The mercury is rising and temperatures are hot across large swaths of the United States. In fact, the months of July and August are typically the two hottest months of the year. This rise in temperature can remind many with neuropathy of one of the lesser known, but bothersome nonetheless, symptoms – that being problems related to sweating. For some, this may mean an inability to sweat while for others it may mean excessive sweating.
Problems with perspiration are just one of many symptoms caused when neuropathy affects the autonomic nerves. The autonomic nervous system is actually a part of the larger peripheral nervous system. Its primary purpose is to control the functions of internal organs such as the heart, stomach, liver, adrenal gland and more. When neuropathy affects the autonomic nerves, it disrupts their ability to properly transmit and process signals between the brain and the various organs they influence.
This disruption in the sending and processing of signals to and from the brain can cause an array of health issues and be made manifest in various uncomfortable symptoms. Unlike the more easily recognizable symptoms of neuropathy – such as pain, numbness, and tingling – the symptoms associated with damage to the autonomic nerves aren’t always readily recognizable as having been caused by nerve damage. In fact, many sufferers are surprised to learn that these symptoms may be caused by their neuropathy.
Damage to the autonomic nerves tends to affect six different organs or systems within the body, namely the bladder, digestive system, sex organs, heart (and blood vessels), eyes and sweat glands. Let's take a look at some of the most common symptoms associated with autonomic nerve damage:
Bladder & Urinary Tract
If the autonomic nerves are damaged, you may experience problems with bladder control and urinary infections. If any of the statements below ring true for you, it’s possible your neuropathy has affected your autonomic nervous system.
Signs that neuropathy is affecting my bladder & urinary tract:
"I have a loss of bladder control – including urinary leakage, urinating too often or not enough, or feeling the need to urinate but being unable to."
"I am unable to completely empty my bladder (urinary retention)."
"I have frequent urinary tract infections."
Digestive System
Autonomic nerves have an influence on many of the organs that make up the digestive system, including the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and liver. For that reason, damage to these nerves can wreak havoc on your digestive system. From heartburn to diarrhea – and everything in between – the symptoms of autonomic nerve damage as they relate to the digestive system can be quite bothersome. Do any of the statements below describe you?
Signs that neuropathy is affecting my digestive system:
"I have frequent indigestion or heartburn."
"I often feel nauseous or vomit undigested food."
"I experience frequent diarrhea.
"I have constipation."
"I feel bloated."
"I have no appetite."
"I feel full after eating small amounts of food."
Sex Organs
While it can be a bit of taboo subject to talk about – sexual health can also be negatively impacted by nerve damage. Below are a few of the ways neuropathy can affect the sex organs in both men and women.
Signs that neuropathy is affecting my sexual health:
"I experience erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation (for men)."
"I have difficulty achieving orgasm during sex (women)."
"I have vaginal dryness (women)."
Heart & Blood Vessels
The heart and blood vessels can be especially vulnerable to the effects of damage on the autonomic nerves. The symptoms can range from minor (such as feeling dizzy) to serious (heart attack). Recognizing the symptoms early on and addressing them with your doctor are two important steps to helping limit the threat.
Signs that neuropathy is affecting my heart or blood vessels:
"I often feel dizzy or faint when standing."
"I have fainting spells."
"I find it abnormally difficult to breath (especially after exercise)."
"I have abnormal blood pressure."
"My heart rate is high, even when resting."
"I’ve suffered a heart attack without any warning signs."
Eyes
Neuropathy can even affect the eyes. Specifically, it can affect the ability of your pupils to quickly adjust when going from dark to light. Here are a few scenarios that those whose eyes have been affected by neuropathy may be familiar with.
Signs that neuropathy is affecting my eyes:
"My eyes have a hard time adjusting from dark to light."
"It is difficult for me to drive at night."
Sweat Glands
And we’re back where we started! For some, damage to the autonomic nerves affects their sweat glands. They may sweat excessively – or not sweat at all. This bothersome symptom can affect their body’s ability to regulate its temperature – especially if they are unable to sweat. Being cognizant of this – especially during the hot summer months or when doing physical activities – is important, as you will want to take the appropriate steps to prevent yourself from overheating.
Signs that neuropathy is affecting my sweat glands:
"I rarely sweat, even if I’m exercising or I’m hot."
"I sweat excessively for no reason."
"The skin on my feet is dry."
If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above – the most important first step is talking to your doctor about it. Your doctor can ask the necessary questions and run the appropriate tests to help determine the cause and recommend a treatment approach.
If neuropathy is the cause, treating the underlying nerve damage is critical to lessening the severity of symptoms. Neuropathy treatments may include medications, supplements, blood sugar management, diet and more. For more on treating nerve damage, read our blog post 7 Common Treatments for Nerve Pain. Your doctor can also recommend other options and medications to help bring temporary relief to your specific symptoms.
Besides the pain, numbness or tingling – what have been your most troublesome Neuropathy symptoms? Share your experiences with us on the Neuropathy University Facebook Page!