Thirst - excessive
Alternate Names : Increased thirst, Polydipsia, Excessive thirst
Home Care & Treatment
Because thirst is usually the body's signal to replace water loss, it is usually appropriate to drink plenty of liquids. A very strong, constant urge to drink may be a sign of a psychological problem, which may mean psychological help is needed. For thirst caused by diabetes, follow the prescribed treatment to properly control blood sugar levels.
Call your Health Care Provider if
- Excessive thirst is persistent and unexplained
- Thirst is accompanied by other unexplained symptoms, such as blurry vision and fatigue
- You are passing more than 5 quarts of urine per day
What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office
The health care provider will get your medical history and perform a physical examination. Medical history questions may include the following: - 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?
- Are you eating more salty or spicy foods?
- How much salt do you have each day?
- Did you change your diet?
- Have you noticed an increased appetite?
- Have you noticed an unintentional weight gain?
- Have you noticed an unintentional weight loss?
- Has your activity level recently increased?
- What other symptoms are happening at the same time?
- Have you recently suffered a burn or other injury?
- Are you urinating more or less frequently than usual?
- Are you producing more or less urine than usual?
- Have you noticed any bleeding?
- Are you sweating more than usual?
- Is there any swelling in your body?
- Do you have a fever?
A psychological evaluation may be recommended if the health care provider suspects a psychological compulsive thirst. Your fluid intake and output will be closely watched. Diagnostic tests that may be performed include the following:
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