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.
Diagnosis is usually a complex process due to the sheer number of possible causes and related symptoms. In order to diagnose thirst, we could:
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 |
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 |
Thirst is a feeling signaled by the brain whenever water levels are too low in the body.
Intense thirst and hunger are classic signs of diabetes.
Dry Mouth also suggests the following possibilities:
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 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.
Radiation can damage the salivary glands and reduce the amount of saliva produced.
Smoking or chewing tobacco can reduce saliva production.
Excessive thirst (and resultant frequent urination) can be early warning signs of fluorosis.