Why Night Sweating Occurs in Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Pulmonary tuberculosis is a bacterial infection of the lungs that can spread to other organs. Hyperidrosis, which is more commonly known as night sweats, is a common symptom of tuberculosis. (See Reference 1)

Symptoms

• The National Institutes of Health state that the disease usually does not present with symptoms in its primary stage. Symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis, when they do occur, can include fever, fatigue, weight loss, night sweats and cough that may produce blood or phlegm. (See Reference 1)

Cause

• Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the bacterium that causes pulmonary tuberculosis, which can spread through droplets passed into the air when someone with an active infection coughs or sneezes. According to the Mayo Clinic, the disease spreads because of contact with a co-worker or family member more than it does from a stranger. (See Reference 2)

Hyperhidrosis

• Hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes people to sweat unpredictably and excessively. Secondary hyperhidrosis is a result of various underlying conditions including tuberculosis. (See Reference 3)

Cause of Hyperhidrosis

• According to the American Academy of Dermatology, secondary hyperhidrosis can affect the entire body and may occur during sleep. (See Resource 2) These night sweats can be a result of fever from tuberculosis or overactive sweat glands. (See Reference 2 and 3)

Treatment

• Pulmonary tuberculosis is usually treated with a combination of four medications. (See Reference 1) Symptoms, including night sweats caused by secondary hyperhidrosis, should resolve with treatment.