| Definition: |
Polyuria is the release of abnormally large amounts (for an adult, at least 2.5 liters per day) of urine.
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| Alternative Names: |
Polyuria
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| Considerations: |
This is a fairly common symptom which is often noticed when it occurs at night.
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| Common Causes: |
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| Home Care: |
Intake and output of fluids should be monitored. Record daily weights at the same time(s) and on the same scales.
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| Call your health care provider if: |
- Excessive urination occurs over several days, and it is not explained by medications or increase in fluids.
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| What to expect at your health care provider's office: |
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.
Medical history questions documenting the excessive urine volume in detail may include:
- Time pattern
- How long has this been noticed?
- Does the volume of urine remain comparable from one day to the next?
- Is the volume large one day and small the next day?
- What time of day does the problem seem worse?
- Quality
- What color is the urine?
- Has any blood been noticed in the urine?
- How many times each day is urination necessary? What about at night?
- Any problems controlling urine?
- Aggravating factors
- What makes the problem worse?
- Does drinking large volumes of fluid increase the urine volume?
- Relieving factors
- Is there anything that helps relieve the problem?
- Does restricting fluid intake reduce the urine volume?
- Other
- What other symptoms are also present?
- Is there any pain or burning when urinating?
- Is there back or abdominal pain?
- Is there a fever?
- Is bed wetting a problem?
- What medications are being taken?
- Is there a family history of diabetes or kidney problems?
- Has there been previous urinary tract infections?
- Dietary factors: What is the amount of fluids consumed each day? Salt? Caffeine? Alcohol?
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:
After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to excessive urine volume to your personal medical record.
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