Brief Answer:
Possible causes and treatments discussed below

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,

I carefully read your query and understand your concern.

There are many causes for excessive sweating. If you have had it for less than 2 weeks then a viral infection may be considered and just keeping an eye on it and making sure you drink plenty of water is all that is needed.

If you are having excessive sweating for more than 2 weeks examinations are needed to identify the cause. Possible reasons would be an infection, thyroid problems, diabetes, environmental-related sweating (heat exhaustion), and even stress and depression.

In this case, I would recommend you to have the following checks:
- CBC, ERS (to check for possible changes that happen with infection), it may be advisable to also check your temperature to see if you have a fever- (checking the oral temperature is preferred, especially because if a patient is sweated the thermometer may not show the correct value)
- TSH, FT4 to check your thyroid function
- Fasting glucose level to rule out diabetes
- a thorough physical examination is needed and also a check for the presence of lymph nodes in the armpits, groin area and neck (they should be over 1-2 cm in size to be significant).
- if you have a cough, chest pain or shortness of breath as well, a chest X-ray and an ECG may be indicated to check for lung infections and also heart ischemia.
- if you have some urinary frequency or discomfort then a urinalysis may be needed.
- if you take medications for other conditions, it is important to see their potential side effects as well

Meanwhile, try to stay in cool temperatures and make sure you drink plenty. Perspiration may cause dehydration, so it is important to keep yourself hydrated.

If all the tests and examinations come out normal, the doctor may decide to prescribe anticholinergics such as glycopyrrolate, benztropine, or oxybutynin to reduce the sweating.

I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.

Regards,
Antoneta Zotaj,
General and Family Physician

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