What is the medical term for sweating?

Sweating: it’s a process that we all go through, with some people producing more of it than others. We’ve all heard the slang terms for the act of sweating: perspiration, pit stains, swamp ass (please don’t use). But what is the medical term for sweating? Get ready to learn about diaphoresis and its sweaty counterparts!

What is Diaphoresis?

Diaphoresis (noun, pronounced dye-uh-fuh-REE-sihs) is nothing but excessive sweating or perspiration caused by an overactive sweat gland response. Your sympathetic nervous system controls sweat production during physical activity, heat exposure, or emotional stress.

While our bodies are equipped with intricate systems to regulate temperature internally and externally (i.e. getting goosebumps when cold), sometimes they fail us big time – hello hot flashes! This overactivation extends beyond your average glowy appearance after burning up in yoga class.

Excessive diaphoresis can be associated with systemic infections such as tuberculosis (TB), endocrine disorders like hyperthyroidism and diabetes mellitus type 2(DMT II), cancers like lymphomas/leukaemia or any cardiovascular events where blood pressure drops suddenly called vasovagal syncope.

Hyperhidrosis

So you’re hesitant about diagnosing yourself as diaphoretic: chances are you may just have hyperhidrosis instead! Hyperhidrosis (hyper meaning excessively; hydrosis denoting sweat output) refers to abnormal excessive sweating familiar on certain parts of the body without obvious reasons’ e.g., face/hands/palms/armpits; It can seriously affect confidence levels and daily activities if not taken care of properly.

There’s one form of hyperhidrosis which is a genetically inherited condition characterised by increased sweat production affecting hand, feet soles or both. This is due to overactive Eccrine Sweat glands (that control cooling) triggered by emotional stimuli; and it’s not uncommon with roughly 1% of the population suffering from it at some point in their lives.

Medications or Drugs that can lead to excessive sweating

Diaphoresis or excessive sweating can also occur as drug side effect especially antipsychotics such as Clozapine, Risperidone, weight loss medications as well as other opioids . Withdrawal symptoms after chronic alcohol use could be another reason for increased diaphoresis.

On the bright side, you have a built-in detoxification mechanism within your sweat secretion that rids off excess metals like cadmium and mercury through Sweating therapy- so go ahead: workout daily ,sit in a sauna (with supervision), spaaaaaaaaaaaa(star)/ as much too hot peppers & spices into your diet if you don’t mind being red-faced huffing and puffing- which brings us to our next section:

The Emotional Response-to-sweat-Like-A-Coward Section

You’ve been there before – oh boy do we know that. Your palms are sweaty, knees weak… you get the gist! So let’s dive into why you break out in all kinds of sudation even when initiating conversation with that waitress living rigid enough for road rage on her petite 10 tables work day.

Anxiety disorders like social anxiety disorder (SAD)- fear of interaction just multiply typical open-spigot attacks’ cortisol floodgates making ya dripping wetter than a humpback whale surfacing

Medication-Free Tweaks :
Our behaviour habits play an important role – engage exhalatory movement/relaxation exercises during these anxiety provoking situations [link] (‘https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323656#Breathing-exercises ‘)

Other ways to reduce stress include following a clean diet that supports adrenal function, ensuring adequate sleep and staying hydrated.

Diaphoresis: Diagnosis and treatment options

Don’t get in such an uproar just yet – sweating is normal! But if you believe something’s not quite right(checking for secondary hyperhidrosis), there are solutions. Here are some options for diagnosis and treatment:

Behavioral Treatment:

Behavioural treatments like managing situations which trigger your symptoms such as avoiding caffeine/alcohol consumption or utilising antiperspirants (which block sweat secretions) may work wonders. You’ll also want to wear comfy breathable clothing like moisture-absorbing bamboo fabric too.

Our Topical Treatments List :
– Antiperspirant sprays/pastes/gels containing aluminum chloride.
– Drysol/Hypercare topicals/ Clinical strength wipes with Salicylic Acid.
– Iontopheresis device – mimics electric shocks to close sweat gland ducts

You’re probably wondering what those purpose-built Sweating Solutions(LINK) products do?
Well; New technological advancements have led the way into multiple promising areas of excessive sweating control from Glycopyrrolate iontophoresis pads(electrophoretic transdermal assisted-delivery ) modulating parasympathetic nervous system activity . A good example is The Functional Fragrances invented by Nohbo Inc. perfume capsules that aim at eliminating harsh body odour caused due to bacterial growth while inhibiting overall perspiration itself!

Medical Interventions:

Oral medications prescribed by your doctor can lower your rate of sweaty production but be careful when taking them since they can cause other serious side effects on heart/liver/digestive systems etc..Anticholinergics(agents blocking cholinergic nerves controlling eccrine sweat glands)/Botox Injections taken every 3-4 months to block nerve signals maybe into the sweat glands.

Surgery :
As last resort surgical options of lymphatic suction (surgical sympathectomy) or removal(destruction) as they involve higher complication rate be well informed by your healthcare provider before proceeding ahead.

Conclusion

Now we know that diaphoresis is excessive sweating, and hyperhidrosis is when you produce too much moisture in specific areas. We also learned about behaviours that can help reduce sweat production like eating healthy, staying hydrated, avoiding caffeine/alcohol consumption, sleeping enough and wearing breathable clothing. In the end,the most important takeaway might just be: it’s okay to sweat! Now give yourself a pat on the back – “You’re doing great sweetie” wink