Tormented by thirst symptoms of what. Constant thirst: what this symptom can indicate

Our expert - therapist Maria Korneva.

When everything is fine

On average, a person drinks 1.5-2 liters of liquid per day. In hot weather, the need for water increases, and this is natural: we sweat more - the body needs to restore reserves.

There is nothing surprising in the fact that after he ate something salty. The body must maintain a balance of potassium and sodium. Salt increases the content of the latter in the blood. When we drink, the balance is restored and after a while the increased thirst disappears. If, in the body, not everything is safe.

Toxins are to blame

Strong thirst is a sure sign of intoxication. A classic example in this sense is a hangover. The day before, the person "went over", alcohol was absorbed into the blood, and the products of its decay are now poisoning the body. To get rid of them, it is necessary to get a large amount of water into the body - along with it, the toxins will be naturally excreted through the kidneys.

If you don’t drink alcohol, but you still want to drink irresistibly, you should think about whether there is an infection or virus in the body. In the process of their vital activity, toxins are also produced.

And harmful substances poison the body in the presence of tumors. That is why, with an increased need for drinking, you should consult a doctor and be examined. As soon as the underlying disease is eliminated, thirst will cease to bother.

sweet sickness

But still, first of all, the doctor, when you complain to him about, will recommend that you check not “for a tumor”, but for diabetes. The constant need for water is one of the main symptoms of this disease. Due to the disease, the level of glucose in the blood rises. This leads to increased formation and excretion of urine, and hence to dehydration. The body seeks to replenish moisture reserves - a person can drink up to 10 liters of water per day.

To get rid of the constant need to drink, diabetes must be compensated with insulin injections or taking hypoglycemic drugs. An endocrinologist should choose such treatment after confirming the diagnosis, which is based on tests for blood glucose or glycated hemoglobin.

Thirst is a leading symptom of another type of diabetes, diabetes insipidus. This disease develops as a result of insufficiency of vasopressin, a hormone that is produced in the posterior pituitary gland. Its deficiency leads to increased urination, general dehydration and intense thirst. In this case, the condition can be normalized with the help of hormone replacement therapy.

The problem is in the kidneys

Stronger than usual thirst may indicate defeat urinary tract and kidneys: , pyelonephritis, glomerular nephritis, polycystic kidney disease. In such a situation, the need for water increases simultaneously due to intoxication of the body as a result of infection, and due to increased urination.

All of these ailments must be treated. However, in reality, not everyone goes to the doctors and not immediately. If it is difficult not to notice cystitis, pyelonephritis at first is often manifested only by increased thirst and frequent urge to go to the toilet. Do not leave these symptoms unattended, especially if you have a desire to urinate almost every hour, not only during the day, but also at night. This is - distinguishing feature kidney diseases that require urgent intervention by a nephrologist.

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 mandatory to pay attention to other signs that may complement it. Often, such symptoms are the appearance of plaque on the tongue, weakness and nausea, an unpleasant aftertaste in the mouth and dizziness.

Adequate diagnosis of constant thirst, i.e., identification of 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 has become a provocateur of such a symptom, often conservative methods are sufficient.

Etiology

First of all, it should be noted that the most acceptable amount of liquid that a person should drink per day is two liters. In some cases, it is the lack of water that leads to the fact that a person suffers from constant thirst. Therefore, it is necessary to strictly monitor the volume of fluids drunk, especially in children and the elderly, as well as in malnourished patients.

The reasons for constant thirst will be dictated by the methods of removing fluid 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 intake of diuretics;
  • abuse of drugs for weight loss;
  • excessive ingestion of liquids that contain ethanol, for example, it can be beer;
  • diabetes insipidus - such a disease is accompanied by the fact that the human body produces a large amount of light urine, up to several liters per day, which leads to a feeling of constant thirst;
  • wrinkling of the kidney, which may be a primary or secondary pathological condition;
  • acute or chronic course of pyelonephritis;
  • chronic form of glomerulonephritis;
  • leaks diabetes both the first and second types;
  • hyperparathyroidism - despite the fact that this pathology is caused by a disruption in the functioning of the endocrine system, it negatively affects the kidneys.

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

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

The loss of water through the lungs is caused by such pathological conditions:

Increased sweating is the main source of why the human body is dehydrated. This 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 tides;
  • acromegaly;
  • Hodgkin's lymphoma;
  • irrational use of medicines;
  • a wide range of endocrine 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 tumors intestines;
  • gastritis of any etiology;
  • peptic ulcer of the duodenum or stomach;
  • the 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;
  • decreased osmolality of blood plasma;
  • 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 should include inflammation of the appendix, perforated ulcer, cholecystitis and intestinal obstruction.

Dry mouth and thirst can be provoked by the side effects of such drugs:

  • diuretics;
  • antibacterial substances of the tetracycline series;
  • preparations containing lithium;
  • medicines used in therapy mental disorders.

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

  • the use of fatty, salted and spicy foods;
  • addiction to such a bad habit as smoking;
  • abuse of strong coffee and sweet carbonated drinks.

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

Symptoms

Constant thirst is often 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 has become the source of this symptom.

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

  • dryness in the mouth;
  • the allocation of a large amount of light urine;
  • coating of the tongue with a coating, 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 late stages of bearing a child;
  • bad smell or taste in the mouth;
  • bouts 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 can become pathologically red, pale or cyanotic;
  • frequent urge to urinate;
  • swelling of the lower extremities;
  • pain syndrome with localization 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 conduct primary diagnostic measures, which will be aimed at:

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

After the preliminary cause of constant thirst is established, the therapist will most likely refer the patient for examination to such specialists:

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

Treatment

What to do to stop such a condition in which a person is constantly thirsty can only be told by the attending physician. In general, a wide range of therapeutic techniques are used, which will depend on the underlying cause of this symptom.

Either way, treatment will include:

  • taking medications;
  • diet therapy, which is based on the rejection of spicy and salty foods;
  • physiotherapy procedures;
  • application of recipes traditional medicine– can be used only after the approval of the attending physician;
  • minimally invasive surgical procedures;
  • open operations.

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

Prevention

To avoid the appearance of constant thirst, you must:

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

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

"Strong 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 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 inherently a somewhat outdated term, and therefore is 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. Peculiarity this disease is that, unlike cancer of 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 on the organs and systems of ethanol and its decay products, which cannot leave the body for a long time. Given pathological condition manifested by impaired coordination of movements, euphoria, impaired orientation in space, loss of attentiveness. In severe cases, intoxication can lead to coma.

Amyloidosis of the kidneys is a complex and dangerous pathology in which protein-carbohydrate metabolism is disturbed in the tissues of the kidneys. As a result, there is a synthesis and accumulation of a specific substance - amyloid. 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 a person and entails a violation of kidney function.

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

Botulism is a rather severe disease of a toxic-infectious nature, the course of which leads to damage nervous system, spinal cord and medulla oblongata. Botulism, the symptoms of which are manifested 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 of botulism, the onset of death is not ruled out.

Many people have heard of such an ailment 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 must be known, since the pathological process can occur in absolutely any person. Dropsy can develop even in a newborn baby. Causes Types Symptoms Ascites Dropsy gallbladder Dropsy in pregnancy Congenital dropsy Edema Dropsy of the testicle Dropsy of the spermatic cord Complications of dropsy of the testicle Specialist's recommendations Dropsy or dropsy 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; kidneys; 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 a violation of the hormonal background. However, there are a large number of other predisposing factors and risk groups.

Gigantism is an ailment that progresses due to increased production of growth hormone by the pituitary gland (endocrine gland). This causes the rapid growth of the limbs and torso. In addition, patients often experience a decrease in sexual function, inhibition of development. In the case of progression of gigantism, it is likely that the person will be infertile.

Hyperaldosteronism - acts as a fairly often diagnosed pathological condition that develops against the background of increased secretion of such a hormone of the adrenal cortex as aldosterone. Most often, the pathology occurs in adults, but it can also affect a child.

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

Hypernatremia is a disease characterized by an increase in the level of sodium in the blood serum to a value of 145 mmol / l or higher. In addition, a low fluid content in the body is detected. 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 body increases in size and its functioning is impaired. The disease is diagnosed both in adult men and women, and in young children. It is worth noting that such a form of pathology as congenital hyperplasia of the adrenal cortex is more common. In any case, the disease is quite dangerous, therefore, when its first symptoms appear, you should immediately contact a medical institution for a comprehensive examination and appointment. effective method therapy.

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

Hypomenorrhea (syn. meager menstruation) is a violation of the menstrual cycle, when a small amount of bloody fluid is released from the genital tract (less than 50 milliliters). Pathology can be both primary and secondary.

Hyponatremia is the most common form of water and electrolyte imbalance, when there is a critical decrease in the concentration of sodium in the blood serum. In the absence of timely assistance, the likelihood of a fatal outcome is not excluded.

