Polydipsia
What is it?
Polydipsia is the medical term for excessive thirst, or a constant desire to drink. Causes for polydipsia may include urinary conditions, dehydration, or excessive sweating.
It could also be the first symptom of diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus. Certain medications such as corticosteroids or diuretics, consumption of a lot of salt or vitamin D can also cause polydipsia. Psychological causes may also cause polydipsia.
Signs & symptoms
Feeling thirsty is a symptom of polydipsia. Other common symptoms may include passing high amounts of urine and a feeling of dryness. Other symptoms may vary depending on the underlying cause. If polydipsia is due to diabetes- fatigue, blurry vision, being hungry and abnormal weight loss may also be present.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of polydipsia usually starts with medical history and a physical examination. Further evaluation may be done such as blood or urine tests. A fluid deprivation test may also be performed.
Treatment
Treatment for polydipsia depends on the underlying cause. If diabetes mellitus is diagnosed, medication to control blood sugar and changes in lifestyle may be suggested. If the polydipsia is drug-induced, maybe a change in medication should be considered.
☝️ This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision.
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Source of Information - We analyze big data of more than 23 million patients de-identified medical records from the following sources:
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