When you really want to drink. Increased thirst

From a physiological point of view, severe thirst or polydipsia is the body’s response to a violation of the ratio of water and various salts contained in its tissues. A high concentration of salts in the blood plasma and tissue fluid negatively affects the osmotic pressure, which ensures the shape of cells and their normal functioning. As a result, the elasticity of the skin is lost, facial features become sharper, and a person may be bothered. Therefore, the lack of fluid in the cells causes a very strong desire of the body to restore water balance.

The feeling of unquenchable thirst or polydipsia decreases or completely disappears when consuming large volumes of water - more than two liters per day (for an adult).

Causes of extreme thirst

Polydipsia occurs due to intense activation of the drinking center located in the brain. This can usually be caused by physiological or pathological reasons.

Physiological reasons that cause severe thirst include:

Increased loss of water through sweat during intense exercise or heat.
with , accompanied by .
the body by alcohol breakdown products, for the natural removal (through the kidneys) of which a large amount of water is required.
The air in the room is too dry, causing the body to lose moisture. This situation usually occurs during the heating season and when air conditioners are operating. You can solve the problem of normalizing humidity with the help of indoor plants that increase the level of moisture in the room.
Eating spicy, salty or smoked foods, as well as excessive consumption of coffee and sweet sodas.
Consumption of water with insufficient mineral salts, so-called soft water. It is thanks to mineral salts that the body better absorbs and retains water. Therefore, it is advisable to choose mineral waters of the sodium chloride group with a sufficient salt content for drinking.
Consuming water with excessive salt content also negatively affects the body's water balance, since salt in excess prevents cells from absorbing water.
Consumption of food and drinks that have diuretic properties. These foods cause dehydration and a strong desire to drink.

If the physiological causes of polydipsia are excluded, at least temporarily, but the feeling of thirst does not stop, you should immediately consult a therapist and undergo all the necessary research, since the causes of this problem may be pathological in nature.

Pathological causes of polydipsia include:

Development , which at first is always accompanied by frequent and abundant urine output, which in turn dehydrates the body and causes thirst. The development of this disease may also be indicated by the following accompanying symptoms: skin itching, recurring symptoms, sudden weight gain.
– disruption of the endocrine system, which is accompanied by intensive excretion of water through the kidneys (several liters of light-colored urine per day). If you have this problem, you should consult an endocrinologist. The main causes of diabetes insipidus are neurosurgical interventions or brain injuries.
Hyperparathyroidism– a malfunction of the parathyroid glands, in which calcium is washed out of the bone tissue. And since calcium is osmotically active, it “takes” water with it. Other symptoms may indicate the development of this endocrine disease:
- white urine;
- sudden weight loss;
- muscle weakness;
- increased fatigue;
- painful sensations in the legs;
- early tooth loss.
, which are usually accompanied by swelling, dry mouth, and problematic urination. Sick kidneys are not able to retain the volumes of water necessary for its full functioning in the body. Most often, the kidneys suffer from disorders such as acute and chronic, primary and secondary shrinkage of the kidney, hydronephrosis, etc.
Chronic and nervous strain, as well as more serious mental disorders(obsessive states,). Mental problems can provoke disruption of the thirst regulation center, which is located in the hypothalamus. According to statistics, women most often experience this cause of extreme thirst. As a rule, the development of a mental disorder may be indicated simultaneously with an undying desire to drink and symptoms such as tearfulness and irritability.
, and other focal lesions and brain injuries, which can disrupt the functioning of the hypothalamus, which is responsible for the central regulation of thirst.
Pathological problems with the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), accompanied by constant hidden bleeding, which often causes a feeling of thirst. Most often, polydipsia is caused by an intestinal tumor, etc. To diagnose the presence of hidden bleeding, first of all, you need to take a test.
Generalized- increased sweating of a pathological nature. This disorder may indicate the development of diseases such as:
- thyrotoxicosis;
- pathological;
- other endocrine system disorders.

Increased non-physiological sweating is a reason for a visit to an endocrinologist.

Diseases that may be indicated by severe thirst combined with nausea

Most often, these symptoms are combined with:

overeating;
diet mistakes.

In addition, the combination of polydipsia and nausea may indicate diseases, the development of which causes other associated symptoms:

A white coating on the tongue and bitterness in the mouth may indicate problems with the gallbladder (, or). The same symptoms may occur during the use of certain and.
, metal in combination with and thirst can cause inflammation of the gums.
Heartburn, a feeling of fullness and pain in the stomach may indicate the development of gastritis of the stomach.
Violation of the body's water balance and dry mouth, bitterness, white or yellow coating on the tongue indicate a malfunction of the thyroid gland.
Nausea, polydipsia in combination with other painful symptoms in the gastrointestinal tract may indicate the development of central nervous system diseases (neurotic disorders).

It is important to understand that if thirst and nausea bother you for several days, you cannot cope without medical help. You should consult a doctor who will professionally evaluate the existing accompanying symptoms; pass all the necessary tests and undergo a series of diagnostic studies. All these measures will help determine which pathology you are suffering from.

Extreme thirst and medications

It is worth noting that polydipsia can be caused by taking medications that help remove moisture from the body. It can be:

antibiotics;
antihistamines;
diuretics and weight loss drugs;
expectorants.

In addition, some medications can cause increased sweating and thirst (for example), which is usually listed as their side effects.

Among the popular medications that cause thirst in many patients are Metformin, an antidiabetic drug used in the treatment of:

Diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2.
Impaired glucose tolerance.
Gynecological diseases.
Endocrinological disorders.