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

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 kidney failure, present high risk lethal outcome. The diagnosis is made through not only a physical examination of the patient, it also requires laboratory and instrumental methods of examination.

Dysentery, also defined as shigellosis, is a disease from the group of acute intestinal infections, this group itself includes diseases transmitted by the fecal-oral route. Dysentery, the symptoms of which are diarrhea and general intoxication, has a tendency to its own widespread prevalence, which implies the possibility of an epidemic or pandemic if it is detected.

Ketoacidosis - dangerous complication diabetes, which without adequate and timely treatment can lead to diabetic coma or even death. The condition begins to progress if the human body cannot fully use glucose as an energy source, as 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 a disease infectious nature, which is caused by specific pathogens from the genus Leptospira. 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 state is said 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 a violation of water metabolism and are manifested in the form of constant thirst along with increased polyuria (increased urine formation), is, meanwhile, a fairly rare disease.

Jade in medicine is called a whole group of different inflammatory diseases kidneys. All of them have different etiology, as well as the mechanism of development, symptomatic and pathomorphological features. AT this group clinicians refer to local or widespread processes during which the kidney tissue grows, partially or completely collapses.

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

Nephrotic syndrome is a disorder of the functioning of the kidneys, characterized by a strong 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 with localization throughout the body and an increased ability of blood to clot. Diagnosis is made on the basis of data on changes in blood and urine tests. Treatment is complex and consists of diet and drug therapy.

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

Acute viral hepatitis is an infection of the liver caused by specific microorganisms. Depending on which bacterium has become the source of the disease, the form of hepatitis will be determined. In addition to specific bacteria, other, unknown microorganisms can be the cause of the development of such a pathology. 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 treatment of comorbidities

From a physiological point of view, strong 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 adversely affects the osmotic pressure, which ensures the shape of the cells and their normal functioning. As a result, skin elasticity is lost, facial features become sharper, a person may be disturbed by headaches and dizziness. Therefore, the lack of fluid in the cells causes a very strong desire of the body to restore the water balance.

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

Causes of intense thirst

Polydipsia occurs due to the intense activation of the drinking center located in the brain. This, as a rule, can be caused by physiological or pathological causes.

Physiological causes of extreme thirst include:

  1. Increased loss of water through sweat during intense exercise or heat.
  2. Dehydration of the body in case of poisoning, accompanied by diarrhea.
  3. Intoxication of the body with alcohol breakdown products, for the natural withdrawal (through the kidneys) of which a large amount of water is required.
  4. Too dry air in the room, because of which the body has to lose moisture. This situation usually occurs during the heating season and during the operation of air conditioners. To solve the problem with the normalization of humidity, you can use humidifiers or indoor plants that increase the level of moisture in the room.
  5. The use of spicy, salty or smoked foods, as well as the abuse of coffee and sweet soda.
  6. Consumption of water with an insufficient content of mineral salts, the so-called soft water. It is thanks to mineral salts that the body absorbs and retains water better. Therefore, it is advisable to choose mineral waters of the sodium chloride group with a sufficient salt content for drinking.
  7. Consumption of water with an excessive salt content also negatively affects the body's water balance, since salt in excess prevents cells from absorbing water.
  8. Eating foods and drinks that have diuretic properties. These foods cause dehydration and a strong desire to drink.

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

Pathological causes of polydipsia include:

  1. The development of diabetes mellitus, which at first is always accompanied by frequent and copious excretion urine, which in turn dehydrates the body and causes thirst. The following accompanying symptoms may also indicate the development of this disease: skin itching, dizziness, recurrent headaches, sudden weight gain.
  2. Diabetes insipidus is a violation of the endocrine system, which is accompanied by an intensive excretion of water through the kidneys (several liters of light-colored urine per day). With this problem, you should consult an endocrinologist. The main reasons for the development of diabetes insipidus are neurosurgical interventions or brain injuries.
  3. Hyperparathyroidism is a violation 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:
    • urine is white;
    • sudden weight loss;
    • muscle weakness;
    • increased fatigue;
    • pain in the legs;
    • early tooth loss.
  4. Kidney disease, which is usually accompanied by swelling, dry mouth, problem urination. Sick kidneys are not able to retain in the body the volumes of water necessary for its full-fledged life. The most common kidney disorders are acute and chronic pyelonephritis, primary and secondary contracted kidney, glomerulonephritis, hydronephrosis, and chronic renal failure.
  5. Chronic stress and nervous strain, as well as more serious mental disorders ( obsessive states, schizophrenia). Mental problems can provoke a violation of the thirst regulation center, which is located in the hypothalamus. According to statistics, this cause of intense thirst is most often encountered by women. As a rule, symptoms such as drowsiness, tearfulness and irritability can indicate the development of a mental disorder simultaneously with an unquenchable desire to drink.
  6. Brain tumor, stroke and other focal lesions and brain injuries that can disrupt the hypothalamus, which is responsible for the central regulation of thirst.
  7. 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.
  8. Generalized hyperhidrosis - increased sweating of a pathological nature. This disorder may indicate the development of diseases such as:
    • thyrotoxicosis;
    • acromegaly;
    • pathological menopause;
    • Hodgkin's lymphoma;
    • other disorders of the endocrine system.

