Polyuria – definition, hormonal factors, diagnosis, treatment

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Polyuria (polyuria) is a condition in which the amount of urine is excessively increased to levels that exceed the normal norm. It is considered normal for an adult to urinate approximately 1500–2000 ml of urine per day (with normal fluid consumption, ie in the amount of 2000–2500 ml per day). Among other things, polyuria can be caused by hormonal disorders.

Polyuria – definition

Polyuria is urination in excess of the normal amount. We talk about it when the amount of urine excreted is more than 2500-3000 milliliters per day (the correct amount is 1,5-2 liters). Excessive urination is a physiological reaction to certain ailments or one of the symptoms of some pathology. It can also be a consequence of low ambient temperature or being high in the mountains (organism adaptation). Another common cause of polyuria is polydipsia, or excessive thirst. However, polyuria typically occurs in diabetics, especially in decompensated diabetes.

Remember! A distinction must be made between polyuria and pollakiuria, which is characterized by a frequent need for its excretion over the course of the day, but in normal amounts.

Hormonal factors causing polyuria

Often, hormonal fluctuations in the body cause the problem of polyuria. It happens in the course of the following ailments:

1. hyperglycaemia – this is a condition for which an increase in blood glucose levels is typical. Diabetic polyuria may be one of the first symptoms of diabetes, especially type I (it should not be underestimated);
2. diseases of the hypothalamus – disrupting the hormonal balance on the pituitary – hypothalamus axis;
3. hyperthyroidism – patients with this disease often complain of increased thirst and, consequently, increased urine output;
4. diabetes insipidus – occurs when the body is deficient in vasopressin, i.e. an antidiuretic hormone. This condition can occur in people with kidney pathologies. Treatment consists mainly of administration of vasopressin equivalents, but if the cause lies in the damaged pituitary gland – surgery is required. The pituitary gland is then removed using an endoscope.

Causes of polyuria

There are actually many causes of polyuria. In addition to the causes of increased fluid intake, the following conditions can cause the ailment:

1. diet: polyuria can be caused by ingestion of a large amount of caffeine, which is found not only in coffee but also in tea. This also applies to eating spicy and acidic foods that increase the risk of disease. The risk also increases with excessive alcohol consumption and in the course of electrolyte and vitamin disorders;
2. diarrhea and persistent vomiting, eventually dehydration;
3. high temperature,
4. excessive sweating;
5. mental states (e.g., schizophrenia);
6. medications taken, especially psychiatric or diuretic diuretics;
7. hormonal fluctuations (see above).

Other causes of polyuria include: migraine, Reiter’s syndrome, Fanconi syndrome, polycythemia, circulatory failure, Sjögren’s syndrome or lupus erythematosus, arrhythmias, Lightwood-Albright syndrome, cerebral salt loss syndrome, sickle cell anemia or secondary hyperparathyroidism of renal origin,

Polyuria – polydipsia

Polydipsia is a condition characterized by increased thirst and excessive fluid consumption. We distinguish polydipsia:

1. primary – occurring in people with ailments in the hypothalamus area; in decompensated diabetes, water and electrolyte disorders and hyperthyroidism;
2. psychogenic – usually appearing in middle-aged women who are accompanied by anxiety attacks or mental illness.

Increased thirst therefore causes us to urinate more.

Polyuria in kidney diseases

Among the diseases that cause excessive urination, there are also diseases of the genitourinary system, which are taken into account in the first priority during diagnostics. In people with polyuria, the doctor may suspect:

1. inflammation of the bladder
2. intimate infections,
3. acute kidney failure,
4. glomerulonephritis,
5. renal tubular acidosis.

Polyuria and medications taken

The medications taken may also be the cause of polyuria. It is most often caused by substances such as lithium, foscarnet and cidofovir. Also, diuretic preparations taken in heart failure or peripheral edema may contribute to the occurrence of polyuria. Coffee, tea and all drinks that contain caffeine or alcohol are also diuretics that increase the risk of disease.

Polyuria – diagnosis and treatment

As mentioned above, the first group of ailments responsible for polyuria are diseases of the genitourinary system, therefore the diagnostics is performed first urine test. Other, equally important studies are:

1. electrolyte tests,
2. blood glucose test,
3. blood count with hematocrit.

It should be remembered that polyuria is not a specific symptom. So if it occurs after consuming a lot of fluids, don’t be alarmed. However, if polyuria occurs regardless of the amount of drinks consumed – see a doctor to find the cause of the problem. In patients with suspected diabetes insipidus, the following procedures are performed, the so-called dehydration test. During the test, the patient is forbidden to drink fluids, and then a general urine test is performed. Urine weight will increase if the body concentrates urine properly, while vasopressin deficiency will prevent the kidneys from concentrating urine and urine specific gravity will not increase.

Treatment of polyuria depends on its cause, therefore proper diagnosis is very important. Polyuria resulting from e.g. diabetes mellitus must be eliminated by treating the underlying cause. Often a change of diet and appropriate medications reduce the symptoms of polyuria. However, if the polyuria is not related to the disease, home remedies can be used.

1. Drink less fluid before going to bed.

2. Limiting alcohol.

3. Limiting caffeine consumption.

4. Controlling the amount of consumed fluids.

5. Paying attention to the side effects of the medications taken.

Also read: Excessive thirst