
What Does Excessive Sweating In An Elderly Person Indicate?

Sweating
Detailed Answer:
I am sorry to note this problem of your mother.
There can a few medical reasons for this. If none is found then it is likely she has an unexplained individual tendency for this which does happen in some people:
1 Over-active thyroid
Checking her TSH will help us know if she has thyroid condition. It is a blood test that can be done at anytime of the day and does not require fasting
2 Acromegaly
A fairly uncommon common condition. IGF1 is a screening blood test for this. Again no fasting necessary and so it can be done at any time also.
3 Pheochromocytoma
Another rare condition which causes spells of sweating along with high blood pressure, headache and chest pain/shortness of breath. A blood test called Plasma Free Metanephrines is a good way to start.
4 Menopausal hot flashes
I see she is 79 but sometimes these can (re)occur at any age.


Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Noted.
Well she can be screened for the possibility of the other two. But it would make more sense to first have a physical examination to see if there is a need to test for the other two conditions.


Second follow up
Detailed Answer:
I understand. However, if her pulse rate and blood pressure are within normal limits then it should not be of too much concern. Sweating is typically followed by evaporation which cools off the skin giving the clammy feel.

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