Differential Diagnosis for Recurrent Attacks of Sweating
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Hyperhidrosis: This condition is characterized by excessive sweating, which can be generalized or localized to specific areas of the body. The recurrent attacks of sweating could be triggered by various factors such as stress, heat, or exercise, making hyperhidrosis a plausible diagnosis.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Menopause: Hot flashes during menopause can cause recurrent episodes of sweating, especially in women undergoing this transition.
- Anxiety or Panic Disorder: Individuals with anxiety or panic disorders may experience sweating as part of their panic attacks or as a response to stress and anxiety.
- Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar can cause sweating, shakiness, and other symptoms, and recurrent episodes could be related to poor glucose regulation.
- 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 episodic sweating, hypertension, and tachycardia. Although uncommon, missing this diagnosis could be fatal due to the risk of hypertensive crises.
- Thyrotoxicosis: Excessive thyroid hormone can lead to increased sweating, heat intolerance, and other symptoms. Untreated thyrotoxicosis can have serious consequences, including cardiac issues.
- Septicemia or Sepsis: Systemic infection can cause sweating, fever, and other systemic symptoms. Early recognition and treatment of sepsis are crucial to prevent high mortality rates.
- Rare diagnoses
- Frey's Syndrome: A rare condition characterized by gustatory sweating (sweating in response to eating certain foods) and flushing, typically occurring after trauma or surgery to the parotid gland.
- Harlequin Syndrome: A rare neurological disorder causing asymmetric sweating and flushing of the face, often triggered by emotional stimuli or exercise.