Hyperhidrosis is a clinical disorder that triggers frequent and excessive bouts of sweating, commonly observed among adults. The perspiration is challenging to control and can occur at any time during the day or night. Hyperhidrosis is classified into primary focal and secondary sweating types, and multiple risk factors, like underlying medical conditions and lifestyle, changes can trigger excessive sweating.

Causes of primary hyperhidrosis

Primary hyperhidrosis causes sweating in selective areas. You may experience sweating under the arms, on the palms, or on the soles of your feet.

1. Genetics
Research suggests that genetics plays a key role in primary hyperhidrosis. Changes in the DNA structures or inheriting certain genes can cause the sweat glands to become overactive. These symptoms are observed during childhood and often overlooked as family history of having a disease or disorder cannot be proven.

2. Idiopathic medical conditions
Any disease or disorder of unknown origin is termed idiopathic. It is also one of the main underlying causes of primary focal hyperhidrosis observed among individuals. Rare neurological disorders and unknown conditions linking to the nervous system can also trigger primary hyperhidrosis.

Causes of secondary hyperhidrosis
The discomfort is observed all over the body, and some people may also experience excessive sweating at night as a side effect triggered by known symptoms.

1. Side effects of medications
Common medications that you take for managing health conditions may involuntarily trigger hyperhidrosis. Antidepressants, asthma inhalers, insulin, anti-inflammatory medications, medicines for migraines, hypertension, and medications for treating thyroid problems may trigger problems with sweating. Apart from this, certain receptor medications used to treat anxiety, Alzheimer’s, and addictions can also cause excessive sweating in adults.

2. Obesity
Obesity or generally being overweight can cause an excessive secondary seating response. Fat accumulation in the body around core areas increases the body temperature. Sweating is the immune system’s natural response to control this increase in body heat. The more the area to cover, the greater will be the amount of sweat produced to bring down the core temperature. Having a higher-than-normal body mass index has been observed as a potential trigger for secondary hyperhidrosis.

3. Lifestyle changes
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can trigger secondary sweating. This is because the body is fighting the change in its metabolic activities, and as a result, flushes out toxins through sweat. The same phenomenon is observed in those who experience withdrawal symptoms from substance abuse.

4. Medical conditions
Secondary hyperhidrosis can also be caused by several known endocrine, neurological, cardiovascular, and malignancy-related conditions. These include diabetes, hyperthyroidism, hyperpituitarism, carcinoid syndrome, Parkinson’s, stroke, spinal cord injuries, shock, and heart failure. Women also experience hot flashes associated with menopause or other discomforts during pregnancy, both of which increase the chances of secondary hyperhidrosis. Fever, malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, and diseases that cause respiratory failure can also trigger a sweating response.