This drug is also used to normalize body weight, since its active substance reduces insulin production, significantly reducing appetite. While using Metformin, you should adhere to a carbohydrate-free diet, otherwise there may be side effects from the gastrointestinal tract - nausea, vomiting, loose stools, metallic taste in the mouth.

It is important to understand that with a competent approach to the use of Metformin, following all the recommendations specified in the instructions for this drug, any side effects are excluded, including dehydration and thirst.

Polydipsia during pregnancy

As you know, the human body consists of 80% water, the sufficient presence of which in every cell guarantees the normal functioning of the entire organism. During pregnancy, every woman is subject to increased stress and challenges. Very often, the expectant mother’s body suffers from thirst and water imbalance, which can cause a slowdown in metabolic processes and lead to pathological changes in the mother’s body and the development of the fetus.

The main causes of extreme thirst in pregnant women:

It is worth noting that there are situations when, according to urine tests and accompanying symptoms, a pregnant woman needs to reduce the amount of fluid consumed. Otherwise, gestosis may develop and the risk of premature birth increases.

Diagnosis of polydipsia

Since polydipsia can be a symptom of a fairly serious pathology of some body system, diagnosing thirst is a very complex and lengthy process, which includes:

Prevention and treatment of polydipsia

The main task of the prevention and treatment of increased thirst is to restore the water-salt balance, as well as to identify and eliminate the factors that cause the body to feel unwell.

If increased polydipsia occurs, it is recommended:

If the physiological factors that cause thirst are completely eliminated, but dehydration does not stop, you should immediately go to a therapist or endocrinologist at your place of residence, who will prescribe all the necessary tests and conduct a thorough examination of the body. If there is a head injury, after which increased thirst began to be observed, it is necessary to seek advice from a traumatologist and neurologist.

It is normal for a person to feel thirsty after a grueling workout or prolonged exposure to the sun. But if you constantly want to drink water, you should think about your health. Let's look at what leads to this condition.

Why do you always want to drink water?

Thirst is often a sign of dehydration. This symptom appears after diarrhea, bleeding, overheating in the sun or physical exertion. But a constant desire to drink water may indicate serious health problems, namely:

Diabetes. In addition to thirst, frequent urination, dry mouth, weight loss or sudden gain appear.
Hyperparathyroidism or excess hormones produced by the parathyroid glands. Along with thirst come symptoms such as tooth loss, brittle bones, muscle weakness and fatigue.
Kidney diseases. Pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis and polycystic disease are accompanied by a constant desire to drink water, even if the amount of urine decreases and swelling appears.
Liver diseases. Thirst is accompanied by pain in the right hypochondrium, nausea and yellowing of the skin.

Constantly want to drink water if you have diabetes

If these symptoms appear, consult a specialist. For diabetes and thyroid dysfunction, the help of an endocrinologist is needed, kidney disease is diagnosed by a nephrologist, and for liver disease, a therapist will help.

If you have a brain injury, you need the help of a neurologist. The patient drinks up to 5 liters per day, and the urge to urinate is reduced.

Why do you want to drink a lot of water if you don’t have health problems?

Sometimes thirst torments without specific reasons. Then you should reconsider your diet and lifestyle.

If you quench your thirst with carbonated drinks, sweet drinks and beer, you want to drink even more. Cool green tea with lemon will do.

On hot days, eat more vegetables and fruits.

The desire to drink is caused by certain medications: expectorants, diuretics and antihistamines, as well as antibiotics.

When a person begins to wake up due to thirst, the inevitable question is why you want to drink at night. There are many reasons for this phenomenon, but this symptom is not always harmless. Of course, a hearty dinner immediately before bed, and even with an abundance of spicy and salty food, will inevitably cause thirst. But if thirst begins to haunt you every night, this is a reason to consult a specialist.

Some people wake up at night from thirst

It is impossible to independently determine the cause of dry mouth at night. Causes include pregnancy, taking certain medications, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. But in some cases, thirst at night is a symptom of a serious illness. In any case, such a symptom cannot be ignored - consulting a doctor will help solve the problem in a timely manner.

Causes of night thirst

Thirst at night, the causes of which are varied, is often ignored by people. This is unacceptable, since most often it is associated with serious pathologies of internal organs. In addition to overeating at night, which in itself is harmful, thirst can be caused by the following reasons:

drinking strong tea, coffee, alcoholic beverages;
taking diuretics;
radiotherapy;
rhinitis;
a sharp jump in blood glucose levels;
inflammatory diseases of the urinary system;
viral infection;
the emergence of neoplasms in the body;
acute/chronic poisoning causing intoxication of the body.

Night thirst can occur for a variety of reasons

A constant desire to drink water in the evening or at night may also indicate diseases of the cardiovascular system, indicating difficulty in blood flow and oxygen delivery to cells. In addition, thirst can be a sign of diabetes mellitus/diabetes insipidus, as well as calcium deficiency.

How to understand when it's time to see a doctor

If there are no objective reasons for night thirst (overeating, alcohol), and the symptom appears daily, medical attention is needed. The doctor will conduct a subjective (detailed medical history) and objective examination. A urine test is required to determine the excreted volume, the amount of calcium, sodium and potassium. The second mandatory study is a general blood test. Further testing depends on the specific symptoms that are bothering the patient and may include:

Ultrasound of the kidneys or abdominal cavity;
FGDS;
plain radiography of the kidneys and urinary tract;
biochemical blood test for hormones;
blood for tumor markers, CT, MRI - if a malignant neoplasm is suspected.

As a rule, consultations with specialized specialists are required - only a complete examination will answer the question of why you want to drink water at night.

What is the best way to quench your thirst at night?

