What is the term used to describe a decrease in the amount of urine produced?

Oliguria is the term used to describe a decrease in the amount of urine produced. It is typically defined as producing fewer than 400 milliliters of urine in a 24-hour period. This condition can indicate underlying health issues, such as dehydration, kidney disease, or urinary obstruction.

In contrast, anuria refers to a complete cessation of urine output, which is more severe than oliguria. Polyuria describes an increase in urine production, often seen in conditions like diabetes mellitus, where excessive thirst and urination occur. Nocturia refers to the need to wake up during the night to urinate, which can be due to a variety of factors including lifestyle, aging, or medical conditions, but it does not specifically address the overall volume of urine produced. Understanding these terms is essential for identifying and diagnosing various renal and systemic conditions in clinical practice.