Oliguria, decreased amount of urine: What's it, causes, symptoms, diagnostics, treatment, prevention

Urine output – decreased; oliguria

What is oliguria?

Oliguria – is a medical term, which means reduced or insufficient amount of urine, excreted by the body per day. This symptom may indicate kidney problems or other medical conditions.. Oliguria may be temporary or prolonged, and its causes can be varied.

Causes of oliguria

Oliguria can be caused by various factors, including:

• Degidratatsiya: Insufficient fluid intake or fluid loss through vomiting, diarrhea or sweat can lead to oliguria.
• kidney disease: Oliguria may be associated with impaired renal function, such as acute or chronic kidney disease.
• Heart failure: Heart problems can cause insufficient blood supply to the kidneys and, Consequently, oliguria.
• Injuries: Injuries, accompanied by blood loss or shock, can also cause oliguria.
• Medications: Some medications, such as uncontrolled diuretics, can cause oliguria.

Symptoms of oliguria

The main symptom of oliguria is a decrease in urine volume., secreted by the body. Additional symptoms may include:

• Feeling thirsty: Dehydration can make you feel very thirsty.
• Swelling: Insufficient removal of excess fluid from the body can lead to edema.
• Decreased appetite: Some people may lose interest in food.
• Fatiguability: Oliguria can cause fatigue and weakness.

When to see a doctor

If you notice a decrease in urine volume, swelling or other unusual symptoms, it is recommended to consult a doctor. It is especially important to seek medical attention, if oliguria lasts longer 24 hours or accompanied by pain in the kidney area, fever or severe swelling.

Questions, which the doctor may ask

When contacting a doctor with oliguria, the doctor may ask the following questions:

• How long do you notice a decrease in urine volume?
• Do you have other accompanying symptoms, such as swelling or weakness?
• Do you have associated medical conditions?, such as heart failure or kidney disease?
• You have recently had an injury or blood loss?

Diagnosis of oliguria

Diagnosis of oliguria may include:

• medical history: The doctor can talk about your symptoms, medical history and possible causes of oliguria.
• Physical examination: The doctor will perform a physical examination to look for signs of swelling, dehydration and other changes.
• Analysis of urine: Laboratory analysis of urine can help determine the composition of urine and detect the presence of infections or other abnormalities..
• blood study: A blood test may be done to evaluate kidney function and look for infections or other problems.
• Ultrasonography: Ultrasonography of the kidneys can help identify structural changes.

Treatment of oliguria

Treatment for oliguria depends on its cause.. Treatment options may vary depending on, whether oliguria is temporary or associated with chronic diseases. It is important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and determine the best treatment plan.. Below are some possible approaches to the treatment of oliguria:

• Increased hydration: If oliguria is caused by dehydration, the first priority will be to restore the normal balance of fluid in the body. The doctor may prescribe fluid infusions through intravenous lines to compensate for losses.
• Treatment of the underlying disease: If oliguria is associated with other medical conditions, such as kidney disease, heart failure or injury, it is important to treat these diseases. Such treatment may include the use of drugs, procedures or surgery depending on the specific problem.
• Stopping certain medications: If oliguria is caused by taking certain medications, the doctor may recommend changing the drug regimen or choosing alternative drugs.
• Diet and lifestyle changes: In some cases, a doctor may recommend dietary and lifestyle changes., eg, limiting salt intake or eating foods with a higher water content.
• The use of diuretics: In some cases, diuretics may be prescribed to increase urination and remove excess fluid from the body..

It is important to understand, that the treatment of oliguria should be individualized depending on the specific situation. Self-medication is not recommended, since improper treatment can worsen the condition. Be sure to follow the doctor's recommendations and follow the prescribed procedures and medications as directed..

Treatment of oliguria at home

Treatment of oliguria exclusively at home is not recommended, as it requires professional medical intervention. Prevention of oliguria includes:

• Drinking enough liquid: Stay Hydrated, drinking enough water throughout the day.
• Compliance with doctor's recommendations: If you have medical conditions, which may be associated with oliguria, follow the doctor's recommendations and follow the treatment.

Important to note, that oliguria can be a sign of serious illness, therefore, if you have this symptom, it is recommended to consult a doctor for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Prevention oligurias

Prevention of oliguria is aimed at maintaining kidney health and preventing factors, which can lead to urinary volume limitation. Here are some recommendations, that will help you prevent the development of oliguria:

• Drinking enough liquid: Drinking water regularly throughout the day helps maintain normal kidney function.. Note, that the amount of fluid consumed may vary depending on the climate, activity level and other factors. Follow water recommendations, provided by your doctor.
• Proper nutrition: A balanced diet low in salt and saturated fat helps support heart and vascular health, which in turn has a beneficial effect on kidney function.
• Active lifestyle: Regular exercise improves blood circulation and maintains a normal blood supply to the kidneys.. This is important to prevent problems with the elimination of waste and fluid from the body..
• Treatment adherence: If you have a chronic illness, such as diabetes or hypertension, follow your doctor's recommendations for managing these conditions. This will help prevent complications., including problems with kidney function.
• Avoidance of toxic substances: Avoid excessive drinking and exposure to toxic chemicals, which can adversely affect kidney function.

It is important to understand, that the prevention of oliguria is related to the maintenance of general health and care for kidney function. If you have a predisposition to oliguria or have a medical condition, which can impair kidney function, it is recommended to visit a doctor regularly to monitor the state of health and prescribe the necessary precautions.

If you experience symptoms of oliguria or other changes in urination, it is important to consult a doctor to diagnose and determine the causes of this condition. Seeking medical attention early can help prevent complications and keep your kidneys and body healthy..

Used sources and literature

Molitoris BA. Acute kidney injury. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 112.

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.

Weissbord SD, Palevsky PM. Prevention and management of acute kidney injury. In: Yu ASL, Chertow GM, Luyckx VA, Marsden PA, Skorecki K, Language MW, eds. Brenner and Rector’s The Kidney. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 29.