What is polydipsia?

Polydipsia is a symptom characterized by a feeling of permanent and intense thirst. This is responsible for excessive consumption of fluids. During polydipsia, the volume of fluid consumed daily is more than 3 liters.

Note: Polydipsia should not be confused with a moderate increase in the feeling of thirst. This can be accentuated by many factors such as the consumption of very salty or very sweet foods, lower blood pressure, but also fever, taking certain medications, stress, heat and exercise. physical.

What does polyuropolydispsic syndrome correspond to?

In the vast majority of cases, polydipsia is associated with polyuria, that is, an increase in the volume of urine. Polyuria is characterized by a urine volume greater than 3 liters per day. In the event of polydipsia associated with polyuria, we speak of polyuropolydipsic syndrome.

In addition to polydipsia and polyuria, polyuropolydispsic syndrome may be accompanied by other symptoms such as:

• pain or discomfort when urinating;
• a frequent and urgent need to urinate (usually more than 8 times in 24 hours);
• the presence of blood in the urine;
• fever ;
• a deterioration of the general condition;
• weight loss.

What are the different types of polydipsia?

When a polyuropolydipsic syndrome is diagnosed, polydipsia can be considered as:

• primary polydipsia, or primary polydipsia, when it constitutes the first clinical manifestation of the syndrome and causes so-called secondary polyuria;
• secondary polydipsia, when it is the consequence of a so-called primary polyuria.

Among primary polydipsias, it is possible to distinguish:

• psychogenic polydipsia which is caused by psychological disorders;
• dipsogenic diabetes insipidus, which is due to an abnormality in the control of the sensation of thirst.

Likewise, there are several forms of secondary polydipsia. Distinguished by their origin, these have in common to affect the mechanism of water retention in the kidneys. This normal process involves the antidiuretic hormone, also called vasopressin. The activity of this hormone is altered in the two forms of secondary polydipsia which are:

• central diabetes insipidus, which is characterized by a deficiency of the antidiuretic hormone;
• nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, which is characterized by complete or partial renal insensitivity to the effects of antidiuretic hormone.

According to some researchers, it would also be possible to distinguish a secondary polyuropolydipsic syndrome when it is due to factors other than those mentioned above.

Given the different forms of polydipsia, these can have many causes such as:

• psychological disorders, including psychoses such as schizophrenia and manic-depressive illness, and neuroses such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia;
• brain disorders, which may be caused, in particular, by brain tumors, ischemia, meningitis, hypothalamus dysfunction, multiple sclerosis or head trauma;
• genetic abnormalities or diseases ;
• acute or chronic kidney failure ;
• metabolic disorders, including hypercalcemia, characterized by a high amount of calcium in the blood, and hypokalaemia, defined as a lack of potassium;
• hormonal disorders, such as hyperthyroidism and hyperadrenocorticism;
• metabolic disorders, such as type 1 and type 2 diabetes;
• malformations ;
• stress and anxiety ;
• taking certain medications.

Polydipsia is not a trivial symptom: it can be a sign of potentially serious pathologies. Polyuro-polydipsic syndrome can be responsible for rapid dehydration of the body.

How do you determine the cause of polydipsia?

Several examinations can be performed to define the cause of polydipsia or polyuropolydipsic syndrome. A urine osmolarity analysis can in particular be used to determine the concentration of different compounds present in the urine.

What are the treatments for polydipsia?

Treatment for polydipsia depends on its origin and course. It may in particular be based on:

• drug treatment, especially in the context of diabetes;
• nephrology care, in case of kidney problem;
• treatment in neurology, in case of cerebral disorders;
• psychiatric follow-up, in case of psychological disorders.

How to prevent the risk of recurrence?

Adequate medical monitoring may be necessary to limit the risk of recurrence.