Causes of Night Sweats in Children

Causes of Night Sweats in Children

Night sweats (or nocturnal hyperhidrosis) are characterized by excessive sweating during sleep. This phenomenon can be categorized into two main types based on the underlying causes:

• Primary Sweating: This form of sweating occurs without any identifiable medical condition or it may happen as a result of feeling excessively warm.
• Secondary Sweating: This type involves generalized sweating across the body due to specific medical conditions.

High Bedroom Temperature

Children require deep sleep each night to support their growth and recovery. If the bedroom environment is hot or humid, night sweating can ensue. Due to their not fully developed bodies, children are less capable of regulating their body temperature in warm weather, which can lead to increased activity of sweat glands and result in sweating. Additionally, using excessive blankets while a child sleeps can enhance night sweating as children struggle to remove heavy clothing and bedding.

Idiopathic Night Sweats

Night sweats in children can occur without any clear reason. Children have a higher density of sweat glands compared to adults due to their smaller stature, and their bodies are not as adept at maintaining temperature balance. As a result, this can lead to night sweats occurring without an identifiable cause.

Genetic Factors

Excessive sweating can sometimes run in families, where a child may inherit specific genes from their parents that increase sweat gland activity.

Infections

Night sweats may be linked to infections, including:

• Common Cold: This is often caused by a benign viral infection, and as the child’s body fights off the illness, night sweats can occur. Children under the age of six are generally more susceptible to colds compared to adults. Symptoms include:
  • Severe fatigue.
  • Sore throat.
  • Low-grade fever.
  • Headache.
  • Cough.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Muscle aches.
  • Thickening and color change of nasal mucus, often yellow or green.
• Bacterial Infections: Conditions such as bacterial endocarditis and tuberculosis can lead to night sweats in children.

Respiratory and Throat Conditions

Certain health issues related to the respiratory system, including the lungs, throat, and nasal passages, may also contribute to night sweats. Notably, while children with these conditions do not universally experience night sweating, there is a noted correlation between night sweats and other health problems, such as:

• Asthma.
• Allergies.
• Runny nose.
• Tonsillitis.
• Skin allergy reactions, such as eczema.
• Behavioral issues, including hyperactivity.
• Sleep apnea, a condition characterized by airway obstruction that may result in snoring. Night sweating is a recognized symptom in children suffering from sleep apnea.

Hormonal Changes

As children approach puberty, their sweat glands become more active due to increased hormone production, making sweating more common during this developmental stage. Puberty may begin early, with girls starting around age 8 and boys around age 9. This phase often results in heightened sweating, including night sweats, and may also lead to body odor.

Other Factors

Additional potential causes of night sweats include:

• Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: This is a form of lung inflammation resembling an allergic reaction, often triggered by inhalation of dust or mold. It can result in lung swelling and redness and is more prevalent in children with asthma and other allergies. Symptoms may include:
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Fever and chills.
  • Chest tightness.
  • Dry cough.
  • Fatigue.
• Childhood Cancers: While rare, conditions such as lymphomas can cause night sweats. Hodgkin lymphoma, for example, may occur in children under 10 years old. Symptoms may include:
  • Fever.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Difficulty swallowing.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Weight loss.
  • Coughing.
  • Breathing difficulties.
• Other Conditions: Some medical conditions that might lead to night sweats yet lack sufficient studies establishing a direct link include gastroesophageal reflux disease, hyperthyroidism, immunodeficiencies, and hypoglycemia.

When to Consult a Doctor

Occasional night sweating is usually not a cause for concern. However, it is advisable to seek medical attention if night sweats occur frequently or are accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, fever, chills, or unexplained weight loss. It is recommended for parents to maintain a diary noting how long the sweating lasts and any accompanying symptoms, as this information can assist healthcare providers in diagnosing the underlying cause.