Aetiology
Thirst is caused by a lack of fluids in the body. Dehydration is the most common cause of thirst, but it can also be caused by certain medical conditions, medications, or a high salt intake.
Diagnosis
Thirst can be diagnosed by a physical examination and laboratory tests. A physician may check for signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, dark urine, low blood pressure, and rapid heart rate.
Differential diagnosis
Other conditions that can cause symptoms similar to thirst include diabetes, high blood pressure, and some types of kidney disease.
Treatment
Treatment of thirst depends on the underlying cause. In most cases, the treatment is to replace the lost fluids with water or other fluids. If the cause is a medical condition, the doctor may recommend specific treatments.
Prognosis
Most cases of thirst can be treated easily and the prognosis is good. If the underlying cause is a medical condition, the prognosis depends on the condition and how it is treated.