• Home

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

Toggle: English / Spanish

Urine output - decreased

• Overview
• Treatment

Alternative Names:

Oliguria

Home Care:

Follow prescribed fluid regimens and measure urine output as directed.

Call your health care provider if:

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 health care provider's office:

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:

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.

• Review Date: 7/23/2007
• Reviewed By: Marc Greenstein, DO, Urologist, North Jersey Center for Urologic Care, Denville, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2007 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.