Why Do I Only Want to Drink Water?
When a person constantly feels the urge to drink water in their daily life, it is first necessary to consider whether there is a severe water deficiency in their body. Especially during summer, when the body sweats profusely and requires additional water replenishment, this urge may simply be a response to the heat. However, if this urge persists at other times, it could potentially be related to diabetes or kidney diseases, which are more common among middle-aged and elderly individuals. In such cases, urine tests may be conducted. For younger individuals experiencing excessive thirst, it is advisable to consider whether there are symptoms of hormonal excess.
Severe water deficiency in the body can be caused by various factors such as hot weather, heavy physical labor, blood loss, burns, vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive sweating due to high temperatures. This can lead to intolerable thirst and often manifests as symptoms like dry mouth, haggard appearance, sunken eye sockets, and dry and inelastic skin. In fact, thirst is a unique protective mechanism of the human body that helps prevent dehydration. When the body is thirsty, it naturally requires a large amount of water to restore water balance, and this protective thirst disappears once the balance is restored.
One of the functions of hormones is to regulate the metabolism of water and salt in the body. When the balance of these hormones is disrupted, it can lead to frequent thirst. High blood sugar levels in diabetics can cause a surge in urine output. Even when they consume large amounts of water, they may still feel unbearably thirsty. If diabetics continue to feel thirsty while taking insulin or hypoglycemic agents, it may indicate a worsening of their condition. In such cases, it is recommended to consult a doctor for blood sugar checks and immediately start taking glucose-lowering medication.
Some individuals may also experience thirst after brain injury or neurosurgical procedures. This condition is often acute, and can be fatal within a day or even an hour. At this time, diabetes insipidus can worsen, and patients may need to consume up to 10 or even 20 liters of water daily. This is due to a lack of the hormone that restricts urine production. Given the urgency of the condition, it is essential to seek immediate consultation with a neurologist.
Hyperthyroidism, a condition characterized by excessive thyroid hormone production, can also manifest as excessive thirst. This hormonal imbalance can lead to symptoms such as tooth loss, bone pain, rapid fatigue, muscle weakness, and significant weight loss. The calcium lost from the bones can even discolor the urine to a white hue. In such cases, it is crucial to consult an endocrinologist for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
When the kidneys lose their ability to retain water, it can lead to a significant increase in water intake. There are various types of kidney diseases, including pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, and hydronephrosis, which can all cause thirst. A characteristic feature of this thirst is its persistence even when urine output decreases and edema develops. Such persistent thirst can be indicative of kidney dysfunction.
