From the Guidelines
The medical term for a short period of wanting to drink large amounts of water is polydipsia. This condition is characterized by excessive thirst that leads to increased fluid intake, as noted in a recent expert consensus statement on the diagnosis and management of congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus 1. Polydipsia can be temporary or persistent and often serves as a symptom of underlying conditions rather than being a disease itself. Some key points to consider about polydipsia include:
- It can be a symptom of various conditions, including diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, and certain kidney diseases that affect the ability to concentrate urine 1.
- The condition is associated with an inability to concentrate urine, leading to polyuria, which is the production of abnormally large volumes of urine 1.
- In some cases, polydipsia can lead to dehydration, particularly in infants who have no free access to fluid, and can also cause gastro-oesophageal reflux and vomiting due to the intake of large fluid volumes 1.
- The diagnosis of underlying conditions causing polydipsia, such as congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, is frequently delayed due to the rarity of the condition and lack of familiarity among practitioners 1.
- Proper evaluation by a healthcare provider is essential to determine the underlying cause of polydipsia and to provide appropriate treatment, as it could indicate a serious medical condition requiring timely intervention.
From the FDA Drug Label
Polydipsia The medical term for a short period of wanting to drink large amounts of water is Polydipsia 2.
From the Research
Medical Term for Excessive Water Intake
The medical term for a short period of wanting to drink large amounts of water is related to the condition known as polydipsia. Polydipsia is characterized by an excessive thirst and desire to drink water, often accompanied by polyuria, which is the production of an abnormally large volume of urine.
Causes and Classifications
- Polydipsia can be a symptom of various conditions, including diabetes insipidus (DI) 3, 4, a disorder of water balance characterized by polyuria and polydipsia.
- DI can be classified into different types, including central diabetes insipidus (CDI), nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI), dipsogenic DI, and gestational DI 3.
- Each type of DI has distinct causes and characteristics, such as a deficiency of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) in CDI or resistance to ADH in NDI.
Diagnosis and Treatment
- The diagnosis of DI and polydipsia involves a combination of clinical evaluation, measurement of urine and serum osmolality, and water deprivation tests 4, 5.
- Treatment options for DI and polydipsia depend on the underlying cause and type of DI, and may include the administration of synthetic ADH, desmopressin, thiazide diuretics, and other medications 3, 4, 6.
- Non-pharmacological interventions, such as maintaining sufficient water intake and a low-sodium diet, may also be recommended to manage polydipsia and prevent complications 6.