Intense thirst, also called polydipsiais often associated with high heat or intense physical activity. Suffice to say that at the moment, it is particularly normal and must invite you to hydrate yourself enough. But apart from these contexts, it can be a sign of an underlying medical problem, especially when it settles in the durably. “”It is not a feeling to be taken lightly, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as unexplained fatigue, frequent urine or weight loss “alerts Dr. Gérald Kierzek. Here is what intense thirst can also hide.
Diabetes, cause number one
The first pathology to evoke in the face of an unusual thirst is diabetes, whether of type 1 or 2. “When the level of blood sugar is too high, the body seeks to eliminate it in the urine, which causes dehydration. The patient urine a lot, so he drinks a lot”explains Dr. Kierzek.
Excessive thirst is often accompanied by other signs such as chronic fatigue, rapid weight loss or troubled vision.
Insipid diabetes: a rare hormonal disorder
This type of diabetes has nothing to do with high blood sugar. It is a hormonal disruption linked to a vasopressin deficit, a hormone that regulates the reabsorption of water by the kidneys. Result : “The body eliminates a large quantity of very diluted urine, which forces to drink permanently to compensate “specifies the doctor.
Masked dehydration
We often think of drinking when we are hot, but other situations can dry up the body without anyone realizing it. This is the case during vomiting, diarrhea or an episode of fever. “”If water losses are not offset, the body triggers intense thirst to avoid imbalance “recalls Dr. Kierzek.
Suffering kidneys
A chronic kidney disease, a beginning of renal failure or the presence of calculations can alter the ability of the kidneys to concentrate urine. “”These disorders cause excessive water elimination and therefore increased thirst “underlines the emergencyist.
Too much calcium in the blood
Hypercalcemia – often due to hyperparathyroidism or certain forms of cancer – can also cause abnormal thirst. “”Excess calcium disrupts the kidneys and causes excessive diuresis “explains Dr. Kierzek. It can be accompanied by nausea, muscle weakness or digestive disorders.
Autoimmune infections and diseases
Certain chronic infections (such as tuberculosis) or inflammatory pathologies (sarcoidosis, lupus) can also be the cause of polydipsia. “It is not common, but you have to think about it when the thirst remains unexplained after having dismissed the more common causes”note the doctor.
Some drugs
Diuretics, antihistamines, treatments against hypertension or antidepressants: several drugs can induce a sensation of dry mouth or stimulate the production of urine. “”It is not dangerous in itself, but it sometimes requires an adjustment of the treatment “, he adds.
Psychological disorders
Finally, thirst can have a psychological origin. This is the case in Potomania, a behavioral disorder that pushes to drink in a compulsive way, often in connection with anxiety or a psychiatric pathology. “We sometimes observe patients who drink several liters of water per day without real need”says Dr. Kierzek.
When should you consult?
To summarize, thirst becomes worrying if it occurs for no obvious reason and is accompanied by signs like:
- Frequent urination, especially at night;
- Unusual fatigue;
- Unexplained weight loss;
- Dizziness or episodes of confusion.
In this case, it is necessary not to see thirst as a harmless symptom and to get closer to your attending physician. “”Faced with an intense persistent thirst, especially if it settles without heat or particular effort, it is important to consult a doctor quickly and to carry out an assessment “, concludes Dr. Kierzek.