Definition
noun
The state of sweating excessively
Supplement
Sweating is the body’s physiological means to regulate body temperature. In humans, sweating is the primary means of thermoregulating the body through the eccrine glands releasing water-rich secretion. Water evaporating from the skin renders a cooling effect. Under normal conditions, the body sweats profusely, particularly during a strenuous physical activity (e.g. exercise) and a very hot ambient temperature. There are also instances wherein the body sweats excessively through pharmacological or biological agents. For example, sudorific herbals such as Jamaican Ginger, Boneset, Bayberry bark, Yarrow stems and leaves, Blackpepper berries, Canada snake root, and Sage leaves excites the sweat glands to secrete more sweat.1 They are used in alternative remedies for cooling the body, reducing fever, and eliminating toxins from the body.
Sudoresis is sometimes used synonymously with diaphoresis. They are both inducers of perspiration. However, sudoresis is particularly associated with sensible perspiration whereas diaphoresis is with insensible perspiration.2
Word origin: Latin sūdōrificus, same as Latin sūdōr-, sūdor (sweat)
Compare:
- diaphoresis
See also:
Related term(s):
Reference(s):
1“Diaphoretics &sudorifics.” diaphoretics &sudorifics Flashcards. N.p., n.d. Web. Link.
2 “A Text-Book Of Pharmacology, Therapeutics And Materia Medica by T. Lauder Brunton.” A Text-Book Of Pharmacology, Therapeutics And Materia Medica by T. Lauder Brunton. N.p., n.d. Link.
