Intense thirst, what illness could it be?

For almost a year, a 38-year-old man in Hanoi suffered from intense thirst, drinking more than 10 liters of water a day and urinating nearly 20 times, prompting him to seek medical attention.

Drink more than 10 liters of water per day.

Male patient L.D.N. (38 years old, Hanoi ) had to seek medical attention after nearly a year of constantly experiencing intense thirst, drinking over 10 liters of water a day but still not feeling satisfied. Simultaneously, the frequency of urination increased abnormally, 10-15 times a day; at night, she had to wake up around 2 AM to urinate.

Pituitary insufficiency, caused by damage to the pituitary gland, leads to endocrine disorders and is the root cause of diabetes insipidus.

PHOTO BY MEDLATEC

At Medlatec Tay Ho Polyclinic, during a consultation with the doctor, the patient stated that they had undergone surgery for a craniopharyngeal tumor in 2023. The doctor then ordered several necessary paraclinical tests to aid in diagnosis.

Examination and test results revealed that the patient suffered from pituitary insufficiency following surgery for a craniopharyngioma, a rare endocrine disorder. Specifically, the blood sodium levels were elevated, indicating increased blood osmotic pressure and decreased urinary osmotic pressure. The patient was diagnosed with pituitary insufficiency after craniopharyngioma surgery and was prescribed treatment and advised on lifestyle and dietary changes.

After two weeks of treatment, the patient's thirst has decreased, with daily drinking of approximately 2.5-3 liters, and urine output reduced to 2-3 liters per day (about 6-8 times per day). The patient is continuing with the treatment regimen and scheduled follow-up appointments.

According to the treating physician, Mr. N.'s case involves diabetes insipidus. This condition doesn't occur independently but is part of a complication of pituitary gland dysfunction following surgery for a craniopharyngeal tumor. When the pituitary gland is damaged, antidiuretic hormone (ADH) decreases, causing the body to be unable to retain water, leading to constant thirst, frequent urination, and dilute urine.

While an average person urinates about 1-2 liters of urine per day, someone with diabetes insipidus may urinate up to 20 liters per day. If a person with diabetes insipidus does not replenish the fluids lost through urine, dehydration can occur, which is very dangerous to their health.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/khat-nuoc-du-doi-benh-gi-185251007102142396.htm