Associated symptoms

A urinary flood as a symptom does not occur alone, but also often leads to a polydypsis (Greek for “great thirst”), i.e. an increased feeling of thirst. The reason for this is the body’s attempt to compensate for the increased fluid loss. However, if not enough is drunk, it can lead to desiccation (=drying of the body), which can be a life-threatening problem, especially for older people.

On the one hand, the lack of volume leads to low blood pressure and thus to a higher risk of falling. On the other hand, this severe loss of fluid has the opposite effect, namely that less urine is produced. There is the danger that toxic waste products of the body that have to be excreted can no longer be excreted via the kidneys.

Another accompanying symptom of a urinary flood is secondary to the increased thirst and fluid intake. This results in a thinning of the blood with a relatively low sodium concentration (so-called hyponatremia) and a lack of other salts and minerals. In the context of an underlying disease, additional symptoms specific to the respective disease also occur.

Duration

The treatment should be primarily causal, i.e. an attempt should be made to eliminate the cause of the urinary flood. The most important thing for this is a thorough examination beforehand in order to find the correct diagnosis. For example, in the case of diabetes mellitus, the first goal will be to restore the derailed blood sugar level to normal values.

Furthermore, diuretic substances should be avoided as far as possible, such as alcohol or caffeinated beverages. If the cause is initially unclear, hormonal therapy can be used. For this purpose, ADH is substituted, an ADH analogue (desmopressin) is given, which has a similar effect to the body’s own hormone and thus counteracts increased fluid excretion. If the salt and mineral balance changes, normal values should be aimed for again. As a general measure, a warm blanket at night, for example, can help, as it allows the blood to be better distributed throughout the body and to reach peripheral areas of the body such as the arms and legs.