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

Diseases that may be indicated by the presence of intense thirst in combination 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 accompanying symptoms:

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

It is important to understand that if thirst and nausea bother you for several days - without medical care not cope. You should consult a doctor who will professionally assess the associated symptoms; surrender everything necessary tests and undergo a series of diagnostic studies. All these activities will help determine what kind of pathology you are suffering from.

Intense thirst and drugs

It is worth noting that polydipsia can be caused by taking medicines to 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 on their list of side effects.

Among the popular drugs that make many patients thirsty are Metformin, an antidiabetic agent used in the treatment of:

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

Also, this drug is used to normalize body weight, since it active substance reduces insulin production, significantly reducing appetite. During the use of Metformin, a carbohydrate-free diet should be followed, otherwise side effects from the gastrointestinal tract - nausea, vomiting, liquid stool, metallic taste in the mouth.

It is important to understand that with a competent approach to the use of Metformin, in compliance with 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 each of its cells guarantees the normal functioning of the whole organism. During pregnancy, every woman is subject to increased stress and trials. Very often the body future mother suffers from thirst and water imbalance, which can cause a slowdown in metabolic processes, and lead to pathological changes in the body of the mother and the development of the fetus.

The main causes of severe thirst in pregnant women:

  1. Formation of amniotic fluid. With each week of fetal development, the volume of amniotic fluid increases, which means that the amount of water needed increases, and polydipsia increases accordingly.
  2. During the first trimester of pregnancy, a woman needs more fluid in order to remove toxins and waste products, since the undeveloped organs of the fetus are not yet able to neutralize them on their own.
  3. Structure changes circulatory system that occur up to the 20th week of gestation. Since the body of a pregnant woman has to work more intensively, there is an increased need for fluid, the lack of which leads to the fact that the blood thickens. With a thick consistency of blood, the risk of blood clots, ischemia and other pathologies of the cardiovascular system increases.
  4. Change in food tastes. As a woman tends to overindulge in sweet, salty, spicy, or fatty foods during pregnancy, she has an increased need for extra fluids to help digest and remove excess salt from the body.
  5. Bacterial and viral infections, intestinal and respiratory disorders can also cause polydipsia.
  6. Gestational diabetes mellitus, the development of which is accompanied by thirst and dry mouth. This disease can be diagnosed with urine and stool tests.

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

Diagnosis of polydipsia

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

  • questioning the patient;
  • inspection;
  • delivery of laboratory tests. As a rule, a blood and urine test is done first. If the cause of increased thirst is not established, then tests for hormones, liver and kidney tests are prescribed;
  • hardware study 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 for the presence of diabetes or diabetes insipidus, as well as disorders in the functioning of the kidneys or the cardiovascular system, since these are the problems most often found 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.

  1. Increase the amount of fluid you drink to two liters per day. So that the problem of increased thirst does not make itself felt for a long time, it is advisable to drink half a cup of purified water every hour.
  2. Normalize the humidity in the room where you are, because dry air increases thirst. To increase the humidity, you can have indoor plants or purchase a humidifier.
  3. Refuse to consume fatty, spicy and salty foods, various dietary supplements and drugs that cause thirst, as well as snacks, coffee, alcoholic beverages, sweet soda.
  4. Get rid of bad habits (smoking).
  5. Half an hour before the start of training or other physical activity, drink half a glass of water.
  6. Monitor the quality of your urination. If the urine is too light or dark in color, it is necessary to reconsider the amount of fluid consumed. With a normal water content in the body, urine has a moderately yellow color without a strong odor.

