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What Causes Excessive Thirst?

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Posted on Fri, 13 Jan 2017
Question: I seem to have excessive thirst
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (58 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
different possible causes

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Excessive thirst can also be called polydipsia.

Causes can include: (1) diabetes mellitus- this is the more commonly known type of diabetes where there is an increase in the blood sugar

(2)zinc deficiency , not common cause

(3)diabetes insipidus- there would also be a history of increased urination

(4)psychological

(5)consequence of using any medication that causes dry mouth as a side effect

(6)dehydration

If you are a diabetic, then you should consider checking your blood sugars to make sure that they are in control. High blood sugars would cause polydipsia.

If this is not an issue for you, the next step would be to look at any traditional or herbal medications that you are using.
In addition, you should see your doctor so that he or she can check the concentration of your urine, an 24 urine collection is also needed as well as blood tests if diabetes insipidus is suspected.

If you are unable to see your doctor as this point, you can consider making a note of exactly how much you drink and urine passed.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Causes Excessive Thirst?

Brief Answer: different possible causes Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Excessive thirst can also be called polydipsia. Causes can include: (1) diabetes mellitus- this is the more commonly known type of diabetes where there is an increase in the blood sugar (2)zinc deficiency , not common cause (3)diabetes insipidus- there would also be a history of increased urination (4)psychological (5)consequence of using any medication that causes dry mouth as a side effect (6)dehydration If you are a diabetic, then you should consider checking your blood sugars to make sure that they are in control. High blood sugars would cause polydipsia. If this is not an issue for you, the next step would be to look at any traditional or herbal medications that you are using. In addition, you should see your doctor so that he or she can check the concentration of your urine, an 24 urine collection is also needed as well as blood tests if diabetes insipidus is suspected. If you are unable to see your doctor as this point, you can consider making a note of exactly how much you drink and urine passed. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions