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6 must-know causes of excessive sweating

6 must-know causes of excessive sweating

Hyperhidrosis, also known as excessive sweating, is a condition where an individual sweats excessively, not necessarily due to heat or exercise. The sweating may be so severe that it drips through clothes, becoming a source of embarrassment. Thankfully, several treatments help reduce sweating and other symptoms, and surgical interventions are also available for severe cases. But it is necessary to know the reason behind it. Below are a few causes of hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating:

Pregnancy
A primary cause of hyperhidrosis is pregnancy. During pregnancy, blood flow increases throughout the body, making women feel warmer and causing excessive sweating. Hormones also tend to fluctuate significantly during gestation, which is a trigger for perspiration. It is more common in the first and third trimesters and can also occur postpartum or after delivery when hormones begin to settle down.

Menopause
Menopause is another reason why a woman’s hormones fluctuate. Hot flashes are the most familiar symptom during this time, caused due to ever-changing levels of estrogen in the body. The fluctuation of this hormone suddenly causes the individual to feel warm and sweat excessively. Nighttime sweats are pretty common in the perimenopausal period. Eating non-spicy food, sitting under a fan, or dressing in light layers help reduce the discomfort associated with extreme sweating caused by menopause.

Hyperthyroidism
It is another hormone-linked cause of hyperhidrosis. Hyperthyroidism is a health condition characterized by an imbalance in thyroxine levels, a hormone that regulates metabolism, body temperature, and heart rate. Besides excessive body sweat, hyperthyroidism presents symptoms like heart palpitations, heat intolerance, tremors, fatigue, and changes in bowel habits or menstrual patterns. Women are more at risk of hyperthyroidism, but it is treatable.

Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus affects the body’s metabolism of sugar. The health condition usually results from inadequate insulin production or the body’s intolerance to insulin. Low blood sugar in diabetes patients can cause a fight or flight response that causes sweating. Prolonged low sugar can also affect the nerves, especially those controlling sweat glands. It can result in episodes of excessive or abnormally low sweating. Diabetics can manage excessive sweating by controlling their blood sugar levels.

Heart attack
A heart attack occurs when there is an obstruction of blood to the heart, and sudden excessive sweating can be an indicator. Heart attacks provoke the sympathetic nervous system and cause a fight or flight response that usually results in hot flashes and sweating. These are often the first signs that make an individual ask for help, along with sudden shortness of breath and pain in the arm, neck, shoulder, chest, or back. Squeezing, tightening, or high-pressure sensations in the chest are other signs. Generally, one can cure this type of hyperhidrosis by treating a heart attack.

Infections and injury
Some infections can cause hyperhidrosis. These include tuberculosis, bone infections like osteomyelitis, abscesses, or HIV. Lymphoma and other malignant tumors can also trigger excessive body sweats. Further, spinal cord injuries cause excessive sweating due to damage to the nerves that control normal sweating in emergencies. Less severe infections could similarly cause excess sweating since the immune system tends to work better at a higher temperature. This is why one gets a fever when suffering from an infection.

How to identify hyperhidrosis?
People sweat when they exercise, expend extra effort, in hot environments, or when anxious or under stress. They naturally sweat all over the body in these situations. This sweating is normal and is no cause for worry. Hyperhidrosis, on the other hand, induces excessive sweating from one region more than others. And sweat release is usually symmetric on both sides of the body. It could be the arms, feet, or face. Such excessive sweating episodes may occur more than once a week.

One should consult a doctor if their sweating pattern affects their daily routine, causes emotional distress, or they sweat profusely at night for no apparent reason. It could be serious if a person suddenly begins sweating more than usual or if sweating is accompanied by lightheadedness, chest pain, or nausea.

Doctors classify hyperhidrosis into two types: primary focal and secondary. Primary focal hyperhidrosis is the most classic form that usually appears in childhood and has no apparent reason. The sweat glands become overactive, especially when nervous or stressed. It is more common during the day and affects the hands and feet. The condition is genetic in most cases and tends to run in families. Secondary hyperhidrosis, by contrast, is when the excess sweating is induced by an underlying health condition or is a side effect of treatment. The sweat is released at various places of the body simultaneously.

How is the condition treated?
There are several treatments for this health condition, but the first recommended method is to use an antiperspirant deodorant. These are easily available at most treatment centers and even supermarkets. Most antiperspirant deodorants contain aluminum-based compounds that temporarily block sweat pores and prevent the amount of sweat produced for around 24 hours. The treatment is available in two strengths: regular and clinical. The latter is more powerful. While antiperspirant deodorants may not reduce odor as regular deodorants, individuals suffering from excessive body sweats benefit from them.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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11 signs of high sugar intake that can cause health issues

