Some Causes of Excessive Sweating
Type |
Examples |
|
Cancer* |
Lymphoma, leukemia, carcinoid tumors, some tumors of the adrenal glands |
|
Drugs |
Antidepressants, aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), some drugs for diabetes, caffeine, and theophylline Withdrawal from opioids |
|
Hormonal (endocrine) disorders |
An overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism), low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia), diabetes that affects the nerves, and certain pituitary gland disorders or use of drugs that affect pituitary gland function |
|
Infections* |
Tuberculosis, heart infection (endocarditis), and severe fungal infections affecting the entire body |
|
Nervous system disorders |
Injuries, dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, and some brain disorders |
|
Other† |
Pregnancy Anxiety, excitement, anger, or fear Fever Heat exposure Sweating around the lips and mouth after eating hot, spicy foods (called gustatory sweating) Unknown |
|
* These types primarily cause night sweats. |
|
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† Some degree of sweating caused by these conditions can be normal. |
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