Urine output - decreased
OliguriaDecreased urine output means that you produce less urine than normal. Most adults make at least 500 milliliters of urine in 24 hours (a little over 2 cups).
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Causes
Common causes include:
- Dehydration from not drinking enough fluids and having vomiting, diarrhea, or fever
- Total urinary tract blockage, such as from an enlarged prostate
- Medicines such as anticholinergics and some antibiotics
Less common causes include:
- Blood loss
- Severe infection or other medical condition that leads to shock
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Home Care
Drink the amount of fluid your health care provider recommends.
Your provider may tell you to measure the amount of urine you produce.
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When to Contact a Medical Professional
A large decrease in urine output may be a sign of a serious condition. In some cases, it can be life threatening. Most of the time, urine output can be restored with prompt medical care.
Contact your provider if:
- You notice that you are producing less urine than usual.
- Your urine looks much darker than usual.
- You are vomiting, have diarrhea, or have a high fever and cannot get enough fluids by mouth.
- You have dizziness, lightheadedness, or a fast pulse with decreased urine output.
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What to Expect at Your Office Visit
Your provider will perform a physical exam and ask questions such as:
- When did the problem start and has it changed over time?
- How much do you drink each day and how much urine do you produce?
- Have you noticed any change in urine color?
- What makes the problem worse? Better?
- Have you had vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or other symptoms of illness?
- What medicines do you take?
- Do you have a history of kidney or bladder problems?
Tests that may be done include:
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Blood tests for electrolytes, kidney function, and blood count
- CT scan of the abdomen (done without contrast dye if your kidney function is impaired)
- Renal scan
- Urine tests, including tests for infection
- Cystoscopy
References
Agarwal A, Barasch J. Acute kidney injury. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 106.
Riley RS, McPherson RA. Basic examination of urine. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Elsevier; 2022:chap 29.
Weisbord SD, Palevsky PM. Prevention and management of acute kidney injury. In: Yu ASL, Chertow GM, Luyckx VA, Marsden PA, Skorecki K, Taal MW, eds. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 29.