If the physiological factors that cause thirst are completely eliminated, but dehydration does not stop, you should immediately go to a general practitioner or endocrinologist at the 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 a neurologist.

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

Evtushenko Oleg, endocrinologist

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constant thirst- this is when a person wants to drink more often than usual, and this desire arises regardless of physical activity, temperature indicators of air, salinity of food and other external factors.

By itself, ordinary thirst is a normal response of the body to a violation of water-salt homeostasis, because water plays an important life-supporting role and is involved in almost all metabolic processes. But if there is a constant unquenchable thirst (polydipsia), then it is necessary to understand the causes of this abnormal condition.

Causes of Constant Thirst

Domestic medicine considers the physiological norm of water consumption (not in the summer heat) to be approximately 40 ml per kilogram of body weight. The optimal amount of drinking often appears - 1.2-1.5 liters per day. According to the recommendations of the Institute of Medicine (USA), men need almost 3.7 liters of water per day (20-25% from food, including drinks), women need one liter less. WHO has developed other standards: for men - 2.9 liters, for women - 2.2 liters. In general, today there is no consensus, as you can see.

The signal about the need to replenish water in the body comes from the so-called drinking center of the central nervous system, which includes the nuclei of the posterior lobe of the hypothalamus, the limbic part of the cerebral hemispheres and certain areas of their cortex. And most often the causes of constant thirst lie in the failures of this center.

Thanks to the receptors of the hypothalamus, the drinking center perceives all fluctuations in the amount, osmotic pressure and level of Na + in the fluid of all body structures and responds to them. These reactions are reflex, and neurohormones of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system are involved in them: vasopressin (synthesized by the hypothalamus), angiotensin (formed in the blood), renin (produced by the kidneys) and the hormone of the adrenal cortex aldosterone. This process is influenced by thyroid hormones, as well as insulin produced by the pancreas.

It should be borne in mind that the constant increased fluid intake is not classified as a disease: in medicine, constant thirst is considered as a symptom of the disease.

In many cases, the causes of constant thirst are associated with diseases and pathological processes such as: chronic diarrhea; frequent vomiting; fever; head injury; infectious intoxication; decrease in blood volume (with internal bleeding or systemic capillary leak syndrome); diabetes mellitus (hyperglycemia); diabetes insipidus (insulin-independent) of neurogenic, nephrogenic or dipsogenic etiology.

So, constant thirst and frequent urination (polyuria) characteristic of diabetes insipidus may be associated with:

  • with various etiological lesions of the hypothalamus (including tumors), which lead to impaired synthesis of the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin that regulates water and electrolyte metabolism;
  • with a decrease in osmolality (concentration of anions, cations and non-electrolytes) of blood plasma;

with low sensitivity (or its complete absence) of renal tubular receptors to vasopressin.

Pathological thirst is also included in the complex of clinical symptoms:

  • chronic renal failure (nephropathy, pyelonephritis, amyloidosis, etc.);
  • thyrotoxicosis (hyperparathyroidism);
  • primary hyperaldosteronism or Conn's syndrome (caused by hyperplasia of the adrenal cortex and increased production of aldosterone, leading to a deficiency of potassium ions - hypokalemia);
  • hypohydration with edema;
  • hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating);
  • hypercalcemia;
  • hyponatremia;
  • hypercortisolism syndrome (Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome);
  • adrenal adenomas and adrenocortical cancer.

There is constant unquenchable thirst and polyuria in congenital genetic pathologies: acromegaly (which occurs when the functions of the anterior pituitary gland are impaired), aceruloplasminemia, Bartter's syndrome (decreased absorption of chlorides and sodium by the kidneys), cystinosis, Parhon's syndrome, Fanconi's syndrome, sickle cell anemia.

Constant dry mouth and thirst accompany the intake of certain medicines, in particular, all diuretics, most antibiotics, as well as antipsychotic (neuroleptic) drugs containing lithium.

Constant thirst during pregnancy

European doctors say that during pregnancy during the day, women need to drink more - almost 300 ml, but the total amount of fluid consumed should not exceed two liters.

But there is constant thirst during pregnancy (especially at 27-36 weeks), which is explained by an increase in the synthesis of angiotensinogen protein in the liver and, accordingly, an increase in its entry into the bloodstream. During gestation, this is caused by an increase in the production of corticosteroids and estrogen, a change in the mineral balance.

