Urine output - decreased
Illustrations
Alternative Names
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Oliguria
Definition
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Decreased urine output is defined as producing less than 500 milliliters of urine in 24 hours.
Considerations
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Although a significant decrease in urine output may indicate a serious, even life-threatening condition, adequate urine output can be restored with prompt medical treatment.
Causes
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- Dehydration due to vomiting, diarrhea, or fever, with a lack of adequate fluid intake
- Total urinary tract obstruction, such as may result from an enlarged prostate
- Severe infection leading to shock
- Drugs such as anticholinergics, methotrexate, and diuretics
Home Care
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Follow prescribed fluid regimens and measure urine output as directed.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
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Contact your health care provider if you have:
- A noticeable and consistent decrease in urine output
- Vomiting , diarrhea, or high fever and are unable to replace fluids by mouth
- A decrease in urine output associated with dizziness, lightheadedness, or rapid pulse
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
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The doctor will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history and symptoms, including:
- Time pattern
- When did this begin?
- Did it occur suddenly?
- Has it rapidly become worse?
- Quality
- How much fluid is consumed each day?
- How much urine is produced each day?
- What color is the urine?
- Aggravating factors
- Has there been fever?
- Has there been diarrhea?
- Has there been vomiting? With or without nausea?
- Is thirst decreased?
- Other
- Does increasing fluid intake increase urine output?
- What other symptoms do you have?
- What medications do you take?
- Do you have any allergies?
- Do you have access to adequate fluids?
- Past history
- Have you had any recent injuries such as burns?
- Have you been sick?
- Do you have a previous problem with the kidneys or bladder?
Tests that may be done include:
References
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Goldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2004.
Wein AJ. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2007.
Update Date:
7/23/2007
Updated by:
Marc Greenstein, DO, Urologist, North Jersey Center for Urologic Care, Denville, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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