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hello. I’m Dr. Sangchul Hwang, a researcher and therapist who studies and treats autonomic nerves.Have you ever suffered from night sweats or sweaty hands and feet for no reason? Hyperhidrosis is a condition that affects more people than you think, but there is a lot of misinformation about how to treat it. In fact, hospitals may recommend surgery or medication, and there are various treatment methods, but there are important things to know depending on the treatment method. In particular, compensatory hyperhidrosis, drug side effects, and the relationship between lifestyle and autonomic nerves, which are often mentioned in hyperhidrosis treatment, must be understood.
Compensated hyperhidrosis after hyperhidrosis surgery
Surgery, such as sympathectomy, is sometimes an option for treating hyperhidrosis. This is one of the most common treatments for people with hand hyperhidrosis, and while it may reduce sweating in the hands or feet, it can lead to compensatory hyperhidrosis, which is increased sweating in other unexpected areas. Studies have reported rates of compensatory hyperhidrosis ranging from about 40% to as high as 70% after surgery. For example, a patient may find that their hands have improved, but their back, chest, or lower body suddenly sweats a lot more, which can add another layer of inconvenience to their daily life. This should be considered carefully, especially since sympathectomy is often difficult to reverse once it is performed.
Limitations and side effects of medication
One class of medications that many people with hyperhidrosis are familiar with is anticholinergics, such as glycopyrrolate. These medications work by inhibiting the action of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, which is released by the sympathetic nervous system, reducing the stimulation of sweat glands. The expectation is that they will reduce sweating, but the problem is the side effects. In fact, symptoms such as dry mouth, dry eyes, constipation, and a feeling of dryness throughout the body can occur while taking the medication, and studies have also reported that long-term use may affect cognitive function. As a result, these medications are often more appropriate for temporary use when symptoms are very severe rather than long-term treatment.
Lifestyle habits that worsen hyperhidrosis
When treating patients with hyperhidrosis, lifestyle is just as important as treatment, and sleep is very closely related to hyperhidrosis. Irregular sleeping hours or staying up late can lead to an imbalance of the autonomic nervous system and overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system. This puts your body in a constant state of tension and can easily lead to increased sweating, which is why going to bed before 12pm and getting enough sleep whenever possible is a great way to manage hyperhidrosis.
The relationship between posture and autonomic nerves
Posture problems such as turtle neck and rounded shoulders are common in the modern world due to heavy smartphone and computer use. This can lead to a narrowing of the rib cage and shallow breathing, creating an environment that stimulates the sympathetic nervous system. Repeated shallow chest breathing, in particular, can keep the body in a state of tension, which in turn can lead to increased sweating. Therefore, posture correction and improved breathing patterns can be an important part of the management of hyperhidrosis, rather than simply taking a sweat-stopping approach.
Different types of hyperhidrosis are characterized by different body types
According to Chinese medicine, hyperhidrosis is also caused by different constitutions. For example, small Yang people tend to have sensitive sympathetic nerves, so they often experience sweating in stressful or tense situations. On the other hand, Tai Yin people are characterized by excessive sweating due to high water and heat in the body, and it may also occur in combination with obesity or constipation. In the case of Siberians, night sweats often appear due to weakness rather than sweating, and are often accompanied by coldness and weak digestive function. Even the same type of hyperhidrosis can have different causes and management methods depending on your constitution.
Autonomic balance is the key to treating hyperhidrosis
Ultimately, there are limitations to an approach that views hyperhidrosis as simply a problem of the sweat glands. The body’s sweat production is heavily influenced by the autonomic nervous system, especially the sympathetic nervous system, and restoring autonomic balance can be an important treatment direction. Treatment is often more effective when lifestyle, sleep, stress management, posture, and even breathing patterns are addressed.
We’ve discussed the relationship between hyperhidrosis and the autonomic nervous system in more detail in our previous article.
Noise-induced Hyperhidrosis, the Real Reason for Sweating When You’re Cold – Doosan Medical Center
Hyperhidrosis is a condition that is not easily understood by those who do not suffer from it, but for those who do, it can cause great discomfort and stress in their daily lives. If you are currently suffering from unexplained night sweats or sweating, it may be helpful to take a look at your body’s autonomic nervous system and lifestyle habits instead of trying to put up with it alone. Small changes can make a bigger difference than you might think.
