Thirsty

The desire to drink water is considered a response of the body to a lack of fluid. Polydipsia is quite understandable after increased physical activity, in a hot climate, after eating spicy or salty food. Since all the mentioned factors reduce the supply of fluid in the body. But there are cases when you want to drink constantly, regardless of the amount drunk.

Strong thirst is a symptom indicating a lack of water in the body. Let's consider the main causes, diagnostic methods, treatment and options for preventing the disorder.

When the water level drops, the body takes moisture from the saliva, which makes it viscous and the oral mucosa dry. Due to dehydration, the skin loses elasticity, headaches and dizziness appear, and facial features become sharper. This happens with some diseases and pathological conditions of the body. In this case, to establish the real cause of the ailment, a medical consultation and a number of diagnostic procedures are required.

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Causes of intense thirst

There are many reasons for increased fluid requirements, let's look at the most common ones:

• Dehydration – occurs during intense physical activity, bleeding or diarrhea, and in hot climates. Alcohol and coffee contribute to malaise. To eliminate the restoration of water-salt balance, it is recommended to drink more water.
• Evaporation of water with sweat – high air temperature and physical activity cause sweating, after which you want to drink. This reaction of the body is considered normal. Excessive sweating should cause concern, which may indicate diseases of the nervous system, high body temperature, inflammatory processes, diseases of the lungs, heart, kidneys or immune system. This condition requires medical diagnosis, as it can lead to serious consequences.
• Dry air – the body loses moisture when the air is very dry. This happens in rooms with air conditioners. To normalize the humidity, you need to drink more water and have plants that raise the humidity.
• Soft water – if the water does not contain enough mineral salts, it causes a constant desire to drink. The thing is that mineral salts help the body absorb and retain water. It is recommended to drink sodium chloride mineral water with a small salt content or bottled water with a normalized mineral content.
• Hard water – excess mineral salts also have a negative effect on the body, as does their deficiency. If they are in excess, they attract water and make it difficult for cells to absorb it.
• Spicy or salty food - such products irritate the mouth and throat, and the desire to drink occurs reflexively. It is recommended to give up such food for a while, if the discomfort has passed, then you can not worry and return to your usual diet.
• Diuretic foods – such foods remove water from the body, which causes dehydration and a desire to drink. Give up such foods for a while, if everything is normal, then there are no health problems. But if polydipsia remains, then you should seek medical help.
• Diabetes mellitus – the desire to drink and dry mouth remain after drinking heavily and are accompanied by frequent urges to urinate. In addition, dizziness, headaches, and sudden weight changes are possible. With such symptoms, it is necessary to take a blood sugar test.
• Drinking alcohol – Alcohol sucks water out of the body's tissues, causing dehydration.
• Dysfunction of the parathyroid glands - hyperparathyroidism is accompanied by a constant desire to drink. This occurs due to a violation of the regulation of calcium levels in the body by the secretion of parathyroid hormone. The patient complains of muscle weakness, bone pain, renal colic, memory loss and fatigue. With such symptoms, it is necessary to visit an endocrinologist and take a number of tests.
• Medicines - antibiotics, antihistamines, diuretics, hypotensives and expectorants cause dry mouth. To prevent this problem, it is recommended to consult a doctor and choose another medicine.
• Kidney disease - due to the inflammatory process, the kidneys do not retain fluid, causing a need for water. In this case, problems with urination and swelling are observed. To eliminate the disease, you need to contact a nephrologist, give urine for analysis and undergo an ultrasound.
• Liver diseases - in addition to fluid deficiency, nausea, yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, pain in the right hypochondrium, frequent nosebleeds appear. If you have such symptoms, you should consult a therapist and undergo a liver examination for pathologies.
• Trauma – very often traumatic head injuries cause severe thirst. For treatment, you need to see a neurologist, as without medical intervention, cerebral edema is possible.

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Thirst as a symptom of disease

Polydipsia occurs under the influence of many factors, but in some cases it is a symptom of a disease. At first, there is a feeling of thirst that cannot be quenched. This may be due to dysfunction of the body and an imbalance of salts and fluids. The desire to drink is accompanied by severe dryness in the mouth and throat, which is associated with decreased secretion of saliva due to fluid deficiency.

