Differential Diagnosis for Excessive Sweating

• Single most likely diagnosis
  • Hyperhidrosis: This is the most common cause of excessive sweating, characterized by excessive sweating that is not necessarily related to the body's temperature regulation needs. It can be primary (idiopathic) or secondary to other medical conditions.
• Other Likely diagnoses
  • Anxiety or stress: Emotional stress can trigger the body's "fight or flight" response, leading to increased sweating. Conditions like anxiety disorders can cause frequent or persistent excessive sweating.
  • Overweight or obesity: Carrying excess weight can lead to increased sweating due to the body's increased metabolic rate and the effort to cool itself down.
  • Menopause: Hormonal changes during menopause can lead to hot flashes and night sweats.
  • Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid gland can cause an increase in metabolism, leading to excessive sweating among other symptoms.
• Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
  • Pheochromocytoma: A rare tumor of the adrenal gland that can cause episodes of excessive sweating, hypertension, and tachycardia. If missed, it can lead to severe cardiovascular complications.
  • Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar can cause sweating, shakiness, and other symptoms. In diabetic patients or those with other metabolic disorders, recognizing and treating hypoglycemia promptly is crucial.
  • Heart attack or cardiac conditions: Excessive sweating can be a symptom of a heart attack, especially in women, or other serious cardiac conditions.
• Rare diagnoses
  • Neurological disorders (e.g., autonomic dysreflexia, syringomyelia): Certain neurological conditions can affect the autonomic nervous system, leading to abnormal sweating patterns.
  • Lymphoma: Some types of lymphoma can cause night sweats as a symptom.
  • Tuberculosis: Although rare in many parts of the world, TB can cause night sweats among other systemic symptoms.
  • Carcinoid syndrome: A rare condition caused by a neuroendocrine tumor that can lead to excessive sweating, flushing, and other symptoms.