Night sweats are episodes of excessive sweating during sleep that often soak through clothing or bedding. This article details how night sweats manifest with lymphoma, their accompanying symptoms, other potential causes, and when to seek medical attention.
Distinguishing Lymphoma Night Sweats
Lymphoma-related night sweats are distinctly severe, often described as “drenching” or “soaking.” Individuals typically wake up completely saturated, requiring a change of pajamas and bed sheets. This sweating is disproportionate to room temperature or blankets, indicating the environment is not the cause.
These drenching episodes can occur nightly or several times a week. They are a systemic symptom, affecting the entire body, unlike localized sweating. While daytime sweating can occur, it is most common at night. This heavy sweating is a recognized indicator in lymphoma assessment.
Associated Symptoms
Night sweats associated with lymphoma are frequently part of “B symptoms,” which also include unexplained fever and significant, unintentional weight loss. The fever is typically low-grade and can come and go over days or weeks without an obvious infection.
Unexplained weight loss is defined as losing 10% or more of body weight over six months without dieting or exercise. Lymphoma cells consume energy, contributing to this loss. These accompanying symptoms with drenching night sweats indicate a need for medical evaluation.
Other Causes of Night Sweats
While lymphoma is a potential cause, many other conditions can lead to night sweats. Menopause is common, with fluctuating hormone levels disrupting temperature regulation, causing “hot flashes” and sweating that can last years. Infections like tuberculosis, endocarditis, HIV, and mononucleosis are frequent causes, triggering fevers and sweating.
Certain medications, including antidepressants, hormone therapies, steroids, pain relievers, and diabetes drugs, can induce night sweats. Anxiety and stress can also increase sweating, day or night, as the body’s stress response manifests physically. Other medical conditions like hyperthyroidism, hypoglycemia, and obstructive sleep apnea can also cause night sweats.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If you experience persistent, drenching night sweats that disrupt sleep, consult a healthcare professional. This is especially important if accompanied by other concerning symptoms like unexplained fever or significant unintentional weight loss, which warrant prompt medical attention.
Self-diagnosis is not recommended, as many conditions, some less serious, cause night sweats. A doctor can evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and conduct tests to determine the cause. Providing a detailed account of your night sweats’ nature, frequency, severity, and any other symptoms will assist in an accurate diagnosis.