It’s not easy to quench your thirst at night. Simple clean water is not suitable for these purposes. If thirst is caused by dry mucous membranes, you can try drinking sparkling mineral water. Water with the addition of lemon juice helps a lot - instant refreshment of the mucous membrane is guaranteed. If you are thirsty on a regular basis, you can cook compotes, drink juices and fruit drinks - the main condition is that the drinks are not sweet.

Lemon water is a great thirst quencher

Kvass will help you quickly quench your thirst, regardless of its cause - but only if it is natural, fresh and without sugar. Green tea occupies a special place among drinks. It perfectly quenches even the strongest thirst and has a slight diuretic effect, removing excess fluid from the body and cleansing it. It is especially useful if thirst is caused by intoxication - alcoholic or viral.

Constant thirst as a symptom of the disease

Often, the constant desire to drink water at night is one of the symptoms of a serious pathology of the internal organs. The most common diseases with this symptom include several.

Primary aldosteronism. The pathology is more often diagnosed in women and is a benign neoplasm that develops in the adrenal glands. In addition to thirst, the disease is accompanied by severe hypertension.

The adrenal glands are located on top of the kidneys

Secondary aldosteronism. Develops against the background of neoplasms accompanied by damage to the vessels of the adrenal glands. In addition to an irresistible desire to drink, there is a high temperature and difficulty urinating.
Diabetes insipidus. Normally, a person produces a sufficient amount of antidiuretic hormone, which is designed to control the concentration of salts in the blood plasma. An insufficient amount of it leads to increased urination - this is one of the reasons why thirst occurs at night. The exact reasons for the development of this pathology have not yet been established.
Diabetes. High blood glucose inevitably makes you want to drink a lot. The amount of fluid consumed by diabetics can be 3-5 or more liters per day. At the same time, metabolic processes are disrupted and immunity is reduced.
Hyperparathyroidism. A disease associated with an imbalance in the content of a microelement such as calcium. Along with sharply increased urine output, severe thirst is observed, including at night.
Cholera algide. It develops against the background of many intestinal infections, accompanied by uncontrollable vomiting and diarrhea, leading to persistent dehydration.
Stones in the kidneys. Stones formed in the kidneys cause obstructed urine flow and disrupt the functioning of the entire urinary system.
Diseases of the heart and blood vessels. The desire to constantly drink is caused by coronary artery disease, arterial hypertension, and defects. This is due to impaired blood circulation in the body and persistent hypoxia of tissues that do not receive the proper amount of oxygen and nutrients.

If you are thirsty at night, you need to limit your salt intake

Suffering from night thirst, it is worth reviewing your diet. By eating less salt, fatty and spicy foods in the evening, you can almost certainly get rid of painful thirst not only at night, but also after waking up.

Is it possible to deal with the problem on your own?

Night thirst is not always an alarming symptom. Of course, when a child constantly asks to drink, he needs to be shown to a doctor. The same applies to older people. If this symptom periodically bothers an adult and healthy person, you can try to take independent measures. First of all, you need to pay attention to how much water you drink during the day.

The norm is considered to be 2-2.5 liters of fluid per day. But you need to take into account that in the hot season you need to drink more, since a large amount of water is lost through sweat. In this case, you do not need to count sweet (carbonated) drinks - only pure water counts. Towards the evening, you should also give up black tea or coffee - they have a mild diuretic effect, helping to remove fluid from the body.

In winter, with the onset of the heating season, the air in city apartments becomes very dry. Because of this, the mucous membrane of the oropharynx quickly dries out at night, causing the desire to drink. You can humidify the air in your apartment using special humidifiers, placing several vessels with water in the room, or simply covering the heating radiators with a damp cloth.

For example, the period of bearing a child or playing sports.

It is unacceptable to consider the feeling of thirst as the only clinical manifestation. It is imperative to pay attention to other signs that may complement it. Often these symptoms include the appearance of a coating on the tongue, weakness and nausea, an unpleasant taste in the mouth and dizziness.

Adequate diagnosis of constant thirst, i.e. identifying the causes of its occurrence, requires an integrated approach and, in addition to primary diagnostic measures, includes laboratory and instrumental examinations of the patient.

Therapeutic measures will completely depend on what disease caused such a symptom; conservative methods are often sufficient.

Etiology

First of all, it should be noted that the most acceptable volume of liquid that a person should drink per day is two liters. In some cases, it is the lack of water that causes a person to suffer from constant thirst. Therefore, it is necessary to strictly monitor the volume of fluid consumed, especially in children and the elderly, as well as in exhausted patients.

The reasons for constant thirst will be dictated by the ways in which fluid is removed from the body. This can happen through:

kidneys and intestines;
skin covering;
lungs and mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract.

Loss of water through the kidneys occurs against the background of:

uncontrolled use of diuretics;
abuse of weight loss products;
excessive ingestion of liquids that contain ethanol, for example, beer;
diabetes insipidus - a similar disease is accompanied by the fact that the human body secretes a large amount of light urine, up to several liters per day, which leads to a feeling of constant thirst;
kidney shrinkage, which may be a primary or secondary pathological condition;
acute or chronic course of pyelonephritis;
chronic form of glomerulonephritis;
the course of diabetes mellitus, both type 1 and type 2;
hyperparathyroidism - despite the fact that this pathology is caused by a dysfunction of the endocrine system, it negatively affects the kidneys.

Loss of fluid through the respiratory tract occurs when a person has:

rhinitis of the hypertrophic variety;
adenoiditis - most often causes extreme thirst in children;
night snoring - it is because of this factor that people wake up at night from dry mouth or feel thirsty in the morning.

