Excessive thirst can be a possible symptom of some health conditions. If occurring due to an unexplained reason, it is surely a cause of concern.
We are often advised to drink adequate amount of water as it is essential to carry out several functions in the body. It is perfectly normal to feel thirsty in the summer season. However, sometimes, a person may frequently feel thirsty for no obvious reason.
Causes
In normal cases, hot climate, humidity, eating spicy meals, etc., cause thirstiness. But, in other cases, it can be a symptom of the following conditions.
Diabetes
Being frequently thirsty is a symptom of both, diabetes mellitus (type 1 and type 2 diabetes) and diabetes insipidus. Diabetes is a chronic condition marked by high level of sugar in the blood and lack of production or absorption of the hormone insulin in the body. Weight loss, high blood pressure, frequent urination, etc., are the other symptoms.
Hypercalcemia
Hypercalcemia is a condition that arises when the calcium level in blood increases. It can be caused due to several reasons like hyperthyroidism, adrenal gland failure, kidney failure, excess intake of diuretics, etc. Kidney stone, frequent urination, nausea, vomiting, excess thirst, etc., are its symptoms.
Dehydration
Dehydration is one of the most common causes of unexplained thirstiness in children as well as adults. Loss of water and salts from the body because of not drinking enough water, sweating excessively, vomiting, or diarrhea can lead to dehydration.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes, also known as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), is a type of diabetes that develops in pregnant women who have no history of diabetes before pregnancy. The exact cause of this condition is unknown. However, it is believed that certain hormones cause a disruption in the functioning of insulin, leading to a rise in the blood sugar level. In most of the cases, gestational diabetes disappears after the birth of the child.
Peritonitis
Peritonitis is a condition caused due to bacterial or fungal infection in the peritoneum, a membrane lining the inner abdominal wall. It can be caused due to peritoneal dialysis, building up of peritoneal fluid, injury, or trauma to the membrane. Vomiting, thirst, rapid heartbeat, lack of appetite, and nausea are the symptoms of peritonitis.
Treatment
If a person experiences excess thirst that has no explanatory reasons and is accompanied by other symptoms, he should consult the doctor as early as possible. Although, there is no cure for diabetes, there are treatment measures that help in alleviating the symptoms and keeping the disease under control. Taking medication regularly and following a proper diet helps in keeping the sugar level under control.
Treatment of hypercalcemia depends on its cause. If it is caused due to malfunctioning of any gland, a surgery may be required to remove the gland completely. On the other hand, in mild cases, medications can also be effective. Gestational diabetes can also be treated in the similar manner as other types of diabetes. Peritonitis can be treated with the help of antibiotics if it is caused due to bacterial infection. Secondly, if caused due to trauma, the doctor may prescribe related treatment methods.
Getting the exact cause diagnosed can help in proper treatment and quick recovery.
Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only and does not, in any way, intend to replace the advice of a medical professional.
