Adipsia, lack of feeling of thirst: what is this, causes, symptoms, diagnostics, treatment, prevention
Synonyms: No need to drink, loss of thirst; Adipsia
Thirst – absent; Adipsia; Lack of thirst; Absence of thirst
What is adipsia
Lack of thirst is the lack of desire to drink liquids., even when there is little water or too much salt in the body. Medical term for this condition – adipsia.
Not feeling thirsty from time to time during the day is normal, if the body does not need more fluid. But if you suddenly, without a reason, decreased need for drinking, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Causes of adipsia
People become less thirsty as they age.. Therefore, they may not drink liquids., when necessary.
Lack of thirst can cause:
- Birth defects of the brain
- bronchial tumor, causing syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (RESOURCE)
- Gidrocefaliя
- Trauma or part of the brain tumor, called the hypothalamus
- Stroke
Home care for adipsia
Follow your doctor's advice.
When to see a doctor for adipsia
Call your doctor, if you notice an abnormal lack of thirst.
What will the doctor do when diagnosing the cause of adipsia
The doctor will ask about the medical history and conduct a physical examination.
You may be asked the following questions:
- When did you first notice this problem? It developed suddenly or gradually?
- Feeling of thirst only decreased or completely absent?
- Loss of thirst followed head injury?
- Do you have other symptoms, such as abdominal pain, headaches or trouble swallowing?
- You have a cough or difficulty breathing?
- Do you have changes in appetite?
- You urinate less, than usual?
- Do you have changes in skin color?
- What medications do you take?
A health worker will conduct a detailed examination of the nervous system, if there is a suspicion of a head injury or problems with the hypothalamus. Depending on the results of the examination, some tests may be required..
The doctor will recommend treatment tactics, if necessary.
Severe dehydration may require immediate intravenous fluids.
Used literature and sources
- Al-Awqati Q. Disorders of sodium and water. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 108.
- Koeppen BM, Stanton BA. Regulation of body fluid osmolality: regulation of water balance. In: Koeppen BM, Stanton BA, eds. Renal Physiology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 5.
