What does sweating profusely even in winter signal?

Hyperhidrosis, the medical term for sweating more than the amount necessary for the body's thermal regulation, is a significant problem that can leave a person in a very difficult situation in their social and professional life.

Thoracic Surgery Specialist Prof. Dr. Erdal Okur states that this problem can now be solved with temporary and permanent methods, adding, “In the treatment of excessive hand and underarm sweating, the goal is to block the sympathetic nerves that lead to these areas.

In this way, since the excessive stimulus going to the sweat glands is eliminated, sweating in the hands and underarms stops. Moreover, a permanent solution can be provided with a surgical method,” he says.

IT MAY BE A SIGN OF DISEASE

Excessive sweating can be seen all over the body or locally. If there is generalized excessive sweating, the underlying cause is often a metabolic or hormonal disease or medications being used.

Regional excessive sweating that develops in the hands (palms), underarms, face, and soles of the feet, however, usually does not have any underlying factor. 

Prof. Okur warns, however, that widespread sweating throughout the entire body can be a harbinger of many diseases, from infectious diseases to hyperthyroidism, and from heart diseases to lung problems, so one should first consult a doctor to determine the underlying factor.

SURGICAL METHOD PROVIDES A PERMANENT SOLUTION

The Thoracic Surgery Specialist states that the effective and permanent treatment for the problem of excessive hand and underarm sweating is the surgical method, and provides the following information:

“This surgery, called Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS) and performed under general anesthesia, is carried out through small 1 cm incisions made in both underarms.

Entering with a video-endoscope, the nerves responsible for stimulating the sweat glands in the arms and underarms, called sympathetic ganglia, are cut or blocked by crushing them with clips inside the chest cavity. During and after this procedure, which takes less than 1 hour in total for both sides, the patient does not feel pain and does not experience problems such as weakness or numbness.” 

SURGERY IS AN EFFECTIVE METHOD

The nerves that are cut or blocked are only responsible for sweating and thermal regulation in the underarms and hands. Prof. Okur emphasizes that for this reason, there is permanent dryness and warming in the hands after the surgery, and sweating in the underarms stops, adding, “The patient can use their hands and arms as they wish immediately after the surgery, and can return to their work and normal life immediately after staying in the hospital for only one day.”  

News Source: 12punto