In addition, as the fetus develops in utero, it becomes necessary to accelerate the glomerular (glomerular) filtration of the kidneys, which work during pregnancy with an increased load. And this contributes to the high level of angiotensin, which causes increased thirst in expectant mothers.

The biomechanics of homeostatic processes during childbearing is due to the fact that angiotensin in increased quantities promotes the growth of the synthesis of the already mentioned aldosterone - the hormone of the adrenal cortex, which leads to the loss of potassium ions in the blood plasma and the retention of an excess amount of sodium ions.

Constant thirst in a child

Let's start, again, with water consumption standards. The recommendations of the World Health Organization regarding the drinking regimen in childhood are based on the child's body weight: a three-month-old baby weighing up to 5 kg per day needs at least 700-800 ml of liquid,

a one-year-old child weighing 10 kg - 1 liter of water. Breast milk is included in this standard, since it contains more than 86% of water.

According to the recommendations of American pediatricians, a child aged one to three years normally consumes about 1.3 liters of fluid per day, including about 350 ml of milk, as well as water, soups, fresh juices and other drinks. From 4 to 8 years, you need 1.7 liters per day.

At the age of 9-13 years, boys need 2.4 liters of fluid per day (European experts give a different figure - 1.6 liters). And at the age of 14-18, teenagers and boys need 1.9 liters of fluid per day, girls and girls - at least 1.6 liters (the American standard is 2.7 liters and 2.4 liters, respectively).

If there is a constant thirst in a child, then its causes may be associated with one or more of the above factors. To clarify the specific etiology of the child, it is necessary to examine: perhaps the child is simply very mobile, and this increases the consumption of water to maintain a normal water-salt balance. But pathologies are not excluded - both metabolic and neurohumoral in nature.

Dry mouth and frequent urination dangerous symptom, which may indicate serious internal pathologies. By itself, dry mouth, or xerostomia, indicates a weakening or cessation of the body's production of saliva for some reason - from atrophy of the salivary glands to autoimmune diseases. Sometimes this phenomenon is temporary, occurring against the background of exacerbations of chronic pathologies or when taking certain medications. But constant dryness, accompanied by other unpleasant sensations (burning of the mucous membranes of the mouth, itching, cracks, thirst and frequent urination) may indicate the presence of dangerous disorders.

As already mentioned, dry mouth can be caused by various reasons:
  1. Morning dryness, passing after some time, can be considered one of the most harmless varieties. It occurs when a person breathes through his mouth or snores at night, which causes the mucous membranes to dry out. Mouth breathing, in turn, is provoked by polyps in the nose, curvature of the septum, allergic rhinitis, runny nose or sinusitis.
  2. Dryness can be caused by various diseases of an infectious nature - against the background of an increase in body temperature and poisoning with toxins. Some viruses, in the course of their pathological activity, affect the salivary glands and the circulatory system in adjacent tissues (for example, mumps has such an effect), affecting the formation of saliva.
  3. A common cause is systemic pathologies: anemia, defeat by the immunodeficiency virus, diabetes mellitus, age-related pathologies (which include Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases), hypotension, stroke, rheumatoid arthritis.
  4. Impaired saliva production can occur as a result of chemotherapy and radiotherapy for cancer.
  5. Traumatic injuries of the nerves and salivary glands, surgical operations cause the described symptoms.
  6. Severe dehydration. It can occur due to profuse sweating, blood loss, vomiting or diarrhea, prolonged lack of water, and other reasons leading to water losses in the body that are not replenished. For obvious reasons, this leads to dryness, which disappears after the restoration of the body's water balance or elimination of another cause of dehydration.
  7. Smoking also causes dryness.
  8. Frequent urination in men often develops with diseases of the prostate.

Another reason is the side effects of the medications taken. Dryness of the mucous membranes accompanies many drugs, especially if they are taken not one by one, but in combination, enhancing the effect of each other.

The syndrome may accompany the use of drugs such as:
  • antibiotics, anti-fungal agents;
  • sedative and relaxing medicines, antidepressants, antipsychotics and drugs to combat enuresis;
  • anesthetics, antihistamines, bronchodilators;
  • a number of drugs to combat excess weight;
  • anti-acne;
  • fixing drugs (to combat diarrhea), antiemetics, and a number of others.

If, along with a feeling of dryness of the oral mucosa, a person is worried about thirst and frequent urination, this is a potentially dangerous symptom that requires prompt medical diagnosis in order to identify possible pathology and start treatment.

What does this syndrome mean, and how to treat it?

