Increased thirst, severe thirst, increased thirst or polydipsia are mostly symptom terms in a medical context that can indicate a medical condition. Severe thirst is particularly common in metabolic diseases. A general definition of thirst can be found here: What is thirst?.
What is severe thirst?
However, severe thirst is often also due to metabolic disorders such as diabetes mellitus (diabetes) or hormonal imbalances. First of all, thirst is a normal and healthy desire to take in water. Since the human body needs water or fluid for normal functioning of metabolism and other vital processes, the sensation of thirst is a condition essential for survival. An adult human usually needs 3 liters for daily needs. Depending on physical activity or environment (for example, desert vs. arctic), the need may be higher or lower. Similarly, thirst can be dependent on minerals, such as salts, consumed directly or through food. If salinity is higher than needed, thirst also increases. This balancing of salts and fluid is also called osmotic pressure or osmosis.
Causes
Rather normal and harmless causes of increased thirst are sweating, physical exercise, and ambient temperature. However, increased thirst can also occur with fever, diarrhea, vomiting, burns, and blood loss, as these usually involved fluid loss. However, greatly increased thirst is often also due to metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus (diabetes) or hormonal disorders. Likewise, diseases related to the thyroid gland and kidneys can also be responsible for increased thirst. Psychological causes are also sometimes the basis of the strong thirst sensation. Increased thirst is often accompanied by frequent urination. Polydipsia, i.e. pathologically increased thirst, is caused by various metabolic disorders. These include, above all, diabetes mellitus (diabetes) and diabetes insipidus, in which there is a deficiency of a certain hormone. Often, a strong feeling of thirst also develops after heavy alcohol consumption, which is also known colloquially as “burning“.
Diseases with this symptom
- Burn
- Hyperthyroidism
- Cushing’s syndrome
- Alcohol intoxication
- Irritable bowel
- Hypercalcemia
- Diabetes mellitus
- Water urine dysentery
- Hyperparathyroidism
Diagnosis and course
Any unusual, persistent feeling of thirst that is not traceable to greater fluid loss requires a rapid diagnosis as to its cause. A detailed discussion with the patient about the duration and intensity of the thirst, as well as nutritional behavior and possible previous illnesses, often allows the physician to draw initial conclusions about triggering factors. Exact laboratory tests of blood and urine crystallize the most common diseases behind this symptom, such as a disturbed mineral balance or diabetes. A strong feeling of thirst, which is not treated causally, results in severe headaches and high blood pressure after only a few hours. Subsequently, the affected person suffers a circulatory collapse and clear signs of dehydration. After two to three days, unconsciousness and death are imminent.
Complications
Increased thirst does not necessarily indicate a medical complication and may also occur in hot weather or after strenuous exercise. In these cases, treatment by a physician is necessary, and the thirst will disappear once the patient has consumed enough fluids. However, if the increased thirst occurs in the long term and does not disappear even with enough fluid intake, it indicates another disease and must be treated in any case. As a rule, increased thirst occurs mainly in diabetes. In these cases, the doctor can perform a test relatively quickly and easily to detect this disease. If the increased thirst occurs due to diabetes, it can be brought under control with a regulated blood sugar level. A change in diet can also be helpful and support the body in this process. Surgical treatment is usually not provided.Furthermore, it may be a disorder of the kidneys. In this case, a visit to a doctor is also necessary. Most often, the increased thirst leads to dehydration of the skin and lips, which can be harmful to the skin, especially in winter. Early treatment is important to avoid secondary damage.
When should you go to the doctor?
Increased thirst can be relieved independently in most cases by drinking enough. However, if thirst persists despite this, a doctor should clarify the cause. This is especially true if the increased thirst lasts for several days or weeks, is accompanied by accompanying symptoms, or has a generally negative effect on the physical and mental condition. Severe thirst associated with weight loss or increased urination always requires a medical examination. It is possible that the symptoms are due to a serious illness such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, which must be clarified quickly and treated if necessary. Often a new medication or a change in lifestyle is responsible for the increased thirst. A doctor should be consulted if the feeling of thirst is not due to any particular cause (physical activity, alcohol consumption, diarrhea, etc.) and has a negative effect on general well-being. Children and adolescents who complain of increased thirst should be taken to the doctor immediately. This is especially true if the feeling of thirst increases rapidly and is associated with symptoms such as exhaustion, dizziness and poor concentration.
Treatment and therapy
If the increased thirst is not due to any normal cause, such as sweating, a doctor should be consulted. Often then a disease such as diabetes mellitus (diabetes) or diabetes insipidus (water urination) is present and should be treated. In this case, the doctor will conduct an intensive questioning about the increased thirst and urination. He will then initiate a wide-ranging physical examination. This will include a blood test and laboratory examination of urine. During the blood test, the hormone balance is also checked for abnormalities. If the cause of the increased thirst is then finally determined, an individual therapy or treatment can begin. As already mentioned, the underlying disease should be treated first, if present. In the case of diabetes mellitus, efforts should be made to return blood glucose levels to normal. In diabetes insipidus, it is necessary to regulate the electrolyte balance to normal values. If this is successful, the increased feeling of thirst will also return to a healthy level.
Outlook and prognosis
Increased thirst is a natural signal from the body to drink more. However, it may also be the first signs of diabetes mellitus. Therefore, it is important for prognosis to determine the underlying causes of increased thirst. Excessive thirst may indicate insufficient fluid intake or greater fluid loss. The affected person can counteract both by appropriate drinking behavior. Elderly people can put the required daily drinking amount in sight. Their sense of thirst fades or is deliberately ignored. Children generally have increased thirst. They should be offered plenty of fluids. In both, the prognosis is good if the amount of fluid is sufficient. However, the daily amount of fluid must be increased if diarrhea occurs. The loss of fluids and electrolytes should be replenished promptly. Depending on the duration of the diarrheal illness, the prognosis of increased thirst is good. However, if it is the result of food intolerance or food allergy, it should be investigated. Increased thirst may be a symptom of diabetic disease. Under medical supervision and with adequate treatment, the prognosis can be good. However, the underlying disease worsens over time. In kidney disease requiring dialysis, increased thirst is normal due to the forced reduction in drinking. Here, the prognosis is worse because of the underlying disease.
What you can do yourself
Various measures and home remedies can help with increased thirst. First of all, it is advisable to quench the feeling of thirst through regular and, above all, sufficient fluid intake. Proven thirst quenchers are, in addition to mineral water and juice, tea with mint or fennel, sorrel tea and unsweetened lemon juice.A tea made from fresh raisins is also considered an important source of nutrients and a good remedy for thirst. During pregnancy, increased thirst can also be alleviated by raspberry leaf tea and healthy fruit juices made from bananas, oranges and apricots. The aforementioned drinks can be spiced with cinnamon or ginger, among other things. Both plants lower blood pressure and relieve thirst naturally. Otherwise, regular exercise and especially sports activities help. Those who sweat a lot regulate their thirst automatically and should quickly notice an improvement in their symptoms. However, if the increased thirst persists, there may be an underlying disease. In this case, a visit to the doctor is recommended to clarify the causes and avoid the threat of dehydration. This can be accompanied by a complaint diary in which the occurrence and intensity of the thirsty feelings are recorded.
