Diagnosis

Since the reasons for the occurrence of heavy sweating during the night can be so varied, the diagnosis of the causal irregularity within the organism is not always easy. Especially the detailed doctor-patient conversation (anamnesis) provides the attending physician with a first insight into the possible causes of night sweats. During this conversation, the period of time during which night sweating occurs (since when?)

and the extent of sweat secretion (Are clothes and/or bed linen soaked?) play a decisive role. In addition, during the anamnesis interview, the physician asks the patient concerned about other abnormalities that could give an indication of the underlying disease.

An extensive physical examination can also be helpful in the search for causes. During this examination, the doctor usually first obtains a rough overview of all relevant organ systems (lungs, heart, abdomen). In addition, in most cases all large lymph nodes are examined for possible enlargement.

Depending on the doctor’s initial assessment, special tests can then be performed. For example, an HIV test should be performed to detect a possible HIV infection. The presence of tuberculosis or other viral diseases can also usually be detected via the patient’s blood. If the treating physician assumes hormonal fluctuations as the reason for night sweats, a hormone status should be determined. In principle, it can be said that blood tests play a decisive role in the search for the cause of night sweats.

Therapy

The treatment for heavy night sweating depends on the causative disease. In the case of viral infections, this treatment can be carried out, for example, by relieving fever and other symptoms.

Sweating on the head

Increased sweating on the head can have many causes. Heavy sweating on the head can be very stressful for those affected and can limit healthy sleep, everyday life and quality of life. Increased sweating during the night can disturb restful sleep.

Those affected also suffer from sweaty hair and an itchy scalp. It is advisable to consult a doctor and have the possible causes clarified if one sweats more heavily on the head over a longer period of time. During the night, sweating on the head can be intensified by certain factors, for example by eating fatty foods and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol in the evening.

Overweight (obesity) can also lead to increased sweat production. If increased sweating on the head also occurs in normal everyday situations, it may also be the clinical picture of a special form of hyperhidrosis (nocturnal facial hyperhidrosis), which can be congenital or caused by other, as yet undiagnosed diseases. Local treatments such as deodorants or astringents often cannot be used on the head, which is why in some cases systemic therapy with medication is an option.