Adipsia
Adipsia
Adipsia (pronounced: /əˈdɪpsiə/), also known as hypodipsia, is a rare medical condition characterized by decreased or absent feelings of thirst. It is often associated with damage to the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that regulates thirst and hunger.
Etymology
The term "adipsia" is derived from the Greek words "a-", meaning "without", and "dipsa", meaning "thirst". Thus, "adipsia" literally translates to "without thirst".
Symptoms
The primary symptom of adipsia is a lack of thirst, even in the presence of dehydration. This can lead to severe dehydration if not properly managed. Other symptoms may include dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, and confusion. In severe cases, adipsia can lead to life-threatening complications such as kidney failure and shock.
Causes
Adipsia is most commonly caused by damage to the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, often as a result of brain injury, surgery, or certain diseases such as diabetes insipidus or hypopituitarism. It can also be a side effect of certain medications.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of adipsia typically involves a thorough medical history and physical examination, as well as tests to assess the patient's hydration status and response to thirst-inducing stimuli. Imaging tests such as MRI or CT scan may be used to identify any damage to the hypothalamus or pituitary gland.
Treatment
Treatment for adipsia primarily involves managing the underlying cause and ensuring the patient remains adequately hydrated. This may involve regular reminders to drink, or in severe cases, intravenous fluid administration.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Adipsia
- Wikipedia's article - Adipsia
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski