Strong thirst

The desire to drink water is considered a response of the body to a lack of fluid. Polydipsia is quite understandable after increased physical exertion, in hot climates, after consuming spicy or salty foods. Since all these factors reduce the fluid supply in the body. But there are times when you want to drink constantly, regardless of the amount drunk.

Strong thirst is a symptom that indicates a deficiency of water in the body. Consider the main causes, methods of diagnosis, treatment and options for preventing the disorder.

When the water level decreases, the body takes moisture from the saliva, which makes it viscous, and the mucous membrane of the oral cavity is dry. Due to dehydration, the skin loses its elasticity, headaches and dizziness appear, and facial features are sharpened. This happens with certain diseases and pathological conditions of the body. In this case, to determine the real cause of the ailment, medical consultation and a number of diagnostic procedures are required.

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Causes of strong thirst

There are many reasons for the increased need for liquid, we consider the most common:

• Dehydration - occurs with intense physical exertion, with bleeding or diarrhea, as well as in hot climates. Alcohol and coffee contribute to malaise. To eliminate the restoration of the water-salt balance, it is recommended to drink more water.
• Evaporation of water with sweat - increased air temperature and physical activity cause sweating, after which you want to drink. This reaction of the body is normal. Fears should cause excessive sweating, which can indicate nervous system diseases, elevated body temperature, inflammatory processes, lung, heart, kidney or immune system diseases. This condition requires medical diagnosis, as it can lead to serious consequences.
• Dry air - the body loses moisture in very dry air. This happens in rooms with air conditioning. To normalize the humidity, you need to drink more water and start plants that raise the humidity.
• Soft water - if there is not enough mineral salts in the water, it causes a constant desire to drink. The thing is that the mineral salts contribute to the absorption and retention of water in the body. It is recommended to drink mineral water of chloride-sodium group with a small content of salts or bottled with normalized content of minerals.
• Rigid water - excess of mineral salts also negatively affects the body, as well as their lack. If they are in excess, they attract water and make it difficult to assimilate cells.
• Acute or salty foods - such foods irritate the mouth and throat, and the desire to drink arises reflexively. It is recommended to give up such food for a while, if the malaise has passed, then you can not worry and return to the usual diet.
• Diuretic food - these products remove water from the body, which causes dehydration and a desire to drink. Refuse for a while from such food, if everything is normal, then there is no health problem. But if the polydipsia is left, then it is worthwhile to seek medical help.
• Diabetes mellitus - the desire to drink and dry mouth remain after a lot of drinking and are accompanied by frequent urge to urinate. In addition, there may be dizziness, headaches, sharp weight gain. With such symptoms it is necessary to take an analysis for sugar in the blood.
• Alcohol consumption - alcohol drinks suck water from body tissues, creating dehydration.
• Parathyroid gland dysfunction - hyperparathyroidism is accompanied by a constant desire to drink. This is due to a violation of the regulation of the level of calcium in the body by the secretion of parathyroid hormone. The patient complains of muscle weakness, bone pain, kidney colic, memory loss and fatigue. With such symptoms it is necessary to visit an endocrinologist and take a number of tests.
• Medicinal products - antibiotics, antihistamines, diuretics, hypotensive and expectorant cause dry mouth. To prevent this problem, it is recommended to consult a doctor and choose another medication.
• Kidney diseases - due to the inflammatory process of the kidneys do not retain liquid, causing the need for water. There are problems with urination and swelling. To eliminate the ailment, you need to turn to a nephrologist, pass urine for analysis and undergo ultrasound.
• Diseases of the liver - in addition to a deficiency of fluid, there is nausea, yellowing of the skin and eyes, pain in the right upper quadrant, frequent nasal bleeding. With such symptoms, it is worthwhile to consult a therapist and undergo a liver examination for pathologies.
• Injuries - very often traumatic head injuries cause severe thirst. For treatment it is necessary to address to the neurologist as without medical intervention the cerebral edema is possible.

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Thirst as a symptom of the disease

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

• Indomitable thirst, as a rule, indicates the development of diabetes. In this case, there is abundant and frequent urination, a violation of the hormonal balance and water-salt metabolism.
• The increased function of parathyroid glands is another disease that is accompanied by polydipsia. The patient complains of muscle weakness, increased fatigue, a sharp weight loss. The urine is white in color, this color is associated with calcium elutriated from the bones.
• Kidney disease glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis, hydronephrosis - cause dry mouth, swelling and trouble urinating. The disorder occurs due to the fact that the affected organ can not keep the necessary amount of liquid in the body.
• Brain trauma and neurosurgical operations - lead to the development of diabetes insipidus, which causes a permanent lack of water. In this case, regardless of the amount of fluid used, dehydration does not go away.
• Stress and nervous experiences, mental disorders (schizophrenia, obsessive states) - most often from a thirst for these reasons, women suffer. In addition, there is irritability, tearfulness, a constant desire to sleep.

In addition to the above-described diseases, an unquenchable desire to drink arises with drug and alcohol dependence, hyperglycemia, infections, burns, liver diseases and the cardiovascular system.

Strong thirst in the evening

Very often in the evening time there is an inexplicable feeling of thirst. A similar condition is associated with a slowdown in metabolic processes in the body. On average, during the day, up to 2 liters of water is drunk, in the heat the need for liquid increases regardless of the time of day. But in some cases, a strong and uncontrolled desire to drink water arises from certain diseases. If the disorder persists for several days, but is not associated with heat or increased physical exertion in the evening, then it is worthwhile to seek medical help.

Mandatory examination of the thyroid gland, ultrasound of the kidneys, an analysis of thyroid hormones (TTG, T3sv., T4sv., ATPO, ATTG), urine analysis, blood for biochemistry and renal complex (creatinine, glomerular filtration, urea) must be examined.

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

Strong thirst at night

Strong polydipsia at night occurs for a variety of reasons, each of which requires detailed study. First of all, it is necessary to find out how much water a person consumes during the day. If the liquid is not enough, then the body is dehydrated and requires replenishing the water-salt balance. Lack of fluid appears when consuming overnight coffee, salty, sweet and spicy foods. Too thick dinner, can provoke a nightly awakening to quench your thirst. In this case, the skin looks swollen and swollen in the morning.

An ailment can be caused by dry air in the sleeping room. Snoring and breathing in a dream with an open mouth, cause drying of the mucous membrane and a desire to drink. Various endocrine diseases, infections, inflammations and kidney diseases also provoke thirst during the night.

Strong thirst after sleep

Polydipsia after sleep is a common phenomenon that everyone faced. The desire to drink water is often accompanied by increased viscosity of saliva, difficulty in swallowing, unpleasant odor from the mouth and burning tongue and oral mucosa. Typically, these symptoms in the morning indicate an intoxication of the body, which could occur due to excessive drinking alcohol the night before.

Some medications provoke frustration in the morning. This also applies to overeating at night. If the defect appears systematically, this may indicate a type 2 diabetes mellitus, one of the symptoms of which is the lack of saliva production in the mornings and its increased viscosity.

If the lack of fluid appears sporadically, then this condition occurs with stress, nervous disorders and experiences. Infectious diseases with increased 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 unfolded clinical picture, which is accompanied by diarrhea and vomiting. Unpleasant symptoms can appear with errors in the diet and overeating.

If the lack of fluid is accompanied by dryness and bitterness in the mouth, in addition to nausea, heartburn, belching and white plaque appear in the tongue, it can be signs of such diseases:

• Dyskinesia of the bile ducts - occurs with diseases of the gallbladder. Maybe 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 gums and tongue.
• Gastric gastritis - patients complain of pain in the stomach, heartburn and a feeling of overcrowding.
• The use of drugs - some antibiotics and antihistamines, cause the above symptoms.
• Neurotic disorders, psychoses, neuroses, amenorrhea - impaired CNS activity often causes a deficiency of fluid in the body, attacks of nausea and other unpleasant symptoms from the gastrointestinal tract.
• Diseases of the thyroid gland - due to changes in the motor function of the bile ducts, the bile duct spasms and the adrenaline rush. This leads to the appearance of a white or yellow coating on the tongue, as well as bitterness, dryness and lack of liquid.

