in the blood spills into the kidneys and pulls fluids with it, leading to excessive urination (polyuria) and fluid loss.
In diabetes insipidus (which is not directly related to diabetes mellitus, the form of diabetes we generally refer to), the kidneys are unable to conserve fluids and excessive urination—and thirst to replace lost fluids—result.
Acute dehydration can lead to delirium, kidney stone formation, seizures, and other potentially life-threatening conditions.
There are many causes of excessive thirst, and symptoms of this condition must be taken seriously and assessed, diagnosed and treated appropriately.
Treating excessive thirst
When a patient is experiencing pathological levels of thirst, a medical provider will run a number of laboratory tests, the most common of which will include a check for diabetes, electrolyte imbalances and other abnormalities or conditions.
If diabetes is detected, treatment with diet, medications and lifestyle changes will be initiated. If failure of the heart, liver or kidneys is found to be the cause, these can be serious and must be aggressively addressed. And, when the only cause appears to be dementia (some individuals with dementia will forget or refuse to drink), behavioral interventions will be needed.
Dehydration can be caused by strenuous exercise, heat exposure, burns and other causes, and is usually treated with intravenous (IV) fluids and other measures. Excessive blood loss (or hemorrhage) calls for replacement of fluids in the form of donated blood and various formulations of IV fluids.
Respect and respond to thirst
Thirst is natural, yet when it is excessive, constant or prolonged, action must be taken.
Infants, children, young people and adults of all ages can suffer when the causes of excessive thirst are not addressed. Thus, this normal biological drive must be respected and responded to when it appears to be out of balance, and is sending us the warning signs that immediate action and prudent intervention are called for.