Thirst - excessive

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Insulin production and diabetes

Increased thirst; Polydipsia; Excessive thirst

Because thirst is usually the body's signal to replace water loss, it is usually appropriate to drink plenty of liquids.

A very strong, constant urge to drink may be a sign of a psychological problem, which may mean psychological help is needed.

For thirst caused by diabetes, follow the prescribed treatment to properly control blood sugar levels.

• Excessive thirst is persistent and unexplained
• Thirst is accompanied by other unexplained symptoms, such as blurry vision and fatigue
• You are passing more than 5 quarts of urine per day

The health care provider will get your medical history and perform a physical examination.

Medical history questions may include the following:

• How long have you been aware of having increased thirst?
• Is it consistent during the day?
• Is it worse during the day?
• Did it develop suddenly or slowly?
• Are you eating more salty or spicy foods?
• How much salt do you have each day?
• Did you change your diet?
• Have you noticed an increased appetite?
• Have you noticed an unintentional weight gain?
• Have you noticed an unintentional weight loss?
• Has your activity level recently increased?
• What other symptoms are happening at the same time?
• Have you recently suffered a burn or other injury?
• Are you urinating more or less frequently than usual?
• Are you producing more or less urine than usual?
• Have you noticed any bleeding?
• Are you sweating more than usual?
• Is there any swelling in your body?
• Do you have a fever?

A psychological evaluation may be recommended if compulsive thirst of psychological origin is suspected. Fluid intake and output will be closely watched.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include the following:

• Urinalysis
• CBC and blood differential
• Serum calcium
• Blood glucose level
• Urine osmolality
• Serum osmolality
• Serum sodium

Review Date: 01/18/2007
Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.