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Alternative names Return to top
Increased thirst; Polydipsia; Excessive thirstDefinition Return to top
Excessive thirst is an abnormal feeling of constantly needing to consume fluids.Considerations Return to top
Drinking lots of water is usually healthy. However, the urge to drink excessively beyond a certain limit may reflect an underlying disease, either physical or emotional. Excessive thirst may be a symptom of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and can be an important clue in detecting diabetes.
Excessive thirst is a fairly common symptom and is often the reaction to fluid loss during exercise or intake of salty foods.
Common Causes Return to top
Home Care Return to top
Because thirst is usually the body's way of replacing water loss, it is usually advisable to drink plenty of liquids.
For compulsive thirst, seek psychological help.
For thirst caused by diabetes, follow prescribed therapy to properly control blood sugar levels.
Call your health care provider if Return to top
What to expect at your health care provider's office Return to top
The health care provider will obtain your medical history and will perform a physical examination.
Medical history questions documenting excessive thirst in detail may include the following:
A psychological evaluation may be recommended if compulsive thirst (of psychologic origin) is suspected. Fluid intake and output will be closely monitored.
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include the following:
Update Date: 5/4/2003 Updated by: Bridget Martell, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |