excessive hand sweating. This was also proven to be wrong as patients can have severe palmar hyperhidrosis (hand sweating) even in the most relaxing moments of their life.

Sometimes people sweat heavily because of other illnesses such as hyperthyroidism, psychiatric disorders, menopause and obesity. These causes must first be ruled out before Primary Hyperhidrosis can be diagnosed. Dr. Reisfeld speaks with potential candidates for the procedure over the phone or in person to review their condition and advise them of their best options.

Excessive Sweating Symptoms:
Sweat can occur in many different areas on the body. Most commonly, hyperhidrosis occurs on the palms of the hands. In such cases, this condition is known as Palmar Hyperhidrosis. But hyperhidrosis is not just limited to the hands, it can also occur on the face, the soles of the feet (plantar), and in the armpits (axillae).

Regardless of where it occurs, excessive sweating presents an incredible problem to those living with the condition. When the act of shaking hands presents a problem, business and day-to-day life can become very uncomfortable. Many patients report that they are even embarrassed to hold the hands of those they love and those they are closest to. Some patients report that the sweat prevents them from being as sociable as they would like to be, as they are forced to hide in the shadow of hyperhidrosis. Other problems occur such as smeared ink when writing or an inability to use electronic devices such as keyboards and computers. Hyperhidrosis can extremely affect people socially and functionally in their everyday lives. Thankfully, there is a permanent surgical cure for the condition.

Hyperhidrosis is not a temporary condition. Many people who suffer from it have suffered for many years, usually since childhood. Also, whether living in a hot or cold climate, patients who experience hyperhidrosis experience constant sweating.

Other topics of interest:

• Sweaty Hands
• Sweaty Feet
• Facial Blushing / Sweating
• Armpit Sweating
• What is ETS - Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy
• Details of the surgery
• Patient Testimonials
• Frequently asked questions
• Ask Dr. Reisfeld a question
• Request an information packet and evaluation

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