There are several main reasons for this:

  • the most common is diabetes mellitus;
  • such symptoms may occur while taking diuretics;
  • coffee and alcoholic beverages, having a pronounced diuretic effect, can also provoke dryness;
  • the effect is caused by a number of diseases of the urinary organs, systemic pathologies and drugs for the treatment of these problems.

Increased urine output is common in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. A strong loss of fluid by the body at the same time leads to a feeling of dryness in the mouth, there is a constant thirst. This phenomenon is a consequence of a drop in the concentration of insulin in the blood. Without enough insulin, the body cannot properly process the glucose that enters the bloodstream.

An increase in the concentration of the latter, in turn, provokes an increased excretion of fluid by the kidneys, forcing diabetics to send a small need more often. As a rule, people with diabetes know about this phenomenon from their doctor, the main way to avoid it is to maintain insulin levels as recommended by the doctor (usually regular injections). With diabetes, the patient may also often want to eat without feeling full.

Another phenomenon is also possible - frequent urination and constant thirst due to a neuroendocrine disorder that affects the pituitary gland and kidneys. The latter lose the ability to retain fluid in themselves, the body constantly loses water, causing thirst and dryness.

The second common cause is diuretics. By causing increased activity of the kidneys, they cause the body to lose a large amount of fluid. Dehydration begins, accompanied by dryness and thirst. The same thing happens in people who abuse caffeinated drinks and alcohol.

Overactive kidneys, constant thirst, and fluid loss are sometimes associated with eating certain foods. Berries such as cranberries, for example, have a rather strong diuretic effect, causing the symptom in question when eating a large amount of cranberries and products from it.

The phenomenon of dryness with increased urine output is caused by some drugs for weight loss, the main effect of which is an intense loss of fluid, due to which weight loss occurs.

Some infections genitourinary system capable of provoking such phenomena: if frequent urge to urinate is accompanied by discomfort (pain, burning, other unpleasant sensations), there is a high probability of an infectious lesion.

Methods for treating dry mouth and frequent urination depend on the cause that gave rise to this phenomenon. First of all, you need to consult a doctor for a comprehensive diagnosis, since this symptom complex can be caused by a variety of problems.

Diagnosis by an endocrinologist and urologist is necessary:
  • genitourinary system (conditions of the kidneys and urinary tract);
  • endocrine (checking for the presence of various forms of diabetes);
  • a study on the possibility of the presence of pathologies of an infectious nature.

A blood test is carried out for glucose content, a general diagnosis of blood and urine samples of the patient, ultrasound of the urinary organs and other tests at the discretion of the doctor. After establishing an accurate diagnosis and the causes of the phenomenon, a method is chosen to eliminate the problem.

First of all, any treatment involves giving up bad habits: you should completely eliminate alcohol and quit smoking, it is advisable to exclude caffeinated drinks and stick to a diet with a minimum of fried foods, salty foods. Hot pepper can be used as a seasoning to stimulate salivation.

Further therapeutic measures depend on the problem that caused the described symptoms:
  • with diabetes, insulin therapy is prescribed, aimed at filling the lack of this substance in the body;
  • Diabetes insipidus type requires specific treatment with drugs containing the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin: desmopressin or antidiuretin DM, and the long-acting drug pitressin tanate is also used. Lithium preparations and other medications may be prescribed at the discretion of the doctor;
  • in the presence of infectious and inflammatory pathologies, treatment is aimed at eliminating them through the use of specific antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs;
  • to eliminate dehydration and alleviate the patient's condition, additional volumes of liquid can be introduced into the body - both in the form of drinking and intravenously;
  • diuretics, if any, should be discontinued.

It is important to remember that prescribing treatment on your own is dangerous, you need to contact a specialist who can accurately determine the cause of dryness and frequent urination and choose the appropriate treatment.


The most common causes of excessive thirst are: heavy sweating during heat, during physical exertion, bronchitis, dehydration with diarrhea, elevated body temperature. Constant thirst occurs with a water-electrolyte imbalance. In the body, salts and liquid clearly interact. The main ions that can determine the level of salt in the blood plasma are potassium and sodium. As for the negatively charged ions - anions that determine the saline composition of the tissue fluid, they include chlorides. The water-salt balance in the body ensures the vital activity of cells and determines the osmotic pressure in the tissues. If the water-electrolyte balance in the tissues is disturbed, constant thirst appears. What can provoke such manifestations and the occurrence of dry mouth and desire to drink?

