Urine output, decreased

• lack of water intake
• drugs such as adrenergic agents, anticholinergic agents, aminoglycoside antibiotics, cisplatin, digitalis toxicity , diuretics (water pills), methotrexate, and sulfonamides
• radiographic studies that use contrast media
• acute post-streptococcal GN
• hemolytic uremic syndrome

Note: There may be other causes of oliguria. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for oliguria, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

Home Care:
Follow prescribed fluid and dietary restrictions closely. It may be helpful to keep close track of the amount of fluid consumed and the amount of urine produced.

Call Your Healthcare Provider If:

• there is any noticeable and consistent decrease in urine output.
• the decrease in urine output is associated with other symptoms.

What to Expect:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting decreased urine output in detail may include:

• 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?

• relieving factors
  • Does increasing fluid intake increase urine output?

• other
  • What other symptoms are also present?
    • Is there puffiness in the skin around eyes or in the hands or feet?
    • Is there moist, pink, warm skin?
    • Is there loose, dry, pale skin ?
    • Are the lips and mouth dry?
    • Is there a distended bladder (can you feel a firm bulge in the pelvis over the pubic bone)?

  • What medications are being taken?
  • Are there any allergies ?
  • Are adequate fluids available and accessible?

• past history
  • Have there been any recent injuries such as burns ?
  • Have there been any recent illnesses?
  • Has there been previous problems with the kidneys or bladder?

A physical examination will be performed. Monitoring and recording daily fluid intake and output may be recommended.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• blood studies to monitor electrolytes
• CT scan of the abdomen
• intravenous pyelogram ( IVP )
• renal scan
• serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels
• abdominal ultrasound (with emphasis on the kidneys)
• urine osmolality
• urine sodium levels
• X-rays of the abdomen

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to decreased urine output to your personal medical record.


This is an illustration of the female urinary tract. The female and male urinary tracts are relatively the same except for the length of the urethra. The positioning in the body and relative size of the organs are also demonstrated.