Persons most commonly affected: All age groups and both sexes.

Organ or part of body involved: Kidneys.

Symptoms and indications: Excessive thirst, drinking of large quantities of water and passing of urine very frequently.

Causes and risk factors: May be a cause of kidney disease, diabetes or glandular disorders. Also, too much fluid intake, particularly fluids containing caffeine or alcohol, too much salt or glucose (if diabetic) drug use, especially diuretics, polydipsia, most common in women over age 30, and renal failure may cause polyurea.