How to manage excessive sweating in the elderly

Sep 13, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Excessive sweating in the elderly may be caused by factors such as aging, emotional stress, hypoglycemia, hyperthyroidism, heart failure, and others. If the above conditions occur, it is recommended to visit a正规 hospital and, under medical guidance, adopt appropriate management strategies such as general measures or medication. In daily life, attention should be paid to maintaining a comfortable environmental temperature and avoiding emotional fluctuations and excessive fatigue.

In general, night sweats or excessive sweating in the elderly may be caused by factors such as aging, emotional stress, hypoglycemia, hyperthyroidism, or heart failure. When experiencing the above conditions, it is recommended to seek medical attention at a正规 hospital and follow a doctor's guidance for regulation through general management, medication, and other treatments. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Age-related factors

With advancing age, various body systems in the elderly gradually decline in function, including the sweat gland regulatory system. This may increase sensitivity to temperature changes and lead to excessive sweating. Regular moderate exercise can help improve physical adaptability.

2. Emotional factors

Elderly individuals may experience anxiety or tension due to life changes, family stress, or health concerns. This can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, increasing sweat gland secretion and resulting in excessive sweating. Communicating with family and friends and participating in social activities can help relieve emotional stress.

3. Hypoglycemia

In older adults, increased insulin sensitivity or irregular eating habits may lead to low blood sugar levels, which can cause excessive sweating. Symptoms may include palpitations and hand tremors. Patients may be treated under medical supervision with medications such as glucose injection, insulin injection, or hydrocortisone injection.

4. Hyperthyroidism

Emotional stress or weakened immunity may trigger hyperthyroidism, leading to excessive secretion of thyroid hormones. This accelerates metabolism and increases sweat production, potentially causing excessive sweating in the elderly. Symptoms may include weight loss, palpitations, and insomnia. Under a doctor’s guidance, patients may take medications such as carbimazole tablets, propylthiouracil tablets, or propranolol hydrochloride tablets to alleviate symptoms.

5. Heart failure

Heart failure may be related to genetic factors or excessive fatigue, leading to reduced cardiac function and insufficient pumping capacity, thereby impairing blood supply to various parts of the body and possibly causing excessive sweating. Common symptoms include shortness of breath and lower limb edema. Under medical advice, patients may use medications such as benazepril hydrochloride tablets, furosemide injection, or metoprolol tartrate tablets to improve their condition.

Daily precautions include maintaining a comfortable ambient temperature, avoiding emotional fluctuations and overexertion, undergoing regular health check-ups, and promptly identifying and treating underlying diseases.