Loss of water through the lungs is caused by the following pathological conditions:

Increased sweating is the main source of why the human body lacks fluid. Such a condition can be both pathological and physiological. In the latter case, sweating is caused by intense physical activity and the hot season.

As for pathological increased sweating, it can occur due to:

thyrotoxicosis;
severe menopause, namely against the background of frequently recurring hot flashes;
acromegaly;
Hodgkin's lymphoma;
irrational use of medications;
a wide range of endocrine system dysfunction.

The mechanism of water loss through the intestines is based on any conditions that in their clinical picture have frequent vomiting or stool disorder in the form of diarrhea. It is also worth considering that thirst can be caused by concealment of hemorrhage in the gastrointestinal tract. This is typical for such ailments:

malignant or benign intestinal tumors;
gastritis of any etiology;
peptic ulcer of the duodenum or stomach;
formation of external or internal hemorrhoids;
anal fissures, etc.

In addition, the following diseases or pathological conditions can lead to constant thirst:

hepatitis or cirrhosis of the liver;
head injury;
extensive burns;
mental disorders, in particular schizophrenia;
the course of any infectious process;
dental ailments;
decrease in blood plasma osmolality;
neoplasms in the brain;
alcohol intoxication;
diseases of the blood system;
damage to the hypothalamus - it is in it that the center of thirst is located;
acute surgical pathologies of the abdominal organs - this includes inflammation of the appendix, perforated ulcer, cholecystitis and intestinal obstruction.

Dry mouth and thirst can be caused by side effects of these medications:

diuretics;
antibacterial substances of the tetracycline series;
preparations containing lithium;
medications used in the treatment of mental disorders.

An important role in the development of the feeling of thirst is played by:

eating fatty, salty and spicy foods;
addiction to such a bad habit as smoking;
abuse of strong coffee and sweet carbonated drinks.

As for constant thirst during pregnancy, in such situations this is also considered a pathological manifestation, especially in cases where additional alarming symptoms appear. The only exception is the first trimester of pregnancy. During early pregnancy, almost all women suffer from toxicosis, which is characterized by profuse vomiting.

Symptoms

A constant feeling of thirst often acts as the first clinical sign and is almost never the only symptom.

In general, the symptoms will consist of those manifestations that are characteristic of the pathological condition that became the source of this symptom.

Nevertheless, the most common symptoms that complement constant thirst are considered to be:

dry mouth;
excretion of a large amount of light urine;
coating of the tongue, the shade of which can vary from yellowish-white to gray or black;
weakness and general malaise;
fluctuations in blood pressure and heart rate - the appearance of such a sign is especially dangerous in combination with thirst in the later stages of pregnancy;
unpleasant odor or taste in the mouth;
attacks of nausea, which quite often end in vomiting;
violation of the act of defecation;
temperature increase;
severe skin itching;
shortness of breath and belching;
headaches and dizziness;
change in the shade of the skin, it may become pathologically red, pale or bluish;
frequent urge to urinate;
swelling of the lower extremities;
pain syndrome localized in the area of the affected organ;
decreased or complete lack of appetite;
sleep disturbance.

Patients need to remember that these are just some of the symptoms, the manifestation of which may be accompanied by a constant or strong feeling of thirst.

Diagnostics

If a person is constantly tormented by thirst, then, first of all, it is necessary to go for a consultation with a therapist. The doctor will carry out primary diagnostic measures, which will be aimed at:

collecting the patient’s life history;
studying the patient's medical history;
conducting a detailed physical examination, which must include assessing the condition of the skin, as well as measuring temperature, pulse and blood tone;
careful questioning of the patient;
general blood and urine analysis;
blood biochemistry;
microscopic examination of feces;
Ultrasound and radiography;
CT and MRI.

Once the preliminary cause of constant thirst has been established, the therapist will most likely refer the patient for examination to the following specialists:

If you experience constant thirst during pregnancy, you will also need to consult an obstetrician-gynecologist.

Treatment

Only the attending physician can tell you what to do to relieve a condition in which a person is constantly thirsty. In general, a wide range of therapeutic techniques are used, which will depend on the underlying cause of this symptom.

In any case, treatment will include:

taking medications;
diet therapy, which is based on avoiding spicy and salty foods;
physiotherapeutic procedures;
use of traditional medicine recipes - can only be used after the approval of the attending physician;
minimally invasive surgical procedures;
open operations.

A gentle treatment regimen is selected for pregnant women and children.

Prevention

To avoid constant thirst, you must:

to refuse from bad habits;
minimize the consumption of fatty, spicy and salty foods;
enrich your diet with foods that contain a lot of water;
take medications strictly as prescribed by the doctor;
be fully examined at the clinic several times a year - for early detection of diseases whose symptoms include a similar manifestation.

Despite the wide range of pathological causes, with timely treatment, the prognosis will be favorable.

“Intense thirst” is observed in diseases:

Kidney abscess is a rather rare disease, which is characterized by the formation of a limited area of inflammation filled with a purulent infiltrate. The pathological focus is separated from the healthy tissues of this organ by a granulation shaft. The disease is one of the diseases requiring emergency surgical intervention.

Prostate adenoma (prostate adenoma) is essentially a somewhat outdated term, and therefore used today in a slightly different form - in the form of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Prostate adenoma, the symptoms of which we will consider below, is more familiar in this definition. The disease is characterized by the appearance of a small nodule (possibly several nodules), which gradually increases over time. The peculiarity of this disease is that, unlike cancer in this area, prostate adenoma is a benign formation.

