I drink so much water but I'm still thirsty! Why?

Although about 6-8 glasses of water per day is what doctors recommend you drink, being constantly thirsty isn't normal. So when should you see a doctor about it? Here are some guidelines to help you know.

Why do we drink water? It's a physiological necessity for (among other things) eliminating toxins from the body through sweat and urine. Although about 6-8 glasses of water per day is what doctors recommend you drink, being constantly thirsty isn't normal. So when should you see a doctor about it?

There are several reasons you may be unable to quench your thirst, and in any case you should never hesitate to seek a medical opinion. They are:

1. Diabetes mellitus, especially in young patients
   This causes intense thirst and is often the first sign of the disease, but there are many more symptoms of diabetes.
2. Diabetes insipidus, which differs from type 1 and type 2 diabetes
   It is a metabolic disorder and is typically more difficult to diagnose.
3. A fondness for the bottle
   If you tend to consume a lot of alcohol on a regular basis, you will inevitably be very thirsty. Alcohol is a diuretic, just like coffee.
4. Side effects of some medications
   Certain prescription drugs may cause dry mouth, though some more than others (e.g., certain antidepressants and narcotic painkillers).
5. Certain kidney conditions
   This could potentially be caused by the growth of cysts.
6. Potomania
   Also often called "beer potomania", this syndrome occurs in people who have a history of binge drinking, including excessive consumption of beer, and a poor diet.  As a result potomania may cause compulsive ingestion of large amounts of liquid, including water.

• Make sure the dehydration is not due to fever or diarrhea
  It’s normal to be thirsty for several days following a bout of illness or infection.
• Look at the big picture and get an overview of your daily life activities
  Have you recently started exercising? Do you run outside in the sun and heat rather than in an air-conditioned gym? A change to your level of physical activity or to your diet can stimulate your need for hydration.
• Do you drink too much coffee and/or too many sugary drinks?
  These can cause frequent urination and lead to dehydration. Just as bad, dumping all that sugar into your system when dehydrated spikes your potential for developing diabetes.

If you still can't trace the cause of your extreme thirst and it forces you to drink frequently – even at night to the extent it interrupts your sleep – you must consult a qualified healthcare expert without delay.

Your doctor will ask you very precise questions to pinpoint the underlying cause and prescribe a suitable course of treatment.

• If alcohol is the main factor, chances are rehab could be part of the solution.
• Side effects of medication causing dry mouth can usually be managed by adjusting the dose or modifying the prescription. If that doesn't work, at other times that may mean looking for other medications that will do the same thing for you – minus giving you a dry mouth.  It's an option to discuss with your doctor. You can also try dry mouth sprays to hydrate the mucous membranes in your mouth.
• If the cause is linked to diabetes or kidney disease, you will probably be followed by a specialist who will determine how to best manage your symptoms.
• If your excessive thirst is a result of psychological issues, you and your doctor can explore how a mental health professional could be of help.