Polydipsia

A persistent, excessive, or abnormal thirst, often accompanied by increased fluid intake, resulting from disturbances in water balance, osmoregulation, or hypothalamic thirst mechanisms.

Causes

• Endocrine and metabolic causes

  • Diabetes mellitus

  • Diabetes insipidus

  • Hyperthyroidism

  • Hypercalcemia

  • Hypokalemia

• Fluid loss and dehydration

  • Profuse sweating

  • Vomiting

  • Diarrhea

  • Hemorrhage

  • Inadequate fluid intake

  • Excessive exercise

• Medications causing dry mouth or increased urine output

  • Diuretics

  • Lithium

  • Antipsychotics

  • Anticholinergic medications

• Psychiatric causes

  • Schizophrenia

  • Primary (psychogenic) polydipsia

• Kidney failure

• Heart failure

• Liver failure

• Chronic lung disease

• Xerostomia (dry mouth)

• Hypothalamic disorders affecting thirst regulation

• Pregnancy