Final answer:
Polydipsia is an excessive thirst resulting in high fluid intake, often associated with polyuria, the excessive production of urine. Conditions like diabetes can cause this cycle of dehydration and high fluid consumption.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term polydipsia refers to an excessive or abnormal level of thirst, leading to drinking large volumes of fluids. This symptom is often associated with polyuria, which is the production of urine in excess of 2.5 L/day, potentially caused by various conditions such as diabetes insipidus, diabetes mellitus, or the excessive use of diuretics. These conditions can create a cycle where frequent urination leads to dehydration, triggering the excessive intake of water, which in turn leads to even more urination.