In most cases, sweating is perfectly natural, especially asa a result of exercise or hot tempereatures, or if something has happened to cause an emotional response (anger, embarrassment, nervousness, fear, or anxiety).

If sweating is accompanied by fever, weight loss, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or palpitations, other physical causes should be considered.

• Environmental temperatures
• Fever (often triggers sweating to cool off the body)
• Menopause
• Overactive thyroid gland (the hands shake, the hair thins, the skin is smooth, and the pulse is fast)
• Low blood sugar in a diabetic receiving insulin or oral medication
• Underlying infection or malignancy (sweating at night without an obvious cause)
• Emotional or psychological stimulation (being in or thinking about difficult situations)
• Exercise
• Spicy foods (known as "gustatory sweating")
• Drugs -- including antipyretics, some antipsychotics, sympathomimetics, caffeine, morphine, alcohol and thyroid hormone
• Withdrawal from alcohol or narcotic analgesics

• There is prolonged, excessive, and unexplained sweating.
• Sweating is accompanied or followed by chest pain or pressure.
• Sweating is accompanied by weight loss or occurs primarily at night during sleep.

• Location
  • Is it on face or palms?
  • Is it all over the body?
• Time pattern
  • Does it occur at night?
  • Did it begin suddenly?
  • How long have you had it?
• Other
  • Does it occur in response to reminders of a traumatic event?
  • What other symptoms are present?
  • Are hands cold and clammy?
  • Is there a fever?

• Blood tests depending on the suspected cause
• X-rays or other imaging depending on the suspected cause

Intervention:
Fluids and electrolytes will be replaced as necessary.

If identified, an underlying cause should be treated.

After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to excessive sweating, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.