Alcohol intoxication is a complex of behavioral disorders, physiological and psychological reactions that usually begin to progress after drinking alcohol in large doses. The main reason is the negative impact of ethanol and its breakdown products on organs and systems, which cannot leave the body for a long time. This pathological condition is manifested by impaired coordination of movements, euphoria, impaired orientation in space, and loss of attentiveness. In severe cases, intoxication can lead to coma.

Kidney amyloidosis is a complex and dangerous pathology in which protein-carbohydrate metabolism is disrupted in the kidney tissue. As a result, the synthesis and accumulation of a specific substance – amyloid – occurs. It is a protein-polysaccharide compound, which in its basic properties is similar to starch. Normally, this protein is not produced in the body, so its formation is abnormal for humans and entails impaired renal function.

Anuria is a condition in which urine does not enter the bladder, and, as a result, is not excreted from it. In this condition, the amount of urine emitted per day is reduced to fifty milliliters. With this clinical symptom, there is not only a lack of fluid in the bladder, but also the urge to empty.

Botulism is a fairly serious disease of a toxic-infectious nature, the course of which leads to damage to the nervous system, spinal cord and medulla oblongata. Botulism, the symptoms of which appear when botulinum toxin-containing products, aerosols and water enter the body, as a result of a complex of processes also leads to the development of acute and progressive respiratory failure. As a result of the lack of proper treatment for botulism, death cannot be ruled out.

Many people have heard about such a disease as dropsy. But few people know what this disease is and how it manifests itself. It is also worth knowing the answer to the most exciting question - how to get rid of dropsy? This information is necessary to know, since the pathological process can occur in absolutely any person. Even a newborn baby can develop dropsy. Causes Types Symptoms Ascites Hydrocele of the gallbladder Hydrocele in pregnant women Congenital hydrocele Hydrocele of the testicle Hydrocele of the spermatic cord Complications of hydrocele Recommendations of a specialist Hydrocele or hydrocele is a pathological process in which transudate (excess fluid) accumulates in the subcutaneous tissue and the space between the tissues. Most often, this pathology develops in the body against the background of diseases of the following organs: heart; endocrine glands; kidney; liver.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a disease during pregnancy in which there is an increase in blood glucose levels. It is noteworthy that it develops only in late pregnancy. The main reason for the formation of the disease is hormonal imbalance. However, there are a large number of other predisposing factors and risk groups.

Gigantism is a disease that progresses due to increased production of growth hormone by the pituitary gland (endocrine gland). This causes rapid growth of the limbs and torso. In addition, patients often experience decreased sexual function and developmental inhibition. If gigantism progresses, there is a high probability that the person will be infertile.

Hyperaldosteronism is a fairly frequently diagnosed pathological condition that develops against the background of increased secretion of an adrenal hormone such as aldosterone. The pathology most often occurs in adults, but can also affect children.

Hyperglycemia is a pathological condition that progresses due to an increase in the concentration of glucose in the bloodstream against the background of diseases of the endocrine system, including diabetes mellitus. Normal blood sugar levels are from 3.3 to 5.5 mmol/l. With glycemia, the indicators increase to 6–7 mmol/l. The ICD-10 code is R73.9.

Hyperinsulinemia is a clinical syndrome characterized by increased insulin and decreased blood sugar. Such a pathological process can lead not only to disruption of the functioning of some body systems, but also to hypoglycemic coma, which in itself poses a particular danger to human life.

Hypernatremia is a disease characterized by an increase in serum sodium levels to 145 mmol/L or higher. In addition, a reduced fluid content in the body is detected. The pathology has a fairly high mortality rate.

Hyperplasia of the adrenal cortex is a pathological condition in which there is a rapid multiplication of the tissues that make up these glands. As a result, the organ increases in size and its functioning is impaired. The disease is diagnosed in both adult men and women and young children. It is worth noting that the most common form of pathology is congenital adrenal hyperplasia. In any case, the disease is quite dangerous, so when its first symptoms appear, you should immediately contact a medical facility for a comprehensive examination and prescribing an effective method of therapy.

Hyperthyroidism (or thyrotoxicosis) is a clinical condition in which the thyroid gland produces excessively active thyroid hormones - triiodothyronine and thyroxine. Hyperthyroidism, the symptoms of which manifest themselves as a result of oversaturation of the blood with these hormones and their distribution by the blood flow throughout the body, including tissues, organs and systems, leads to the acceleration of all processes in it, which negatively affects the general condition of the patient in a number of ways.

Hypomenorrhea (syn. scanty periods) is a disruption of the menstrual cycle when a small amount of bloody fluid is released from the genital tract (less than 50 milliliters). Pathology can be either primary or secondary.

Hyponatremia is the most common form of water-electrolyte imbalance, when there is a critical decrease in sodium concentration in the blood serum. In the absence of timely assistance, the possibility of death cannot be ruled out.

Glomerulonephritis in children is an infectious-allergic pathology in which the inflammatory process is localized in the renal glomeruli. Among specialists in the field of pediatrics, it is considered the most common acquired childhood disease.

Diabetic nephropathy is a process of pathological changes in the renal vessels, which is caused by diabetes mellitus. This disease leads to the development of chronic renal failure and there is a high risk of death. The diagnosis is made through not only a physical examination of the patient, but also requires laboratory and instrumental examination methods.

Dysentery, also defined as shigellosis, is a disease from the group of acute intestinal infections; this group itself refers to diseases transmitted by the fecal-oral route. Dysentery, the symptoms of which manifest themselves in the form of diarrhea and general intoxication, tends to be widespread, which implies the possibility of an epidemic or pandemic when detected.

Ketoacidosis is a dangerous complication of diabetes mellitus, which without adequate and timely treatment can lead to diabetic coma or even death. The condition begins to progress when the human body cannot fully use glucose as an energy source because it lacks the hormone insulin. In this case, the compensatory mechanism is activated, and the body begins to use incoming fats as an energy source.

