Excessive thirst is spelled /ɪkˈsɛsɪv θɜːrst/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable of "excessive" starts with a short "i" sound, followed by a "k" sound. The second syllable begins with a "s" sound, followed by a short "e" sound. The third syllable has an "s" sound and the fourth syllable starts with a long "i" sound, followed by a "v" sound. "Thirst" is pronounced with a "th" sound at the beginning, followed by a short "er" sound and then a "st" sound.
Excessive thirst, also known as polydipsia, refers to an abnormal or intense craving or sensation of needing to drink large amounts of fluids. It is characterized by an insatiable desire for liquids, particularly water, even when there is no apparent physiological need for hydration. This condition can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition or simply a temporary physiological reaction to certain circumstances.
Excessive thirst may be a sign of dehydration due to intense physical activity, elevated temperatures, or insufficient fluid intake. However, it can also indicate the presence of various medical conditions, such as diabetes mellitus, particularly diabetes insipidus, which is characterized by a dysfunction in the body's ability to regulate fluid levels. Excessive thirst can also be a symptom of hypercalcemia, a condition characterized by elevated calcium levels in the blood, as well as certain medications or hormonal imbalances.
Individuals experiencing excessive thirst may constantly feel the need to drink water, often experiencing a dry mouth or throat, a persistent feeling of thirst, or even unquenchable thirst even after consuming large quantities of fluids. Additionally, frequent urination may accompany excessive thirst, as the body tries to remove excess fluids.
Because excessive thirst can be a sign of an underlying medical condition, it is important for individuals experiencing this symptom to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. The healthcare provider will perform a thorough evaluation, including medical history, physical examination, and potentially additional tests, to determine the cause of the excessive thirst and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Polydipsia.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The etymology of the term "excessive thirst" can be broken down as follows:
1. Excessive: The word "excessive" is derived from the Latin word "excessivus", which means surpassing, going beyond, or exceeding. It is formed from the combination of the prefix "ex-" meaning out or beyond, and "cessus" meaning past participle of "cedere" which means to go.
2. Thirst: The word "thirst" has Old English origins and can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "thurston", meaning intense desire or yearning. This term further evolved from the Proto-Indo-European root "*ters" or "*ters-", which means to dry or be thirsty.