Sweating

Causes

Exclude infection and treat if appropriate.

A common symptom of some active cancers, e.g. lymphoma.

Can accompany metastatic disease, e.g. liver metastases, carcinoid.

Pain and fear can exacerbate the problem.

Drugs can be the cause, e.g. tricyclic antidepressants, alcohol.

Management

Some relief can be gained with the following:

Steroids, e.g. prednisone 40-60 mg/day.

NSAIDs, e.g. diclofenac SR 100 mg nocte, naproxen 250-500 mg BD.

Cimetidine 400 mg nocte or BD.

Thalidomide – very restricted prescribing. Suggest Palliative Care Service Referral.

Information about this Canterbury DHB document (4132):

Document Owner:

Palliative Care Service (see Who's Who)

Issue Date:

July 2009

Next Review:

July 2010

Note: Only the electronic version is controlled. Once printed, this is no longer a controlled document.

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Topic Code: 4132


Information about this Canterbury DHB document (4132):
Document Owner:	Palliative Care Service (see Who's Who)
Issue Date:	July 2009
Next Review:	July 2010
Note: Only the electronic version is controlled. Once printed, this is no longer a controlled document.
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