Introduction
Thirst is the sensation felt by the body when there is a requirement of water for the body or when there is dryness. Consumption of spicy foods, performing exercises, hot weather, etc., can make us feel thirsty and that is considered to be normal. If someone feels excessively thirsty even after drinking fluids, it can indicate an abnormality in the body. Sometimes, it may also accompany fatigue and blurring of vision.
What Can Cause Excessive Thirst?
There can be normal as well as pathologic causes, and they have been mentioned below:
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Certain diseases.
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Consumption of spicy or salty foods.
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Too much exercise or strenuous physical work.
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Vomiting.
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Loose motions.
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Burns in the body.
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Excess blood loss.
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Some medicines like Lithium, antipsychotics, diuretics, etc.
If someone experiences thirst very often, this must be related to some underlying medical condition.
The following could be possible explanations or causes for the same;
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Dehydration: This happens when there is inadequate intake of water or excessive loss of fluid from the body. This can alter body functions. Severe dehydration can be dangerous as it can prove to be fatal. More focus should be given to infants and young children. The various causes of dehydration could be illness, increased sweating, urine excretion, diarrhea, or vomiting.
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Diabetes Mellitus: It is a clinical condition characterized by deficiency of insulin or inadequacy of the body to produce or utilize insulin. A patient suffering from diabetes can face increased thirst due to increased blood sugar (hyperglycemia) levels in the body. It is one of the more commonly observed symptoms in diabetic patients.
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Diabetes Insipidus: This is the type of diabetes that occurs when the body is not able to regulate the fluid levels in the body properly. This leads to an imbalance as well as loss of water in the body which ultimately causes excessive urination and thirst.
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Dipsogenic Diabetes Insipidus: This is a clinical condition characterized by a thirst mechanism defect in the body that causes an increase in thirst leading to increased liquid intake and frequent urination.
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Various conditions, like heart, liver, and kidney failure.
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Sepsis: It is a life-threatening condition caused by a severe inflammatory reaction due to bacterial or other infections.
What Is Responsible for the Excessive Thirst Experienced at Night?
One frequent cause of nighttime thirst is inadequate water intake during the day. Insufficient water intake can lead to reduced saliva production, resulting in a dry mouth. Other factors contributing to excessive nighttime thirst may include medications, pre-bedtime diet and drinks, alcohol consumption before sleep, bedroom temperature, mouth breathing, and underlying health issues.
How Can Excessive Thirst Be Diagnosed?
When one consults a physician, they may ask about past medical history, personal information, family history, and more, along with the signs and symptoms they are experiencing. They may be asked questions regarding frequency of urination, water intake, feeling of thirst, any other associated health problems, and more.
Following that, a physical examination may be performed. Also, certain laboratory tests may be required to confirm the diagnosis. The following are the more commonly done tests:
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Blood glucose level estimation test.
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Analysis of urine, including urine osmolality and urine electrolyte tests.
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Various blood tests may include a blood count and blood differential tests.
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Serum tests like serum electrolyte and osmolality tests.
How Can It Be Treated?
The treatment depends on the underlying medical condition. If it is due to diabetes, then medications may be prescribed to control diabetes, along with an adequate intake of water and food. If it is psychological, then behavioral therapy may be considered. If it is due to medications, then an alternative for those medications can be prescribed. Lifestyle changes, dietary patterns, and others may be modified to get better results.
What Is the Normal Level of Water Intake?
An adequate amount of water, especially 84 to 101 fluid ounces, should be consumed daily to remain healthy. One can also enhance the water intake by consumption of various water-rich foods, which are as follows:
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Celery.
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Oranges.
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Melons.
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Watermelon.
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Tomatoes.
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Fibrous foods.
One can check urine to assess adequate water intake. Light-colored, high-volume urine without any heavy odor indicates adequate water consumption.
Water is essential for various functions of the body. All the body parts, including organs, tissues, and cells, need it to function properly. The following are the basic functions of water in the body:
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Lubrication and cushioning of the joints.
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Maintaining a normal body temperature.
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Protection of the brain and spinal cord.
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Excretion of body waste by perspiration, urination, and bowel movements.
The following conditions indicate that one should consume more water:
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Fever.
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Hot weather.
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Excessive or strenuous physical activity.
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Vomiting.
How Can Excessive Thirst Be Prevented?
Depending on the cause of one's condition, one may prevent excessive thirst by drinking more water and other fluids. Avoid drinking caffeine and alcohol. If someone has diabetes and has access to blood glucose testing equipment, they may want to test their blood sugar levels when thirsty. Testing can help determine if blood sugar levels are too high.
Are There Any Risks of Excessive Thirst?
Yes, when one has excessive thirst, one may consume excessive water without adequate excretion, leading to overhydration. The various causes can include excessive water consumption to compensate for normal or pathologic fluid loss from the body, and diseases of the kidney, liver, or heart. Overhydration can lead to a severe decrease in blood sodium level, which can result in confusion and seizures, more commonly if it develops suddenly.
When Should One Seek Medical Advice?
Thirst indicates that the body has fewer fluids. But if thirst remains constant and does not settle down even after drinking fluids, it can be associated with an underlying condition, which could be physical or psychological.
The following are indications to seek medical advice:
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Persistent thirst even after consumption of a high amount of water.
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Tiredness is associated with thirst.
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Associated blurred vision, increased hunger, or any wound that is not healing.
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Excessive urination may be more than 84.5 fluid ounces in a day.
Conclusion
Excessive thirst, as mentioned above, could be normal or pathologic. It is normal to feel thirsty sometimes. The body may be signaling that it is time to hydrate. It is important to talk to a physician if anyone has constant excessive thirst, as it can become severe if not managed on time. Consulting with a healthcare provider is recommended to identify the underlying cause of excessive thirst. They can assist in determining the appropriate treatment for polydipsia.