• Uncontrollable thirst, as a rule, indicates the development of diabetes. In this case, there is abundant and frequent urination, hormonal imbalance and water-salt metabolism.
• Increased function of the parathyroid glands is another disease that is accompanied by polydipsia. The patient complains of muscle weakness, increased fatigue, and sudden weight loss. The urine is white, this color is associated with calcium being washed out of the bones.
• Kidney diseases glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis, hydronephrosis - cause dry mouth, swelling and problems with urination. The disorder occurs because the affected organ cannot retain the required amount of fluid in the body.
• Brain injuries and neurosurgeries lead to the development of diabetes insipidus, which causes a constant lack of water. At the same time, regardless of the amount of liquid consumed, dehydration does not go away.
• Stress and nervous experiences, mental disorders (schizophrenia, obsessive states) - most often women suffer from thirst for these reasons. In addition, irritability, tearfulness, and a constant desire to sleep appear.

In addition to the above-described diseases, an insatiable desire to drink occurs with drug and alcohol addiction, hyperglycemia, infections, burns, liver disease and cardiovascular disease.

Strong thirst in the evening

Very often in the evening there is an inexplicable feeling of thirst. This condition is associated with a slowdown in metabolic processes in the body. On average, up to 2 liters of water are drunk during the day; in the heat, the need for liquid increases regardless of the time of day. But in some cases, a strong and uncontrollable desire to drink water occurs due to certain diseases. If the disorder lasts for several days, but is not associated with heat or increased physical activity in the evening, then you should seek medical help.

It is absolutely necessary to examine the thyroid gland, do an ultrasound of the kidneys, take a test for thyroid hormones (TSH, free T3, free T4, ATPO, ATCTG), urine analysis, blood for biochemistry and renal complex (creatinine, glomerular filtration, urea).

One of the common causes of thirst is intoxication. A classic example of a disorder is a hangover. Alcohol breakdown products begin to poison the body, and in order to get rid of them, a large amount of water is needed. This is necessary to remove toxins naturally, that is, through the kidneys. If there are no problems with alcohol, but you still want to drink, then the cause may be associated with an infection or virus. Diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus, cancer, severe stress and nervous disorders also provoke increased water consumption in the evening.

Strong thirst at night

Severe polydipsia at night occurs for many reasons, each of which requires detailed study. First of all, it is necessary to find out how much water a person drinks during the day. If there is not enough liquid, the body is dehydrated and requires replenishing the water-salt balance. Lack of liquid appears when drinking coffee, salty, sweet and spicy foods at night. Too heavy a dinner can provoke night awakening to quench thirst. In this case, in the morning the skin looks swollen and edematous.

The malaise can be caused by dry air in the sleeping room. Snoring and breathing in sleep with an open mouth cause the mucous membrane to dry out and the desire to drink. Various endocrine diseases, infections, inflammations and kidney diseases also provoke thirst attacks at night.

Strong thirst after sleep

Polydipsia after sleep is a common phenomenon that everyone has encountered. The desire to drink water is often accompanied by increased viscosity of saliva, difficulty swallowing, bad breath, and burning of the tongue and oral mucosa. As a rule, such symptoms in the morning indicate intoxication of the body, which could have occurred due to excessive alcohol consumption the night before.

Some medications provoke the disorder in the morning hours. This also applies to nighttime overeating. If the defect appears systematically, it may indicate diabetes mellitus type 2, one of the symptoms of which is insufficient production of saliva in the morning and its increased viscosity.

If the lack of fluid appears episodically, then such a condition occurs with stress, nervous disorders and experiences. Infectious diseases with elevated body temperature also cause thirst after sleep.

Severe thirst and nausea

Severe polydipsia and nausea are a combination of symptoms that indicate food poisoning or intestinal infections. Very often, these signs appear even before the full clinical picture, which is accompanied by diarrhea and vomiting. Unpleasant symptoms can appear with dietary errors and overeating.

If the lack of fluid is accompanied by dryness and bitterness in the mouth, in addition to nausea, heartburn, belching and a white coating on the tongue appear, then these may be signs of the following diseases:

• Dyskinesia of the bile ducts - occurs with diseases of the gallbladder. It may be one of the symptoms of pancreatitis, cholecystitis or gastritis.
• Inflammation of the gums - the desire to drink water and nausea are accompanied by a metallic taste in the mouth, burning of the gums and tongue.
• Gastritis of the stomach - patients complain of pain in the stomach area, heartburn and a feeling of fullness.
• Use of medications - some antibiotics and antihistamines cause the symptoms described above.
• Neurotic disorders, psychoses, neuroses, amenorrhea – disorders of the central nervous system often cause fluid deficiency in the body, bouts of nausea and other unpleasant symptoms from the gastrointestinal tract.
• Thyroid diseases – due to changes in the motor function of the bile ducts, spasms of the bile ducts occur and adrenaline release increases. This leads to the appearance of a white or yellow coating on the tongue, as well as bitterness, dryness and lack of fluid.

