What term describes a condition where a person has excessive thirst and drinks a lot of fluids?

The condition characterized by excessive thirst and a strong desire to drink fluids is known as polydipsia. This term specifically refers to an increased intake of fluids that often results from various underlying health issues. Conditions such as diabetes mellitus or diabetes insipidus can lead to polydipsia due to the body's attempts to compensate for fluid loss or imbalances in blood sugar levels.

Hyperphagia, on the other hand, refers to excessive hunger or an increased appetite, which is unrelated to thirst. Oliguria describes a condition in which a person produces an abnormally low volume of urine, while hypodipsia indicates a decreased sensation of thirst, which is the opposite of polydipsia.