Why do I feel thirsty and urinate frequently even though I drink water often? What should I do?

Generally, frequent drinking due to thirst and increased urination may be caused by factors such as aging, physical activity, diabetes, Sjögren's syndrome, diabetes insipidus, and other conditions. Depending on the situation, general treatment, oral medications, or related examinations may be used to treat or alleviate symptoms. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and undergo symptomatic treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Age-related factors

Due to the decline in bodily functions, the concentrating ability of the kidneys decreases in elderly individuals, and the renal tubules' ability to reabsorb water weakens. This results in relatively increased urine production, faster water loss from the body, and a tendency to feel thirsty. More frequent water intake is needed to replenish fluids, which in turn increases urine output. This is considered a normal physiological characteristic and generally does not require excessive treatment.

2. Physical activity factors

During intense or prolonged exercise, the circulation accelerates and the body dissipates heat through sweating, while some moisture is also lost through respiration. This leads to significant water loss from the body, causing dehydration and thirst. Frequent water intake afterward increases urine production. This is a normal physiological phenomenon and typically does not require excessive treatment.

3. Diabetes

Unhealthy lifestyle habits may lead to insufficient insulin secretion or impaired insulin function in the body, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels. This stimulates the osmoreceptors in the hypothalamus, causing a sensation of thirst and prompting patients to drink frequently. At the same time, kidney function may be impaired in diabetic patients, leading to increased urine output. Medications such as Orlistat Capsules, Acarbose Capsules, Glimepiride Tablets, and others may be used under medical guidance to control blood sugar levels.

4. Sjögren's syndrome

Abnormalities in the immune system affect the exocrine glands, reducing saliva production and causing significant thirst. Frequent water intake is required to relieve this sensation, which subsequently causes abnormal electrolyte regulation by the kidneys, leading to polyuria. Symptoms often include dry eyes and dry skin. Treatment may include medications such as Methotrexate Tablets, Cyclophosphamide Tablets, and Azathioprine Tablets, used under medical guidance.

5. Diabetes insipidus

Lesions of the hypothalamus-pituitary system lead to the kidneys' inability to reabsorb water normally, causing excessive water loss through urine, resulting in increased urine output. The body's water loss leads to thirst, prompting continuous drinking. It is necessary to visit a hospital for related examinations, such as water deprivation-vasopressin tests, blood electrolyte tests, pituitary MRI, and others, to determine the type of diabetes insipidus before initiating treatment.

In daily life, one should maintain a balanced and diverse diet, consuming more fresh vegetables and fruits to replenish the vitamins and minerals required by the body.