Polydipsia is the medical name for the feeling of extreme thirstiness. It’s often linked to chronic conditions that cause frequent urination or sweating.

Thirst is a natural reaction to fluid loss. But if you’re constantly thirsty, even after drinking large amounts of water, it could be a sign of an underlying health condition.

With polydipsia, thirst may last for days, weeks, or even months. There are two different different types:

Psychogenic polydipsia is associated with an underlying mental health condition or mood disorder. It’s especially common among people living with schizophrenia.

Dipsogenic polydipsia, also called compulsory water drinking, may result from health-motivated changes in water consumption or a condition that affects the hypothalamus, such as a nutritional deficiency.

Polydipsia is an early symptom of diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus.

With diabetes mellitus, high blood sugar levels can make you feel thirsty, regardless of how much water you drink. Diabetes insipidus occurs when your body’s fluid levels are out of balance.

Other common causes include:

  • dehydration
  • hypokalemia (low blood potassium)
  • kidney disease
  • overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)

Anticholinergic and diuretic medications can also lead to polydipsia.

Excessive thirst is often accompanied by dry mouth and frequent urination.

If you develop hyponatremia (low sodium levels), you may experience:

  • fatigue
  • headache
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • confusion
  • irritability
  • muscle weakness
  • loss of coordination

Drinking too much water can also lead to water intoxication, which is sometimes called water poisoning. In addition to the symptoms above, you may experience:

  • muscle pain
  • muscle cramps
  • edema (swelling) of the hands, feet, or stomach

A healthcare professional may be able to diagnose polydipsia by reviewing your medical history. They will likely ask about your symptoms, including how much water you typically drink and how frequently you drink it.

They may also perform a physical exam to check for signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth.

Your healthcare professional may order additional tests to confirm polydipsia or rule out other potential causes. This includes a:

  • Urine test to measure how much fluid you excrete and check for excess sugar
  • Blood test to evaluate your sodium and blood sugar levels
  • Imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, to examine the hypothalamus

There is no single treatment for polydipsia. Your healthcare professional will recommend the most appropriate approach based on the underlying cause of your condition.

This may include:

  • Replenishing fluids and electrolytes to correct any imbalances and stabilize blood pressure
  • Limiting fluid intake through dietary adjustments
  • Prescribing medications to reduce excess water retention and lower blood pressure
  • Adjusting medications that may have anticholinergic side effects

Based on the cause and success of treatments of polydipsia, you’ll more than likely be able to get it under control without disrupting your life or affecting your daily activities.

Some lifestyle changes, such as increased exercise or balanced nutrition, may help keep your symptoms mild, especially if you have an underlying condition like diabetes mellitus.