Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of polydipsia (excessive thirst). Family history Social history Current anamnesis/systemic anamnesis (somatic and psychological complaints). How long have you been suffering from increased thirst? How many liters do you drink on average per day in the process? Do you always drink a lot, … Excessive Thirst (Polydipsia): Medical History
Endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases (E00-E90). Conn’s syndrome (primary hyperaldosteronism, PHA) – involves partial or complete autonomous production of the steroid hormone aldosterone, which is produced in the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex. Symptoms: Hypokalemia (potassium deficiency), hypertension (high blood pressure); however, up to 10% of patients with hypertension have normokalemic (normal potassium) hyperaldosteronism. … Excessive Thirst (Polydipsia): Or something else? Differential Diagnosis
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; further: Inspection (viewing). Skin and mucous membranes Auscultation (listening) of the heart Auscultation of the lungs Palpation (palpation) of the abdomen (abdomen) (tenderness?, knocking pain?, coughing pain?, defensive tension?, hernial orifices?, kidney … Excessive Thirst (Polydipsia): Examination
2nd order laboratory parameters – depending on the results of the history, physical examination and obligatory laboratory parameters – for differential diagnostic clarification. Small blood count Inflammatory parameters – CRP (C-reactive protein) or ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate). Urine status (rapid test for: pH, leukocytes, nitrite, protein, glucose, ketone, urobilinogen, bilirubin, blood), sediment, if necessary urine … Excessive Thirst (Polydipsia): Test and Diagnosis
Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, and obligatory laboratory parameters – for differential diagnostic clarification. Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen (abdominal CT) – for suspected central diabetes insipidus, Conn syndrome (adrenal tumor). Magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen (abdominal MRI) – in suspected central diabetes insipidus, … Excessive Thirst (Polydipsia): Diagnostic Tests
The following symptoms and complaints may occur together with polydipsia (excessive thirst): Leading symptom Polydipsia (> 4 liters of fluid intake per day). Accompanying symptom Polyuria (pathological/diseased increased urine output; volume varies between > 1.5-3 l/day depending on doctrine). Warning signs (red flags) In terminal illness (progressive, incurable disease), hypercalcemia (excess calcium) may cause excessive … Excessive Thirst (Polydipsia): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs
