What should be done if a child experiences excessive sweating?
Apr 27, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
In general, children may experience excessive sweating due to various reasons such as a high metabolic rate, mental stress, common cold, hypoglycemia, or hyperthyroidism. Treatment options include general care and medication, which should be conducted under a doctor's guidance. Normally, it is important to ensure the child maintains a balanced diet, avoids picky eating habits, and consumes more foods rich in nutrients such as protein and calcium.
Generally, night sweats in children may be caused by active metabolism, emotional stress, common cold, hypoglycemia, hyperthyroidism, or other factors. Treatment options include general care and medication under a doctor's guidance. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is recommended to visit a hospital for relevant examinations and treatment. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Active Metabolism
Children are in a stage of growth and development, with active metabolism. Particularly during sleep, body heat is released through perspiration, leading to night sweats. This condition typically requires no special treatment. Parents should ensure a comfortable sleeping environment, avoid excessive bedding, and maintain good indoor air circulation.
2. Emotional Stress
When children experience tension, anxiety, or fear, sympathetic nerve activity may increase, leading to excessive sweat gland secretion and night sweats. Parents should pay attention to their child's mental health, provide a warm and harmonious family atmosphere, and avoid excessive pressure. A child's anxiety can be alleviated through parent-child activities and psychological counseling.
3. Common Cold
The common cold is primarily caused by reduced immunity, seasonal changes, poor personal hygiene habits, and pathogen infection, which may leave children weak and cause night sweats. Symptoms such as nasal congestion and runny nose may also occur. Under a doctor's guidance, medications like children's expectorant and antitussive granules, Cefaclor granules, or Pediatric Paracetamol, Chlorpheniramine, and Artificial Cow-bezoar Granules may be used for treatment.
4. Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia often occurs when children are fasting, excessively hungry, after strenuous exercise, or in diabetic children who improperly use hypoglycemic drugs. In such cases, blood sugar levels drop, stimulating the sympathetic nervous system to release large amounts of adrenaline, which activates sweat glands and causes sweating. Symptoms such as palpitations and hand tremors may also appear. Treatment under medical advice may involve medications such as Furosemide tablets, Carbamazepine tablets, or Phenobarbital tablets.
5. Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is usually caused by autoimmune abnormalities, genetic factors, and other issues leading to excessive secretion of thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones accelerate the body's metabolism, increasing heat production, and the body cools itself by sweating, thus causing night sweats. Symptoms such as weight loss and irritability may also accompany this condition. Under a doctor's recommendation, medications such as Methimazole tablets, Propylthiouracil tablets, or Levothyroxine Sodium tablets may be used for treatment.
It is important to ensure children receive balanced nutrition in daily life, avoiding picky eating habits, and consuming more foods rich in protein, calcium, and other nutrients. At the same time, encourage children to engage in appropriate physical exercise to strengthen their physique and improve immunity.
