Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of polyuria.
Family history
- Is there a history of frequent kidney disease in your family?
Social history
Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints).
- How long has the increased urinary output been present?
- Has the amount of urine been determined?
- Do you suffer from other symptoms such as fever, general feeling of illness, etc.?
- Do you have a lot of thirst? How much do you drink daily?
Vegetative anamnesis incl. nutritional anamnesis
- Do you eat a balanced diet?
- Do you drink alcohol? If so, what drink(s) and how many glasses per day?
Self history incl. medication history.
Medication history
- Antibiotics
- Gentamycin
- Tetracycline
- Amphotericin B (antifungal agent)
- Anticholinergics (polydipsia!/due toincreased drinking) – group of drugs that inhibits the action of the transmitter acetylcholine.
- Antidepressants (MAO inhibitors; SSRI = Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) – nocturia (nocturnal urination) due to central nervous effects.
- Antiepileptic drugs – nocturia due to central nervous effects.
- Antihypertensives
- Bronchodilators
- Calcium antagonists (calcium channel blockers; group of drugs used for hypertension) – leads to polyuria.
- Chlorpromazine (polydipsia!) – active substance from the group of neuroleptics.
- Diuretics (drugs to flush out water) – especially when taken in the evening.
- Dopamine antagonists – nocturia due to central nervous effects.
- Drugs: cannabis, ecstasy, heroin, cocaine or speed (amphetamines).
- Glibenclamide (oral antidiabetic).
- Hormones
- Glucocorticoids (polyuria)
- Thyroid hormones (thyroxine)
- Theophylline – active ingredient belonging to the xanthine derivatives and used mainly in the treatment of bronchial asthma.
- Thioridazine (polydipsia!) – Active substance from the group of neuroleptics.
- Lithium carbonate
- Stimulants – e.g. alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, ephedrine, cocaine, speed (amphetamines).
- Sympathomimetics (drugs that enhance the action of the sympathetic nervous system).