Polydipsia facts for kids

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.