Groups of causes of constant thirst and dry mouth

There are 5 reasons for the violation of the water-salt balance in the body and, accordingly, constant thirst:

  1. The process of removing fluid from the body increases.
  2. The amount of fluid in the body is reduced.
  3. The amount of salts in the body increases.
  4. The process of removing salt from the body is reduced.
  5. Increased thirst in diseases of the brain.

Reason number 1 - The process of removing fluid from the body increases

There are several ways through which fluid is excreted from the body:

  • kidneys;
  • leather;
  • intestines;
  • Airways.

Excretion of fluid through the kidneys

Frequent urination occurs while taking diuretics or other drugs that can increase the removal of water from the body. Phytopreparations and weight loss products have a quick diuretic effect.

Drinks that contain a lot of ethanol (beer) can also increase urine production and cause subsequent thirst.

Unquenchable thirst against the background of excessive excretion of light urine (more than one liter per day) can be a symptom of diabetes insipidus. This disease causes water incontinence in the kidneys and its rapid circulation. It is necessary to solve such a problem after consultation with an endocrinologist.

In addition, excessive urination is inherent in the following disease: chronic glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis (acute and chronic), kidney wrinkling (primary or secondary). These ailments increase urination, the body dehydrates faster and there is a strong thirst. It is necessary to treat such conditions together with a urologist and a therapist.

With osmotic diuresis, along with salts or glucose, fluid is “washed out” of the body. For example, when glucose is lost, intense thirst also occurs, that is, during the development of diabetes. As a clue that large amounts of urine and thirst are the causes of diabetes, there may be itchy skin.

Loss of fluid through the skin

If the constant thirst is due to heavy sweating and has no additional symptoms, the cause of dry mouth is excessive exercise stress or fever. These are harmless causes, in which thirst is eliminated by a one-time replenishment of fluids.

If excessive sweating and intense thirst are accompanied by increasing pathological symptoms and deterioration, you should immediately go for examinations. Such signs may indicate the development of thyrotoxicosis, pathological menopause, a number of endocrine diseases, Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Excretion of water through the intestines

In a situation where there is severe vomiting and frequent loose stools, a feeling of thirst will be present due to tissue dehydration. This may be a sign of diarrhea, as a less dangerous disease, or an intestinal tumor, as a more serious ailment.

Loss of water through the respiratory mucosa

Dry mouth and thirst appear with mouth breathing: during rhinitis, enlarged adenoids, chronic snoring. If mouth breathing is rapid, the mouth dries up even more and you always want to drink. Breathing quickens with bronchitis or pneumonia, heart failure, or fever. Also, respiratory failure can develop against the background of cerebral oxygen starvation.

Reason 2. - The amount of fluid entering the body is reduced

With a lack of fluid, a person will feel dry mouth and thirst. This is a natural process if you drink very little water per day. The level of fluid in the body depends on gender, age, weight. Even the field of activity partially determines how much water a person needs to drink. On average, the body needs 1.5-2 liters of water per day, and with intensive training, in hot weather or hard physical labor, you need to drink more than 2 liters.

Reason 3. - The amount of salts in the body increases

If you eat a lot of salty or smoked foods, salts in the body will begin to accumulate and be absorbed into the blood. As a result, the osmotic pressure in the tissues will begin to increase and the body will need to turn on protection - thirst, in order to quickly remove toxins and restore the balance between salts and water.

Reason 4. - The process of removing salt from the body is reduced

Salt retention in tissues occurs in chronic renal failure. Therefore, it is extremely important to establish the cause of salt retention in order to prevent the critical development of the disease.

Reason 5. - Violation of brain activity

The so-called "thirst center", under the control of which the desire to drink arises or is dulled, is located in the hypothalamus. During problems with the brain, these functions are disturbed, thirst arises as a result of mental disorders, brain injuries, brain tumors.

  • Control the amount of fluid you drink throughout the day.
  • Avoid thirst-producing drugs, foods and drinks that make you constantly thirsty.
  • Seek advice from a therapist, endocrinologist or urologist.
  • Pass the main tests to specify the situation: a general analysis of urine and blood, a biochemical blood test, an X-ray of the lungs and an ECG.
  • Further clarification of the causes of constant thirst follows after receiving the results of the main tests.

Thirst can be a simple signal from the body that there is not enough water and needs to be replenished. But, strong and constant thirst can also serve as the first "bell" of serious electrolyte imbalance and the development of diseases. It is better to consult with a specialist and find out the true causes of thirst.