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease that is caused by specific pathogens of the Leptospira genus. The pathological process primarily affects the capillaries, as well as the liver, kidneys and muscles.

Fever of unknown origin (syn. LNG, hyperthermia) is a clinical case in which elevated body temperature is the leading or only clinical sign. This condition is indicated when the values persist for 3 weeks (in children - longer than 8 days) or more.

Diabetes insipidus is a syndrome caused by a lack of vasopressin in the body, which is also defined as antidiuretic hormone. Diabetes insipidus, the symptoms of which are impaired water metabolism and manifest as constant thirst with simultaneous increased polyuria (increased urine production), is, however, a rather rare disease.

Nephritis in medicine refers to a whole group of various inflammatory kidney diseases. All of them have a different etiology, as well as a development mechanism, symptomatic and pathomorphological features. In this group, clinicians include local or widespread processes during which renal tissue grows, partially or completely destroys.

Nephrosis is a group of pathological processes that primarily affect the renal tubules. These disorders are dystrophic in nature, that is, the chemical composition of cells and tissues changes, and the functioning of the renal tubules deteriorates. All these processes occur when fat and protein metabolism are disrupted.

Nephrotic syndrome is a disorder of the functioning of the kidneys, characterized by severe loss of protein, which is excreted from the body along with urine, a decrease in albumin in the blood and impaired metabolism of proteins and fats. The disease is accompanied by edema localized throughout the body and increased blood clotting ability. Diagnosis is made based on changes in blood and urine tests. Treatment is complex and consists of diet and drug therapy.

Smallpox (or smallpox as it was once called) is a highly contagious viral infection that affects only humans. Smallpox, the symptoms of which manifest themselves in the form of general intoxication in combination with characteristic rashes covering the skin and mucous membranes, ends for patients who have suffered it with partial or complete loss of vision and, in almost all cases, scars remaining after ulcers.

Acute viral hepatitis is an infectious liver lesion that is caused by specific microorganisms. Depending on which bacterium became the source of the disease, the form of hepatitis will be determined. In addition to specific bacteria, the development of such pathology may be caused by other, unknown microorganisms. There are also a number of predisposing factors that increase the risk of developing the disease.

Pancreatitis in children is an autocatalytic enzymatic-inflammatory disease that affects the pancreas in a child and can lead to the development of gastroenterological diseases with other localization. It should be noted that this disease occurs not only in children, but also in adults.

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Symptoms and treatment of human diseases

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Thirst: causes of development, diagnosis and methods of treatment of associated pathologies

From a physiological point of view, severe thirst or polydipsia is the body’s response to a violation of the ratio of water and various salts contained in its tissues. A high concentration of salts in the blood plasma and tissue fluid negatively affects the osmotic pressure, which ensures the shape of cells and their normal functioning. As a result, the elasticity of the skin is lost, facial features become sharper, and a person may experience headaches and dizziness. Therefore, the lack of fluid in the cells causes a very strong desire of the body to restore water balance.

The feeling of unquenchable thirst or polydipsia decreases or completely disappears when consuming large volumes of water - more than two liters per day (for an adult).

Causes of extreme thirst

Polydipsia occurs due to intense activation of the drinking center located in the brain. This can usually be caused by physiological or pathological reasons.

Physiological reasons that cause severe thirst include:

Increased loss of water through sweat during intense exercise or heat.
Dehydration of the body in case of poisoning accompanied by diarrhea.
Intoxication of the body with alcohol breakdown products, for the natural removal (through the kidneys) of which a large amount of water is required.
The air in the room is too dry, causing the body to lose moisture. This situation usually occurs during the heating season and when air conditioners are operating. The problem of normalizing humidity can be solved by using humidifiers or indoor plants that increase the level of moisture in the room.
Eating spicy, salty or smoked foods, as well as excessive consumption of coffee and sweet sodas.
Consumption of water with insufficient mineral salts, so-called soft water. It is thanks to mineral salts that the body better absorbs and retains water. Therefore, it is advisable to choose mineral waters of the sodium chloride group with a sufficient salt content for drinking.
Consuming water with excessive salt content also negatively affects the body's water balance, since salt in excess prevents cells from absorbing water.
Consumption of food and drinks that have diuretic properties. These foods cause dehydration and a strong desire to drink.

Pathological causes of polydipsia include:

The development of diabetes mellitus, which at first is always accompanied by frequent and abundant urine output, which in turn dehydrates the body and causes thirst. The development of this disease may also be indicated by the following accompanying symptoms: skin itching, dizziness, periodic headaches, sudden weight gain.
Diabetes insipidus is a disorder of the endocrine system, which is accompanied by intensive excretion of water through the kidneys (several liters of light-colored urine per day). If you have this problem, you should consult an endocrinologist. The main causes of diabetes insipidus are neurosurgical interventions or brain injuries.
Hyperparathyroidism is a disorder of the parathyroid glands, in which calcium is washed out of the bone tissue. And since calcium is osmotically active, it “takes” water with it. Other symptoms may indicate the development of this endocrine disease:
- white urine;
- sudden weight loss;
- muscle weakness;
- increased fatigue;
- painful sensations in the legs;
- early tooth loss.
Kidney diseases, which are usually accompanied by swelling, dry mouth, and problematic urination. Sick kidneys are not able to retain the volumes of water necessary for its full functioning in the body. Most often, the kidneys suffer from disorders such as acute and chronic pyelonephritis, primary and secondary scarred kidney, glomerulonephritis, hydronephrosis and chronic renal failure.
Chronic stress and nervous strain, as well as more serious mental disorders (obsessive-compulsive disorder, schizophrenia). Mental problems can provoke disruption of the thirst regulation center, which is located in the hypothalamus. According to statistics, women most often experience this cause of extreme thirst. As a rule, the development of a mental disorder may be indicated simultaneously with an undying desire to drink and symptoms such as drowsiness, tearfulness and irritability.
Brain tumor, stroke and other focal lesions and injuries of the brain, which can disrupt the functioning of the hypothalamus, which is responsible for the central regulation of thirst.
Pathological problems with the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), accompanied by constant hidden bleeding, which often causes a feeling of thirst. Most often, polydipsia is caused by an intestinal tumor, hemorrhoids, etc. To diagnose the presence of hidden bleeding, first of all, you need to take a stool test.
Generalized hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating of a pathological nature. This disorder may indicate the development of diseases such as:
- thyrotoxicosis;
- acromegaly;
- pathological menopause;
- Hodgkin's lymphoma;
- other endocrine system disorders.

