polüdipsia

Polydipsia is the medical term for excessive thirst. It is a symptom, not a disease in itself, and it can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions. When someone experiences polydipsia, they feel an unusually strong and persistent need to drink fluids, often far beyond what is considered normal for their activity level and environment.

The most common cause of polydipsia is insufficient fluid intake, which can occur if a person doesn't have adequate access to water or if they consciously restrict their fluid intake. However, when polydipsia occurs despite adequate or even excessive fluid consumption, it strongly suggests an underlying medical issue. Diabetes mellitus, both type 1 and type 2, is a frequent culprit. In diabetes, high blood sugar levels cause the kidneys to work harder to filter out the excess glucose, leading to increased urination (polyuria), which in turn dehydrates the body and triggers intense thirst.

Other potential causes of polydipsia include diabetes insipidus, a condition that affects the body's ability to regulate fluids, either due to a problem with the hormone vasopressin or the kidneys' response to it. Certain medications, particularly diuretics, can also lead to increased fluid loss and subsequent thirst. Psychological factors, such as psychogenic polydipsia, can cause an overwhelming urge to drink, even in the absence of physiological dehydration. Conditions affecting the electrolyte balance in the blood, like hypercalcemia (high calcium levels), can also manifest with polydipsia. Diagnosing the cause of polydipsia typically involves a medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests to assess blood glucose, electrolyte levels, and kidney function.