Feeling thirsty is our body's way of telling us simply that it lacks fluids, which it needs to work properly. It's very normal to feel thirsty often when it's hot or if you're in the middle of a physical workout, but if you always feel like your mouth is dry and thirsty for water so that even a glass or two doesn't help quench your thirst, it could be a sign of a health problem. So how will you know if your constant feeling of thirst indicates such a problem? Here are some conditions that you should check and diagnose if necessary, which can cause an increased feeling of thirst.
Dehydration is the most straightforward cause of increased thirst. It occurs when your body doesn't have enough water to carry out its normal functions. Several factors can lead to dehydration, including insufficient fluid intake, diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive sweating.
Signs of Dehydration:
Unquenchable thirst can be a symptom of diabetes. In this condition, the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or doesn't use it effectively, causing glucose (sugar) to build up in the blood. Excess glucose is expelled through urine, drawing fluids from the body and leading to frequent urination and increased thirst.
Symptoms of Diabetes:
Diabetes insipidus is a rare condition that shares a name with diabetes mellitus but is not related. Unlike diabetes mellitus, which involves issues with insulin and blood sugar levels, diabetes insipidus is characterized by a problem with the regulation of water in the body. It occurs when the body doesn't produce enough antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or when the kidneys do not respond properly to ADH. This hormone, also known as vasopressin, plays a crucial role in managing the body's fluid balance by signaling the kidneys to conserve water.
If your glands do not produce enough saliva, you will also experience other symptoms, such as:
Hypercalcemia describes a condition where there is too much calcium in the blood. This can be a serious condition, as calcium plays many crucial roles in the body, including in bone health, muscle function, nerve signaling, and heart health. Various factors can lead to hypercalcemia, and understanding these can help in diagnosing and managing the condition. Causes run from overactivity of the parathyroid glands, cancer, granulomatous diseases (tuberculosis) as well as medications and vitamin D overdose, among others.
Apart from increased thirst, other symptoms of hypercalcemia include:
