In order to bring you the best possible user experience, this site uses Javascript. If you are seeing this message, it is likely that the Javascript option in your browser is disabled. For optimal viewing of this site, please ensure that Javascript is enabled for your browser.
 EMAIL TO FRIEND     |      PRINTER FRIENDLY     |    
          advertisement

Polydipsia

Also called: Excessive Thirst, Extreme Thirst

- Summary
- About polydipsia
- Potential causes of polydipsia
- Diagnosis methods
- Treatment and prevention
- Questions for your doctor

Reviewed By:
David Slotnick, M.D.

Summary

Polydipsia is the medical term for excessive thirst. This increased thirst often leads to a person drinking too much water.

Drinking enough water is a healthy habit. Consuming too much, however, can be harmful and may be a sign of disease. For Diabetes mellitus is a disorder in the body's ability to break down blood sugar (glucose).example, increased thirst is one of several common signs of diabetes or prediabetes. Polydipsia may provide an important clue for the millions of Americans who are diabetic but have yet to be diagnosed. Severe polydipsia may indicate serious diabetic complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis.

Polydipsia can also be due to many other conditions. These include diabetes insipidus, other endocrine disorders, dehydration, kidney disease, liver disease, urinary tract infection, mineral imbalances, head injury, drug abuse, emotional disorders and Wolfram syndrome. Certain medications can also cause excessive thirst.

Anyone experiencing persistent or unexplained thirst should discuss the matter with a physician, especially if this symptom appears with other signs of disease. For example, someone experiencing unexplained polydipsia combined with polyphagia (excessive hunger) should contact a healthcare provider.

page 1 of 6 | Next Page




Review Date: 01-11-2007
Video
Diabetes and Cancer
Are diabetes, choleterol and cancer all related?
Diabetes Hits Home for Maria
TODAY contributor Maria Menounos discusses her father's struggle with...
iVillage's Passion for Teen Diabetes
iVillage president and CEO Debi Fine and Dr. Francine Kaufman share...
When do you call a doctor?
David talks with Dr. Snyderman about when to seek emergency medical...
Being an Empowered Patient
Patient responsibility and what we need to do to make sure we become...
Gastric Bypass Could Cure Type-2 Diabetes
Gastric bypass surgery not only reduces a person's weight, it may...

Advice from Dr. Nancy Snyderman

Dr. Nancy Snyderman

Helpful tips and information on weight loss

Get answers from an expert
advertisement
advertisement

YourTotalHealth      

Home  |  Health Centers  |  Health A-Z  |  Staying Healthy  |  Diet & Fitness  |  Woman & Family  |  Pregnancy  |  Community  |  

also on iVillage: Pregnancy & Parenting  |  Beauty & Style  |  Home & Garden  |  Food  |  Weddings  |  Love  |  Entertainment  |  NeverSayDiet

Terms of Service  |  Privacy Policy  |  Site Map  |  Newsletters  |  Feedback

Copyright (c) 2000-2009 iVillage Inc. All rights reserved. The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.