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Polydipsia facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Polydipsia is excessive thirst or excess drinking. The word derives from the Greek πολυδίψιος (poludípsios) "very thirsty", which is gotten from πολύς (polús, "much, many") + δίψα (dípsa, "thirst"). Polydipsia is a symptom in many diseases. It also occurs as a weird behaviour in some animals, such as in birds.

Causes

Diabetes

Polydipsia can be a symptom of diabetes mellitus. It is seen in cases of poorly controlled diabetes. Diabetes insipidus can also cause polydipsia.

Other physiological causes

It can also be caused by a change in the osmolality of the extracellular fluids of the body, hypokalemia, decreased blood volume, and other conditions that create water deficiency.

Diagnosis

Polydipsia is a symptom and not a disease in itself. Polydipsia investigations at diagnosing diabetes insipidus and diabetes mellitus can be useful.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Polidipsia para niños

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