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Learn the meaning, synonyms, examples, and history of the word thirst, which can be a noun or a verb. Thirst can refer to a sensation of dryness in the mouth and throat, a desire for liquids, or a strong desire for something else.
- Dehydration. You commonly feel thirsty due to dehydration. This can be caused by issues like: Diarrhea. Vomiting. Excessive sweating. Overheating. This is one of the biggest causes of dehydration.
- Diabetes. Increased urination and excessive thirst are two telltale signs of the onset of Type 2 diabetes. These can also be symptoms of hyperglycemia, a condition where there’s too much sugar (or glucose molecules) in your blood.
- Medications. Certain medications can cause side effects like thirst. “Lithium is widely known to possibly result in excessive urine output and therefore increased thirst,” states Dr. Goldman.
- Salty foods. Let’s face it, salty foods are delicious. The only downside? Chances are good they’ll make you feel thirsty. “After we eat salty foods, the salt gets absorbed into your bloodstream,” says Dr. Goldman.
- Symptoms of Thirst
- Causes of Thirst
- How to Treat Thirst
- Are There Tests to Diagnose The Cause of Thirst?
- When to See A Healthcare Provider
- Summary
- A Word from Verywell
When there are changes to the body's balance of water, multiple areas in the brain are activated triggering the sensation of thirst. Symptoms of thirst may include: 1. An itch in the back of your throat 2. Dryness in the mouth 3. The urge to drink liquids 4. Discomfort These symptoms are an automatic response that motivates you to find and drink wa...
Common causes of thirst include: 1. Dehydrationdue to hot weather, fever, exercise, sweating, or not drinking enough liquids 2. Eating, especially if the food is very salty, spicy, or sugary 3. Aromas, flavors, or other behavioral components, such as watching ads at the movie theater that may make you want to purchase an advertised beverage 4. Habi...
The best treatment for thirst is to drink fluids, especially water. Water helps quench thirst and replenish fluids to rebalance the body. Once the water deficit is restored, the feeling of thirst should disappear.
There are no tests available to diagnose thirst, but if thirst is excessive and ongoing and with unexplained causes, your healthcare provider may order tests to determine the cause.
If you are drinking water or other fluids regularly but you still experience extreme thirst and the need to drink more fluids than typically recommended, speak with a healthcare provider. Polydipsia, or extreme thirst, could be a symptom of a variety of medical conditions, such as high blood sugar. You should contact a medical professional if you e...
Thirst is your body's way of urging you to drink liquids. Symptoms of thirst are normal sensations that direct you to replenish your body's fluids, and should diminish once you drink more water. Thirst can be experienced when exercising, spending time outdoors, eating certain foods, or taking certain medications. It is important to contact your hea...
More than half the human body is water and nearly every cell in the body requires water, which is why thirst is a very important sensation. Thirst helps to ensure your body has enough water for all your cells to function. If you feel thirsty often, you may want to reflect on your daily habits and whether you are drinking enough fluids throughout th...
Sep 12, 2023 · Thirst is your body’s way of telling you that it’s running low on water, which it needs to work well. It’s normal to feel thirsty when it’s hot or after you’ve powered through an...
- Erica Petri
Thirst is the craving for potable fluids, resulting from a lack of fluids or an increase in osmolites. Learn how thirst is detected by different receptors and systems in the body, and how it can be affected by various factors such as age, diet and diseases.
Nov 11, 2020 · Thirst is the desire to drink fluids, and it is a normal, everyday feeling. Learn about the causes and complications of abnormal thirst, and when to seek medical care for excessive or absent thirst.
noun. uk / θɜːst / us / θɝːst / thirst noun (NEED FOR DRINK) Add to word list. B2 [ S or U ] a need for something to drink: Hundreds of refugees collapsed from hunger and thirst. I woke up with a pounding headache and a raging (= extreme) thirst. UK I've got a terrible thirst after all that running. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases.