Increased non-physiological sweating is a reason for a visit to an endocrinologist.

Diseases that may be indicated by severe thirst combined with nausea

Most often, these symptoms are combined with:

In addition, the combination of polydipsia and nausea may indicate diseases, the development of which causes other associated symptoms:

A white coating on the tongue, belching, heartburn, dryness and bitterness in the mouth may indicate problems with the gallbladder (cholecystitis, pancreatitis or gastritis). The same symptoms may occur during the use of certain antibiotics and antihistamines.
Burning gums and tongue, a metallic taste in the mouth, combined with nausea and thirst can be a concern when you have gum disease.
Heartburn, a feeling of fullness and pain in the stomach may indicate the development of gastritis of the stomach.
Violation of the body's water balance and dry mouth, bitterness, white or yellow coating on the tongue indicate a malfunction of the thyroid gland.
Nausea, polydipsia in combination with other painful symptoms in the gastrointestinal tract may indicate the development of central nervous system diseases (psychosis, neurosis, amenorrhea, neurotic disorders).

Extreme thirst and medications

It is worth noting that polydipsia can be caused by taking medications that help remove moisture from the body. It can be:

In addition, some medications can cause increased sweating and thirst (for example, acetylsalicylic acid), which is usually listed as their side effects.

Among the popular medications that cause thirst in many patients are Metformin, an antidiabetic drug used in the treatment of:

Diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2.
Impaired glucose tolerance.
Gynecological diseases.
Endocrinological disorders.

Polydipsia during pregnancy

The main causes of extreme thirst in pregnant women:

Formation of amniotic fluid. With each week of fetal development, the volume of amniotic fluid increases, which means the amount of necessary water increases, and accordingly polydipsia increases.
During the first trimester of pregnancy, a woman needs more fluid to remove toxins and waste, since the undeveloped organs of the fetus are not yet able to neutralize them on their own.
Changes in the structure of the circulatory system that occur up to the 20th week of gestation. Since a pregnant woman's body has to work more intensively, there is an increased need for fluid, the lack of which leads to blood thickening. With thick blood consistency, the risk of blood clots, ischemia and other pathologies of the cardiovascular system increases.
Change in food tastes. Since during pregnancy a woman tends to overindulge in sweet, salty, spicy or fatty foods, her need for additional fluid increases, which helps digest and remove excess salts from the body.
Bacterial and viral infections, intestinal and respiratory disorders can also cause polydipsia.
Gestational diabetes mellitus, the development of which is accompanied by thirst and dry mouth. This disease can be detected using urine and stool tests.

Diagnosis of polydipsia

Since polydipsia can be a symptom of a fairly serious pathology of some body system, diagnosing thirst is a very complex and lengthy process, which includes:

patient interview;
inspection;
passing laboratory tests. Typically, blood and urine tests are done first. If the cause of increased thirst has not been established, then tests for hormones, liver and kidney tests are prescribed;
hardware examination of individual organs of the patient (radiography of the lungs, ECG, ultrasound, etc.).

Note! If thirst is non-physiological in nature, then the body, in most cases, is first diagnosed with the presence of diabetes mellitus or diabetes insipidus, as well as disorders of the kidneys or cardiovascular system, since these are the problems that most often occur in patients.

Prevention and treatment of polydipsia

The main task of the prevention and treatment of increased thirst is to restore the water-salt balance, as well as to identify and eliminate the factors that cause the body to feel unwell.

Increase the volume of fluid you drink to two liters per day. To prevent the problem of increased thirst from making itself felt for a long time, it is advisable to drink half a cup of purified water every hour.
Normalize the humidity in the room where you are, since dry air increases thirst. To increase humidity, you can add indoor plants or purchase a humidifier.
Avoid consuming fatty, spicy and salty foods, various dietary supplements and medications that cause thirst, as well as snacks, coffee, alcoholic beverages, and sweet soda.
Get rid of bad habits (smoking).
Half an hour before starting training or other physical activity, drink half a glass of water.
Monitor the quality of your urination. If your urine is too light or dark in color, you need to reconsider your fluid intake. With normal water content in the body, urine has a moderate yellow color without a strong odor.

It is important to understand that an increased feeling of thirst is not a cause, but a symptom of some illness. And that it is quite possible that we are talking about very serious diseases. Therefore, the appearance of polydipsia should never be ignored.

Evtushenko Oleg, endocrinologist

The information is provided for informational purposes only. Do not self-medicate. At the first sign of disease, consult a doctor. There are contraindications, a doctor's consultation is required. The site may contain content prohibited for viewing by persons under 18 years of age.

