What is polyuria?

Polyuria refers to the condition characterized by excessive urination, where an individual produces an abnormally large volume of urine. This can occur for various reasons, such as diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, or certain medications, and it is typically defined as urine output exceeding 3 liters per day in adults.

Understanding this definition is essential because polyuria can indicate underlying medical issues that may require intervention. Recognizing the signs of polyuria can facilitate timely diagnosis and management of underlying conditions, which is critical in patient care.

The other choices do not accurately describe polyuria. Normal urine production refers to a typical amount of urine that ranges around 1 to 2 liters per day, while decreased urine production is related to oliguria or anuria, conditions where urine output is significantly reduced. Failure to produce urine entirely is labeled as anuria, which is a severe condition indicating potential kidney failure or blockage.