In any case, if such disorders persist for several days, it is worth seeking medical help. The doctor will evaluate additional symptoms (the presence of abdominal pain, digestive disorders and stool), which may indicate a disease of the digestive system, and conduct a number of diagnostic studies to determine other possible pathologies caused by nausea and dehydration.

Intense thirst and dry mouth

Severe dehydration with dry mouth are signs indicating a violation of the body's water balance. Xerostomia or dry mouth occurs due to a decrease or cessation of saliva production. This happens with certain infectious diseases, with damage to the respiratory and nervous systems, gastrointestinal diseases and autoimmune diseases. The malaise may be temporary, but with an exacerbation of chronic diseases or the use of drugs, it appears systematically.

If the lack of fluid and dry mouth are accompanied by symptoms such as: frequent urge to go to the toilet or problems with urination, dry nose and throat, cracks in the corners of the mouth, dizziness, changes in the taste of food and drinks, speech becomes slurred due to the viscosity in the mouth, it is painful to swallow, an unpleasant odor appears from the mouth, then this indicates a serious illness that requires medical attention.

Strong thirst after eating

The appearance of a strong thirst after eating has a physiological basis. The whole point is that the body works to balance all the substances that enter it. This also applies to salt that enters with food. Sensory receptors give the brain a signal about its presence in cells and tissues, so there is a desire to drink in order to reduce the salt balance. Dehydration occurs when eating spicy food and sweets.

In order to normalize the water-salt balance after eating, it is recommended to drink 1 glass of purified water 20-30 minutes before eating. This will allow the body to absorb all the nutrients that enter the body with food and will not cause the desire to drink. 30-40 minutes after eating, you need to drink another glass of liquid. If you drink immediately after eating, this can cause pain in the gastrointestinal tract, belching, a feeling of heaviness and even nausea.

Metformin extreme thirst

Many patients prescribed Metformin complain of intense thirst caused by taking the drug. The drug is classified as an antidiabetic medication used for diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2 and for impaired glucose tolerance. As a rule, it is well tolerated, and in addition to its main medicinal effect, it helps to significantly reduce weight. Normalization of body weight is possible in the case when diets and physical exercise over a long period of time have not helped to remove extra pounds.

• The drug is prescribed for the treatment of endocrinological and gynecological diseases. The active substance reduces appetite, reduces glucose absorption in the distal gastrointestinal tract, inhibits liver glycogen synthesis and regulates glucose levels. The drug reduces stimulation of pancreatic cells responsible for insulin production, which reduces appetite.
• The medication is taken orally, the dosage and duration of use are determined by the attending physician and depend on the indications. Single dose - 500 mg. When using the tablets, it is necessary to avoid simple carbohydrates, as they can cause side effects from the gastrointestinal tract. If the medication causes nausea, the dosage is halved.
• The tablets are contraindicated for use during pregnancy and lactation, in case of cardiac, renal and hepatic insufficiency. Severe polydipsia is also a contraindication for use. The drug is not prescribed to patients under 15 years of age.
• If a carbohydrate-free diet is not followed during the use of the drug, side effects are possible. Most often, patients complain of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and the appearance of a metallic taste. Long-term use can cause B12-deficiency anemia.

Correct use of Metformin with strict adherence to dosage and without exceeding the recommended course of therapy does not cause dehydration or any other side effects.

Strong thirst in a child

Increased polydipsia is typical for patients of the pediatric age category. Many parents do not monitor the water balance of the child's body. So, if the baby is outside or under the scorching sun for a long time, this can cause not only dehydration, but also heat stroke. Thirst in children has both physiological causes that arise from eating salty, spicy and sweet foods, and pathological ones, that is, caused by certain diseases.

• Diabetes mellitus – the classic signs of the disease include not only an increased need for water, but also polyphagia, that is, increased hunger and polyuria – frequent urination. Symptoms appear due to increased blood glucose levels. Most often, children suffer from type 1 diabetes, which is insulin-dependent.
• Diabetes insipidus – occurs due to a deficiency of antidiuretic hormone. It is responsible for sending a signal to the kidneys to reabsorb fluid. Children with this disease suffer not only from a lack of water, but also from frequent urination.
• Heart failure – any physical activity causes polydipsia. The pathology appears due to the weakening of the heart, which is unable to pump blood and oxygen in a normal mode.
• Kidney disease – lack of fluid is combined with increased urine output from the body. This symptom is characteristic of pyelonephritis and glomerulonephritis.
• Mental illnesses – polydipsia can occur in nervous and mental disorders that are accompanied by increased anxiety and depression.
• Dehydration – occurs with viral infections accompanied by high fever, vomiting and diarrhea. Parasitic and bacterial infections also cause a lack of fluid due to diarrhea.