In any case, if these disorders persist for several days, then it is worthwhile to seek medical help. The doctor will assess the additional symptoms (the presence of abdominal pain, digestive and stool disorders) that may indicate a digestive system, and conduct a series of diagnostic studies to determine other possible pathologies caused by nausea and dehydration.

Strong thirst and dry mouth

Severe dehydration with dry mouth - these are signs that indicate a violation of the body's water balance. Xerostomia or dryness in the oral cavity occurs due to the reduction or cessation of saliva production. This happens with certain diseases of infectious nature, with respiratory and nervous system disorders, gastrointestinal diseases and autoimmune diseases. The malaise can be temporary, but with an exacerbation of chronic diseases or the use of medications, appears systematically.

If the lack of fluid and dry mouth are accompanied by such symptoms as: frequent urination or problems with urination, dryness in the nose and throat, cracks in the corners of the mouth, dizziness, changes in the taste of food and drinks, from the viscosity in the mouth, speech becomes vague, painful swallow, there is an unpleasant smell from the mouth, then this indicates a serious disease requiring medical attention.

Strong thirst after eating

The appearance of a strong thirst after eating has a physiological basis. The thing is that the body works on balancing all the substances that fall into it. This also applies to salt that comes 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 balance of salt. Dehydration occurs when eating spicy foods and sweets.

In order to normalize the water-salt balance after eating, for 20-30 minutes before a meal it is recommended to drink 1 glass of purified water. This will allow the body to absorb all the useful substances that enter the body with food and will not cause the desire to get drunk. After 30-40 minutes after eating, you need to drink another glass of liquid. If you get drunk right after eating, it can cause pain in the area of the digestive tract, eructation, a feeling of heaviness and even nausea.

Strong thirst for metformin

Many patients who are prescribed Metformin, complain of a strong thirst, caused by the reception of funds. The drug is included in the category of antidiabetic medications used for type 1 and type 2 diabetes and for impaired glucose tolerance. As a rule, it is well tolerated, and besides the main medicinal action, it helps to significantly reduce weight. Normalization of body weight is possible in the case when diet and exercise for a long period of time did not help to remove the extra pounds.

• The drug is prescribed for the treatment of endocrinological and gynecological diseases. The active substance reduces appetite, reduces the absorption of glucose in the distal parts of the gastrointestinal tract, inhibits the synthesis of liver glycogen and regulates the level of glucose. The drug reduces the stimulation of pancreatic cells responsible for the production of insulin, which reduces appetite.
• The medication is taken orally, the dosage and duration of application are determined by the attending physician and depend on the indications. Single dose - 500 mg. During the use of tablets, you must abandon simple carbohydrates, since they can cause side effects from the gastrointestinal tract. If the medicine causes nausea, then the dosage is reduced by half.
• Tablets are contraindicated to use during pregnancy and lactation, with cardiac, renal and hepatic insufficiency. The expressed polydipsia, also is contraindication to application. The medication is not prescribed for patients under 15 years of age.
• If the carbohydrate diet is not followed during use, side effects are possible. Most often, patients complain of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, the appearance of metallic taste. Long-term use may cause B12-deficiency anemia.

Proper use of Metformin with a clear compliance with the dosage and without exceeding the recommended course of therapy, does not cause dehydration or any other side effects.

A strong thirst in the child

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

• Diabetes mellitus - the classical signs of the disease include not only an increased need for water, but polyphagia, that is, increased hunger and polyuria - frequent urination. Symptoms appear due to elevated blood glucose levels. Most often, children suffer from type 1 diabetes, which is insulin-dependent.
• Non-diabetes mellitus - arises because of deficiency of antidiuretic hormone. He is responsible for sending a signal to the kidneys about the reabsorption of the fluid. Children with this disease suffer not only from lack of water, but also from frequent urination.
• Heart failure - any physical load causes polydipsia. Pathology is due to a weakening of the heart, which is not able to pump blood and oxygen in normal mode.
• Kidney disease - lack of fluid is combined with increased excretion of urine from the body. This symptom is typical for pyelonephritis and glomerulonephritis.
• Mental diseases - polydipsia can occur with nervous and mental disorders, which are accompanied by increased anxiety and depressive condition.
• 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 reason lies in its basis. The symptom can not be ignored and at the first opportunity it is recommended to take the child to the pediatrician. The doctor will conduct a comprehensive examination and help get rid of the ailment.

