If you’re constantly feeling thirsty even though you’re trying hard to stay hydrated by drinking water, the following symptoms may be the case: Health-related reasons.
Excessive thirst not only affects quality of life, but can also be a symptom of some medical conditions.
Fox News Digital spoke to two doctors who shed light on the common cause behind the constant thirst for water.
Don’t like water? Here are 5 healthy alternatives from NFL sports nutritionists
I’ll explain it in detail here.
What causes excessive thirst?
There are many reasons why a person may feel thirstier than usual, but there are some common causes.
Excessive thirst not only affects quality of life, but can also be a symptom of some medical conditions. (St. Petersburg)
These include dehydration, metabolic disorders such as diabetes and high blood calcium levels, drug side effects There is also a pituitary gland or kidney problem called diabetes insipidus, which can lead to increased thirst.
Dr. Atil Kargi, a clinical endocrinologist in the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, explained these causes in a conversation with Fox News Digital.
dehydration
According to Kargi, dehydration can occur through excessive sweating, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Alcohol and caffeine are also diuretics and can cause dehydration.
Should you drink water before bed? Experts speak out
Doctors noted that eating salty or spicy foods can increase thirst.
hyperglycemia
Diabetes and high blood calcium levels can cause increased urine output and dehydration.
This causes thirst, which is the body’s first line of defense mechanism against dehydration, Kargi said.
Side effects of medicines
Some medicines can increase thirst.
Excessive thirst can be caused by dehydration, metabolic disorders such as diabetes or high blood calcium levels, and side effects of medications. (St. Petersburg)
“In some cases, this may simply be due to dry mouth, which is observed in people taking the drug. treat depression or other conditions,” the doctor said.
Other drugs, such as lithium and diuretics, can cause increased urine production and therefore indirectly increase the feeling of thirst, Kargi added.
diabetes insipidus
In this condition, the pituitary gland and kidneys are unable to work together to maintain water in the body.
“Normally, our pituitary gland produces a hormone called antidiuretic hormone (AVP), which sends signals to the kidneys to regulate the amount of urine produced,” Kargi says.
Staying hydrated may lower risk of heart failure, says study
“AVP deficiency and certain kidney disorders can lead to increased water loss through urination, which triggers the thirst mechanism to prevent dehydration.”
According to Kargi, people with diabetes insipidus do not have elevated blood sugar levels.
“This symptom should not be confused with more common symptoms.” forms of diabetes, refers to people with high blood sugar levels. ”
some autoimmune diseases
Certain autoimmune diseases can also cause excessive thirst and dryness, says Marie-Elizabeth Lamas, MD, a family physician at Southern New Hampshire Health in Nashua, New Hampshire.
Certain autoimmune diseases can also cause excessive thirst and dryness, the doctor said. (St. Petersburg)
“Illnesses such as cystic fibrosis, Sjogren’s syndrome, and other hormone-related autoimmune diseases can cause excessive thirst,” she told Fox News Digital.
Change your lifestyle to reduce excessive thirst
If you feel thirsty due to excessive salt intake or spicy foods, dietary changes Experts say it may help.
“Drinking water instead of other liquids, such as energy drinks or caffeinated beverages, can also help,” Kargi suggested.
Healthy aging and drinking water: Interesting findings from new research
If you don’t have a severe disability or medical condition, staying hydrated is one of the best ways to improve your symptoms. overall sense of well-beingsaid Lamas.
“I recommend my patients drink at least two to three liters of water a day,” she said. “Drinking just 10 glasses of water every hour can help improve your energy, urination, swelling, and skin and hair health.”
When to see a doctor
Kargi told Fox News Digital that if people notice they are producing large amounts of urine and urinating more frequently, this could be a reason to discuss the symptoms with their doctor.
In addition to increased thirst, if you experience other worrying symptoms, such as: excessive fatigueweakness, or weight loss – this could prompt a doctor to check laboratory tests to rule out more serious medical conditions, he added.
If you experience increased thirst along with other symptoms such as excessive fatigue, weakness, or weight loss, it is best to see your doctor and have a lab test done. (St. Petersburg)
In most cases of increased thirst, doctors can diagnose and develop a treatment plan through a thorough examination and simple laboratory tests, Kargi said.
Not all patients who report increased thirst have an underlying medical condition.
Click here to sign up for our health newsletter
“Sometimes we come across cases where the psychological factors that cause the sensation of dry mouth are causing excessive dry mouth for no apparent reason,” he said.
The condition, called “psychogenic polydipsia,” can be diagnosed with a water deprivation test, Kargi said.
Unless you have a severe disability or medical condition, doctors said staying hydrated is one of the best ways to improve your overall health. (St. Petersburg)
When treating their patients who complain of increased thirst, doctors first gather a complete medical history, focusing on diet and lifestyle, and then ask about other symptoms.
“If you were a patient, See a doctor If you complain of increased thirst, tell your doctor about any other medical conditions or medications you are taking,” he advised.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“If the cause is not clear from the initial medical history and tests, further investigation with blood or urine tests may be needed.”
Hyperglycemia or high blood calcium levels may require seeing an endocrinologist for evaluation and treatment, Kargi noted.
For more health articles, visit: www.foxnews.com/health.