A strong feeling of thirst can be absolutely normal after intense physical activity, on a hot afternoon, or even after eating something salty or spicy. But thirst, which appears for no reason and which is almost impossible to quench, is a serious signal sent by the body. But what should a person who wants to drink constantly, no matter how much he has already drunk, do? How alarming is this? Let's talk further about what diseases are indicated by constant thirst.

Doctors call the syndrome of constant thirst polydipsia. This is a pathological phenomenon that indicates a clear lack of fluid in the body. Loss of fluid can be associated both with the above phenomena and after disruption of the body (vomiting, increased sweating, diarrhea).

Those diseases that are evidenced by constant thirst can be quite serious, so this alarming “bell” cannot be ignored. Most often, thirst is provoked by liver or kidney diseases, infectious diseases, increased blood sugar levels, improper water metabolism, and burns. In addition, doctors also add what diseases you should think about if you have a constant desire to drink. These are mental illnesses, nervous disorders, schizophrenia, obsessive and depressive states, the feeling of thirst often occurs after head injuries, possibly resulting in a concussion.

Natural Causes of Thirst

Evaporation of water through sweat. The body produces sweat when you exercise or the ambient temperature rises. If you're sweating and now you're thirsty, that's normal. Don't worry - this is a normal reaction. You should be wary of excessive sweating. Different people may experience different levels of sweating as normal. Sweating should be considered excessive if you observe a sharp increase in sweating compared to your usual level. Such a change can be a symptom of a number of diseases of the lungs, kidneys, heart, nervous system, immune system, and inflammatory processes. Inflammatory processes can be identified by elevated body temperature. Diagnosis of other factors will require visiting a doctor and conducting tests and laboratory tests.

High body temperature can cause thirst. Take your temperature and see a doctor if it is elevated.

Very dry air. If the air around you is very dry, the body loses moisture and a strong desire to drink arises. Air conditioners especially dry the air. If thirst goes away when the humidity normalizes, then the reason is not in your health, but in the dry air. Drink more water. Get some plants. Plants evaporate a lot of water, raising humidity.

Soft water. If you drink water with insufficient mineral salts, you may feel constantly thirsty. Mineral salts promote the absorption of water and its retention in the body. Try drinking bottled water with a normal content of minerals, or, if this is not contraindicated for you, then mineral water of the sodium chloride group with a small content of salts. If it doesn’t help, then the reason is not the water, but something else.

Hard water, excess salts in the diet. Excess mineral salts can also cause thirst, since salts, if in excess, attract water and prevent its normal absorption by cells. The kidneys remove excess salts along with water.

Diuretic food. Some foods have a diuretic effect. For example, coffee. I can't drink coffee at all. Afterwards I die of thirst. Diuretic products help remove water from the body. Dehydration and desire to drink occur. Try to give up such food for a while. If thirst has disappeared, then everything is fine with your health, such thirst is safe, you can return to normal food intake, drink water for your health.

Spicy or salty foods. Spicy or salty foods simply irritate the mouth and throat. Thirst arises reflexively. Avoid such foods for a while. If the thirst has passed, then there is no point in worrying further. You can return to your normal diet. It is completely normal to drink spicy and salty foods with plenty of water.

Causes of pathological thirst

Here are some of the most common causes of pathological thirst (polydipsia):

Lack of water and salt in the body (for example, as a result of sweating, diarrhea, vomiting).
Taking certain medications.
Excessive consumption of alcohol, caffeine and salt.

Possible diseases

Thirst may be a sign of a more serious illness; it is caused by:

Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar);
Diabetes;
Diabetes insipidus (water metabolism disorder);
Renal disorders (for example, Fanconi syndrome);
Dehydration;
Liver diseases (hepatitis or cirrhosis);
Bleeding (for example, in the intestines);
Burns or infection;
Head injury;
Mental disorders (schizophrenia, obsessive states that cause thirst).

Medications

Taking certain medications can cause thirst.

Diuretics. Used in the treatment of hypertension, diabetes and heart failure. Also prescribed for edema and diabetes insipidus. They lead to frequent urination and dehydration.
Tetracycline antibiotics. Used to treat bacterial infections. Remove sodium from the body.
Lithium. Used to treat bipolar disorder and other mental disorders.
Phenothiazine. Used to treat schizophrenia and other mental disorders.

How to get rid of constant thirst?

Try to drink before you feel the urge to drink water. To prevent thirst from making itself felt, drink half a cup of clean water every hour. Increase the amount of fluid you drink if you are in a dry, warm room for a long time. It is recommended to drink eight glasses of liquid throughout the day.

Watch your urination. To rid your body of dehydration, you should drink an amount of fluid so that your urine is not dark or too light in color. An indicator of sufficient fluid content is urine of normal, moderate yellow color.

Drink clean water during physical work and sports training. During hard work, a person loses from 1.5 to 2 liters of fluid and only after that does he feel thirsty. Therefore, to avoid dehydration, drink half a glass of water 15 minutes before starting work or playing sports. Then drink water every 15 minutes. during and 15 minutes after finishing work or training.

If your thirst is constant, you drink a large amount of liquid per day, but you still want to drink, you need to take a blood test to check for high sugar levels. Since diabetes may be the cause of constant thirst, you need to undergo a medical examination and, if necessary, adhere to a special treatment program and diet.

So we talked about why constant thirst appears, the reasons, and how to get rid of it. If the symptoms described above appear, you should immediately seek advice from an endocrinologist or therapist. If you want to drink after a head injury, then you need to see a neurologist or traumatologist. Having established the cause of constant thirst, it is easier to get rid of this obsessive state. Be healthy!