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Severe thirst during pregnancy

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

• In early pregnancy, the fetus begins to form and his body does not function fully. This concerns the bodies responsible for neutralizing toxins and removing slags. Therefore, a woman feels the need for a large amount of fluid necessary for their excretion.
• Water is needed for the formation of amniotic fluid in which a child develops. With each week, its volume increases, and, therefore, thirst increases.
• Another reason for the increased need for water is the restructuring of the circulatory system, which is completed by 20 weeks of gestation. Due to a lack of fluid, the blood becomes too thick. This is a threat for both the future mother and the baby, since they can form intravascular thrombi, ischemic damage and other pathologies.
• Changing taste preferences - during pregnancy a woman is drawn to food experiments. Excessive consumption of sweet, spicy, salty and fat requires additional liquid for digestion and removal of an increased amount of salt from the body.

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

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of dehydration, that is, increased polydipsia, is a long and complex process. Since malaise can be a sign of many pathologies on the part of different organs and systems. As a rule, the disorder is considered in several aspects - diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, kidney and cardiovascular diseases, and simple dehydration.

The diagnostic methods used depend on additional symptoms, which are manifested simultaneously with thirst. The patient is taken for blood and urine tests for biochemistry. In addition, an assay for thyroid hormones, renal and liver tests is prescribed.

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Treatment of severe thirst

Treatment of dehydration depends on the underlying disease. All efforts are aimed at restoring the water-salt balance. It is not recommended to limit drinking. Let's consider the basic recommendations directed on elimination of a malaise:

• To increase the need for water does not give a lot of information, drink every hour for ½ cup of clean water. A day should drink at least 8 glasses or 2 liters of water.
• Pay attention to your urination. In order that the body does not suffer from dehydration, it is necessary to drink such quantity of a liquid at which urine will not be dark or too light color. The indicator of the normal liquid content in the body is a moderate yellow urine without a pungent odor.
• During sports and physical work, it is necessary to replenish water supplies. To prevent dehydration, it is recommended to drink ½ cup of water 15-20 minutes before starting work or training.
• If the lack of fluids is permanent, despite the large amounts of water consumed per day, it is worth the blood test for sugar. Since it is possible that the malaise is caused by a form of diabetes.

In any case, with frequent and severe dehydration it is necessary to consult a therapist or an endocrinologist. If the increased need for fluid appeared after a head injury, then a consultation of a neurologist and traumatologist is required.

Prevention

Prevention of increased fluid intake implies elimination of the factors causing the disorder. The main task of preventing an ailment is to establish the cause that provokes it.

• Refuse bad habits - smoking, drinking alcohol, fatty, salty and spicy food. Coffee and various snacks also cause a desire to drink water.
• Monitor the amount of liquid consumed per day. Regardless of the diet, you need to drink at least two liters of purified water.
• Pay attention to the air condition in the room in which you work and live. The thing is that dry air provokes thirst. You can use a variety of air humidifiers or house plants.

Forecast

The forecast of increased need for a liquid depends on the causes of its causes. If malaise is one of the symptoms of diabetes, the patient is waiting for treatment throughout life. More precisely, the therapy aimed at maintaining normal levels of sugar and glucose in the blood. If the disorder is due to a kidney or heart disease, then it is enough to eliminate the root cause and thirst will pass.

Strong thirst, caused by psychological factors - requires the help of a psychologist or neuropathologist. If the factors provoking the disease are eliminated, then the prognosis is positive. Constant lack of fluid - this is not the cause, but the result of some more serious disease, so you can not ignore this symptom.