Although sugar is essential, people deem it unhealthy. That is because not all sugars are the same; natural sugars like fructose and lactose found in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products are healthy. These sugars are found in small amounts and contain healthy doses of fiber and calcium. However, added sugars in most processed foods can often lead to health troubles, as they have no nutritional value. Here are ten signs you're eating too much sugar: Increased hunger and weight gain Although sugar satisfies the taste buds, it does not fill our stomachs. Processed foods rich in sugar generally lack protein, fiber, and healthy fats, and our body burns through this sugar quickly, making us feel more hungry and snacky. Consumption of extra calories may result in weight gain. High sugar intake also disrupts metabolism and the ability to process lipids and cholesterol, affecting hunger patterns and weight gain. Frequent urination Persistently high blood glucose makes the kidneys work overtime to filter and absorb the additional sugar. When the kidneys cannot keep up, the excess sugar goes into the urine, taking along fluids from the body’s tissues. This can cause dehydration. As a result, one might feel frequent urges to drink more fluids, which results in frequent urination. Fatigue and low energy levels Due to the easy absorption and digestion of sugar, regardless of how much we eat, our energy levels will crash in a short period. This makes us feel fatigued and low on energy. Constant swings in blood sugar also cause our energy levels to plummet drastically, making us feel tired constantly. Cravings for sweets The constant craving for sweets may indicate you are consuming too much sugar. Sugar triggers the rise of the "happy hormone" known as dopamine, which can increase your cravings for more sugar, making it a vicious cycle of consumption and momentary satisfaction. These cravings, however, can be curtailed by regularly consuming small meals or snacks made of natural, whole foods. High blood pressure Too much sugar in your bloodstream can contribute to hypertension or high blood pressure. The high glucose levels damage our blood vessels, making it easy for cholesterol to stick, and cause the hardening of blood vessels, leading to a rise in blood pressure. Skin issues Some scientific studies suggest that insulin resistance may influence the development of acne. Food with high sugar levels can trigger acne and accelerate the skin's aging process, causing more wrinkles and fine lines to develop. If you have witnessed a sudden surge in skin issues, it may be advisable to check your blood sugar levels and consult your physician. Difficulty sleeping Studies point out that poor sleep quality is significantly associated with higher levels of sugar consumption. Consuming excessive sugar hinders sleep quality and tinkers with your sleep cycle. If you have been experiencing trouble sleeping, it may be worthwhile to consult a doctor and check your blood sugar levels. Digestive issues If you're experiencing stomach pain, cramping, and diarrhea, it may be helpful to consult your physician and check your blood sugar levels. Sugar is a common gut irritant and may be a possible factor behind these troubles. If high sugar foods replace high-fiber foods such as fruits and vegetables, constipation may also be a problem. Cavities You've heard this multiple times before from your caregivers and dentists. Too much sugar can cause an increase in cavities or gum issues, as bacteria love to feast on simple sugars. Try to limit your sugar intake. Moreover, swish your mouth with water after eating sugary foods to eliminate excess sugar that may promote the growth of bacteria. Brain fog Lack of focus and concentration could be a sign of increased sugar intake. Even though glucose is the primary fuel source for our brains, too much of it (hyperglycemia) can cause inflammation and impact cognitive functioning. This may also contribute to information processing and working memory issues, causing delayed recall and hampering learning abilities. Eyesight problems Too much sugar in the bloodstream can damage blood vessels and nerves that run throughout your body, including the eyes. Eye diseases due to diabetes include diabetic retinopathy, macular oedema, neovascular glaucoma, and cataracts. In the case of macular oedema caused by diabetes, a treatment plan with Aflibercept may be prescribed by a doctor to stop abnormal blood vessel growth and leakage in the eyes (that may otherwise cause loss of vision). Is Ingrezza for diabetic treatments? No, Ingrezza is not a diabetes treatment. It is a treatment prescribed for adults with Tardive Dyskinesia (TD). TD is a chronic condition characterized by involuntary movements that may occur anywhere in the body. Health issues linked to high blood sugar Excessive sugar intake may also make one susceptible to the following health issues: Blindness: High blood sugar can lead to diabetic retinopathy, an eye condition that may ultimately lead to vision loss. This develops as the excessive sugar in the bloodstream could damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, causing vision problems. Cardiac issues: High sugar intake can also negatively affect heart health by elevating triglyceride levels, blood pressure, and the risk of developing heart disease. Further, eating too much sugar could cause inflammation in the blood vessels and promote the buildup of fatty deposits in arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiac issues. Fatty liver: Excessive sugar intake in the form of refined sugars might overwhelm the liver’s ability to metabolize it. The organ may subsequently convert the excess sugar into fat, leading to fat accumulation in organs like the liver. The phenomenon may go unnoticed until it reaches advanced stages, in which case, it may cause conditions like liver cirrhosis and liver failure. While it is not realistic to completely cut out sugar from daily food intake, it may help to consume healthy doses of sugar in its more natural forms, such as fructose and glucose found in many fruits and vegetables. For patients with diabetes, it may help to keep a keen eye on any of the above symptoms and consult with a doctor immediately in case of spikes in blood sugar levels. It is also advisable to avoid cheat meals, as they may trigger a desire to indulge in sugary foods. Instead, focus on staying hydrated, eating nutritious whole foods, and exercising regularly. Finally, it is not enough to only make lifestyle changes with diabetes, as complications due to blood sugar spikes can require professional intervention. Fortunately, most insurance benefits covered under Part B Medicare cover up to two screenings for blood sugar monitoring and associated services. Part B also covers diabetes self-management with up to 10 hours of initial training split into individual and group sessions. These sessions help teach management for long-term symptoms and aid patients in improving their quality of life.

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