MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Urine output

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Urine output - decreased

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative Names Definition Considerations Causes	Home Care When to Contact a Medical Professional What to Expect at Your Office Visit References

Illustrations

Female urinary tract

Male urinary tract

Alternative Names Return to top

Oliguria

Definition Return to top

Decreased urine output is defined as producing less than 500 milliliters of urine in 24 hours.

Considerations Return to top

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 Return to top

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 Return to top

Follow prescribed fluid regimens and measure urine output as directed.

When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top

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 Return to top

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:

Blood studies to monitor electrolytes and renal function
CT (cat) scan of the abdomen
Intravenous pyelogram (IVP)
Renal scan
Abdominal ultrasound
Urine tests, including tests for infection

References Return to top

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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