Thirst - Excessive

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What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office

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:

• Time pattern
  • 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?
• Eating habits
  • Has your intake of salty or spicy foods increased?
  • How much salt do you consume each day?
  • Have you changed your diet?
  • Have you noticed an increased appetite?
  • Have you noticed an unintentional weight gain?
  • Have you noticed an unintentional weight loss?
• Other
  • Has your activity level recently increased?
  • What other symptoms are occurring at the same time?
  • Has there been a recent burn or other injury?
  • Have you noticed an increased or decreased frequency of urination?
  • Have you noticed an increased or decreased amount of urine produced?
  • Have you noticed bleeding?
  • Have you noticed excessive sweating?
  • Is there swelling?
  • Is there a fever?

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:

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