Increased or Excessive Thirst in Toddlers Causes

Different toddlers drink different amount of water. Frequency of their water break also varies. Amount of water consumed by a child depends on height and weight of the child. Normally it should be 2/3 of the weight of the child but not in pounds, take it in ounce. As example- if a child weighs 90lbs, its 2/3 means 60 ounces or about 7 cups of water. If a child is not so active, but takes fluid of its double amount, it’s not normal. There is something alarming and should be examined. It indicates a serious underlying health problem.

Causes

Following may be common causes of increased or excessive thirst in toddlers:

Diabetes Mellitus– Type 1 diabetes which is seen in children, is therefore known as juvenile diabetes also. In type 1 diabetes or Mellitus diabetes excessive thirst (Polydipsia) is associated with excessive hunger (Polyphagia) and excessive urination (Polyuria). This type of diabetes occurs because the insulin producing cells of the islet of langerhans in the pancreas are destroyed, due to which it can’t produce insulin or if produces it’s insufficient. So excess of glucose is left in blood stream, and fluids are urinated. Excessive urination creates excessive thirst.

Diabetes Insipidus– When anti diuretic hormone, which is responsible for sending message to kidney that they need to reabsorb more water, is insufficient, the kidney becomes unresponsive. It results in frequent urination. Loss of fluid causes thirst.

Congestive heart failure– Weak heart pumps insufficient amount of blood and oxygen. Therefore insufficient volume of blood reaches to the organs. This condition is known as hypervolemia. Symptoms of hypervolemia are excessive thirst associated with swollen leg, shortness of breath, coughing etc.

Any kidney disease– Kidney works as a filter in our body. If there is any disorder in kidney, it produces dilute but excess urine. It happens because kidney  is not able to retain and reabsorb as much water as possible. Inability of kidney to conserve water leads to frequent urination. Here excessive urination may be with burning sensation, while urinating. Excessive urination creates excessive thirst. When a child consumes less fluid and urinates excess, it indicates any disease of kidney.

Excessive thirst in toddlers shouldn’t be neglected that it’s normal. Children run and play, that’s why they are thirsty. Excessive thirst may be symptom of any underlying serious disease. Thorough examination and its treatment can cure the child. If you notice excessive thirst without any reason like playing, running, exertion, get your child examined with your pediatrician.