Can rheumatism cause excessive sweating?

Oct 26, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lin Yunfei

Introduction

Rheumatism generally refers to rheumatic diseases, which usually do not present with excessive sweating. Most rheumatic diseases involve joint lesions and symptoms, affecting 70–80% of patients; about 50% experience pain only, while more severe cases exhibit redness, swelling, heat, pain, and impaired function—typical signs of inflammation. Typically, multiple joints are involved, and the size of affected joints varies depending on the specific disease.

Rheumatism generally refers to rheumatic diseases, which typically do not present with excessive sweating.

Rheumatic diseases are a group of disorders primarily affecting joints, bones, muscles, blood vessels, and related soft tissues or connective tissues, most of which are autoimmune in nature. The onset is often insidious and slow, with a prolonged disease course, and many have a genetic predisposition. Joint involvement and symptoms occur in the majority of cases, reaching 70–80%; about 50% experience pain alone, while more severe cases exhibit redness, swelling, heat, pain, and impaired function—typical signs of inflammation—usually affecting multiple joints. The size of joints involved varies depending on the specific disease, and Raynaud's phenomenon may also occur. Therefore, excessive sweating is generally not caused by rheumatic diseases.

Treatment options include pharmacological therapies such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine, and methotrexate; physical therapies like electrotherapy, infrared radiation, and magnetic field therapy are also used. For patients with rheumatoid arthritis, synovectomy may be performed early in the disease, while joint replacement, tendon repair, or tendon transfer surgeries may be considered in advanced stages.

Excessive sweating can arise from various conditions, including hyperthyroidism, diabetes, cachexia, and infections caused by different pathogens.

Patients with rheumatic diseases or those experiencing excessive sweating are advised to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital, undergo appropriate diagnostic tests, and follow standardized treatment regimens as directed by physicians to avoid delays in management. In daily life, maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in moderate exercise, and keeping emotional well-being are recommended. Seek prompt medical care if symptoms become severe.

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