Urine output - decreased
Definition
Decreased urine output is defined as producing less than 500 milliliters of urine in 24 hours.
Alternative Names
Oliguria
Considerations
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
- Dehydration due to vomiting, diarrhea, or fever, with a lack of adequate fluid intake
- Total urinary tract obstruction, such as from an enlarged prostate
- Severe infection or any other medical condition leading to shock
- Use of certain medications such as anticholinergics, methotrexate, and diuretics
Home Care
Follow prescribed fluid regimens and measure urine output as directed.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
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
The health care provider 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 do you drink each day?
- Does drinking more increase your urine output?
- How much urine do you produce 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?
- What other symptoms do you have?
- Other
- What medications do you take?
- Do you have any allergies?
- Do you have access to adequate fluids?
- Medical history
- Have you had any recent injuries such as burns?
- Have you been sick?
- Do you have a history of a problem with your kidneys or bladder?
Tests that may be done include:
- Blood studies to monitor electrolytes and kidney function
- CT (cat) scan of the abdomen
- Intravenous pyelogram (IVP)
- Renal scan
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Urine tests, including tests for infection
References
Gerber GS, Brendler CB. Evaluation of the urologic patient: History, physical examination, and the urinalysis. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 3.
Molitoris BA. Acute kidney injury. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 121.
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Scott Miller, MD, Urologist in private practice in Atlanta, Georgia. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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