When someone has an abnormal amount of sweating that is not related to exercise or the weather, he or she should see a healthcare provider. Any other symptoms may be important as well. For example, unintended weight loss , headaches , cough , or chest pain are important symptoms that may point to a certain cause for the sweating. Other causes are also possible. In some cases, no cause can be found.
Prevention is related to the cause.
For example, excessive sweating due to exercise or hot weather can be avoided by avoiding activity or using air conditioning. Low blood sugar can often be avoided by getting enough to eat and taking medications to treat diabetes. Many cases of excessive sweating cannot be prevented. Diagnosis starts with a history and physical exam. This may be all that is needed in some cases to figure out the cause of the excessive sweating.