Your General Level Of Thirst

What Causes Thirst?

Thirst can have various causes, ranging in severity from 'minor' to 'generally fatal'.  Finding the true cause means ruling out or confirming each possibility – in other words, diagnosis.

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Diagnosis is usually a complex process due to the sheer number of possible causes and related symptoms.  In order to diagnose thirst, we could:

  • Research the topic
  • Find a doctor with the time
  • Use a diagnostic computer system.
The process is the same, whichever method is used.

Step 1: List all Possible Causes

We begin by identifying the disease conditions which have "thirst" as a symptom.  Here are eight of many possibilities (more below):
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Tendency Toward Allergic Reactions
  • Dehydration
  • Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Cigarette Smoke Damage
  • Mumps
  • Diabetes Insipidus
  • Parkinson's Disease

Step 2: Build a Symptom Checklist

We then identify all possible symptoms and risk factors of each possible cause, and check the ones that apply:
being highly lethargic
cloudy urine
severe hallucinations
severe emotional instability
much reduced sense of smell
numb/burning/tingling extremities
frequent confusion/disorientation
infrequent daytime urination
reduced sense of smell
frequent unexplained fevers
recent heavy tobacco smoking
regular unexplained nausea
... and more than 60 others

Step 3: Rule Out or Confirm each Possible Cause

A differential diagnosis of your symptoms and risk factors finds the likely cause of thirst:
Cause Probability Status
Cigarette Smoke Damage 92% Confirm
Dehydration 24% Unlikely
Mumps 17% Unlikely
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis 0% Ruled out
Parkinson's Disease 0% Ruled out
Tendency Toward Allergic Reactions 0% Ruled out
Rheumatoid Arthritis 0% Ruled out
Diabetes Insipidus 0% Ruled out
* This is a simple example to illustrate the process

Arriving at a Correct Diagnosis

The Analyst™ is our online diagnosis tool that learns all about you through a straightforward process of multi-level questioning, providing diagnosis at the end.

In the Liquid Intake section of the questionnaire, The Analyst™ will ask the following question about your general level of thirst:
How is your level of thirst generally?
Possible responses:
→ I am (almost) never thirsty
→ Rarely thirsty
→ Average / sometimes thirsty / don't know
→ Frequently thirsty
→ I am (almost) always thirsty
Based on your response to this question, which may indicate never being thirsty, being infrequently thirsty, normal thirst level, excessive thirst or constant thirst, The Analyst™ will consider possibilities such as:
Dehydration

Thirst is a feeling signaled by the brain whenever water levels are too low in the body.

Diabetes Type I

Intense thirst and hunger are classic signs of diabetes.

Dry Mouth

Dry Mouth also suggests the following possibilities:

(Prescription) Drug Side-Effects

Hundreds of drugs list dry mouth as a possible side-effect.  Antihistamines, decongestants, painkillers, muscle relaxants, and antidepressants are among the drugs that can cause dry mouth.  Those taking two different medications are up to 40% more likely to suffer from dry mouth.

Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's patients may have a diminished thirst signal so they don't feel thirsty and drink water when they are dehydrated.  In addition, dry mouth is very common among seniors and those with Alzheimer's may not tell anyone that they are thirsty due to reduced mental functioning.

Chemotherapy Side-Effects

Radiation can damage the salivary glands and reduce the amount of saliva produced.

Cigarette Smoke Damage

Smoking or chewing tobacco can reduce saliva production.

Fluoride Toxicity

Excessive thirst (and resultant frequent urination) can be early warning signs of fluorosis.

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