Polyuria (Increased Urination)

Polyuria (ICD-10 R35) is the symptom of increased urination. The volume varies between > 1.5-3 l/day, depending on doctrine.

Polyuria usually occurs together with polydipsia (excessive thirst) (to make up for fluid losses).

Polyuria belongs to the micturition disorders (disorders/difficulties in emptying the bladder).

To be distinguished from polyuria:

  • Nocturia – refers to increased urine production during the night, so that the affected person must go to the toilet several times during the night (see also under nocturia / classification of nocturia).
  • Pollakisuria – urge to urinate frequently (= increased micturition frequency), although there is no increased urine output (= polyuria).

Polyuria occurs to:

  • Excrete non-absorbable substances such as glucose and/or.
  • To excrete water

Polyuria can be a symptom of many diseases (see under differential diagnoses).

Course and prognosis: Often, due to polyuria in the affected person is exsiccosis (dehydration).Not infrequently, a psychogenic polydipsia (compulsive water drinking) is the reason for polyuria. Therapy of the underlying disease can usually eliminate polyuria, which is perceived as unpleasant.