Treatment depends on what the underlying cause is. The symptom cannot be ignored and it is recommended to take the child to a pediatrician at the earliest opportunity. The doctor will conduct a comprehensive examination and help get rid of the ailment.

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Extreme thirst during pregnancy

Pregnancy is a difficult period for every woman, as it is characterized by increased stress on the body. During pregnancy, the expectant mother very often suffers from dehydration. The human body consists of 80% water. Water is present in all cells and is the key to the normal functioning of the body. A lack of fluid slows down metabolic processes and has a pathological effect on both the mother's body and the development of the fetus.

• In the early stages of pregnancy, the fetus begins to form and its body does not function to its full extent. This concerns the organs responsible for neutralizing toxins and removing waste. Therefore, the woman feels the need for a large amount of liquid necessary for their removal.
• Water is needed to form the amniotic fluid in which the baby develops. Its volume increases with each week, which means thirst increases.
• Another reason for the increased need for water is the restructuring of the circulatory system, which is completed by the 20th week of gestation. Due to the lack of fluid, the blood becomes too thick. This is a threat to both the expectant mother and the child, as it can form intravascular thrombi, ischemic damage and other pathologies.
• Changes in taste preferences – during pregnancy, a woman is drawn to food experiments. Excessive consumption of sweet, spicy, salty and fatty foods requires additional fluid for digestion and removal of increased amounts of salt from the body.

In some cases, doctors limit pregnant women in water consumption. This happens due to poor urine tests, swelling, polyhydramnios. Increased water accumulation can cause gestosis and premature birth. If dehydration is accompanied by dry mouth, this may indicate the development of serious diseases. Sometimes expectant mothers are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, which is detected in urine and blood tests. In this case, the woman is prescribed a special diet to normalize blood sugar. Viral diseases, microbial infections, gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases are also accompanied by polydipsia.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of dehydration, i.e. increased polydipsia, is a long and complex process. Since malaise can be a sign of many pathologies from different organs and systems. As a rule, the disorder is considered in several aspects - diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, kidney disease and cardiovascular system, as well as simple dehydration.

The diagnostic methods used depend on the additional symptoms that appear simultaneously with thirst. The patient undergoes blood and urine tests for biochemistry. In addition, thyroid hormone tests, kidney and liver tests are prescribed.

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Treatment for severe thirst

Treatment of dehydration depends on the underlying disease. All efforts are aimed at restoring the water-salt balance. At the same time, it is not recommended to limit drinking. Let's consider the main recommendations aimed at eliminating the malaise:

• To prevent the increased need for water from making itself known too often, drink ½ cup of clean water every hour. You need to drink at least 8 glasses or 2 liters of water per day.
• Pay attention to your urination. In order for the body not to suffer from dehydration, it is necessary to drink such an amount of liquid that the urine will not be dark or too light in color. An indicator of normal fluid content in the body is urine of a moderately yellow color without a strong odor.
• During sports and physical work, it is necessary to replenish water reserves. To prevent dehydration, it is recommended to drink ½ a glass of water 15-20 minutes before starting work or training.
• If the lack of fluid is constant, despite large volumes of water consumed daily, then it is worth taking a blood test for sugar. Since it is quite possible that the malaise is caused by one of the forms of diabetes.

In any case, if dehydration is frequent and severe, you should consult a therapist or endocrinologist. If the increased need for fluid appears after a head injury, then a consultation with a neurologist and traumatologist is required.

Prevention

Prevention of increased fluid intake involves eliminating the factors that cause the disorder. The main task of preventing the disease is to establish the cause that provokes it.

• Give up bad habits – smoking, drinking alcohol, fatty, salty and spicy food. Coffee and various snacks also cause a desire to drink water.
• Control the amount of liquid you drink per day. Regardless of your diet, you need to drink at least two liters of purified water.
• Pay attention to the air condition in the room where you work and live. The thing is that dry air provokes thirst. You can use various air humidifiers or get indoor plants.

Forecast

The prognosis for increased fluid requirements depends on the causes that caused it. If the malaise is one of the symptoms of diabetes, then the patient will need lifelong treatment. More precisely, therapy aimed at maintaining normal blood sugar and glucose levels. If the disorder appeared due to kidney or heart disease, then it is enough to eliminate the underlying cause and the thirst will pass.

Strong thirst caused by psychological factors requires the help of a psychologist or neurologist. If the factors that provoke the disease are eliminated, the prognosis is positive. Constant lack of fluid is not the cause, but the result of some more serious disease, so this symptom cannot be ignored.