Excessive Thirst

Alternate Names : Polydipsia

How is the condition diagnosed?

The healthcare provider will take a medical history and perform a physical exam. This may be all that is needed to determine the cause. In other cases, further testing is needed.

The tests used depend on the suspected cause. Blood tests are commonly done. For example, a blood glucose level can be used to detect diabetes. A blood test called a chem-7 includes a serum sodium test that can detect hypernatremia. A blood alcohol level test can detect alcohol use. An x-ray test called a cranial CT scan may be done if brain damage is suspected.