Are you also unable to urinate? Is this a dangerous condition? Let's learn about (Anuria).

Sometimes we feel like, 'I didn't drink enough water today, that's why I only passed a little urine.' But have you ever had a day or even a few hours where you didn't urinate at all, no matter how much water you drank? Or has the amount you pass been so small that you can't even imagine? This is not normal. Today we are going to talk about this serious medical condition called Anuria . This is an emergency, so it is very important to know exactly what to do about it.

Simply put, what is Anuria?

Anuria is when your kidneys stop producing urine completely. Or, you stop passing urine because of a blockage somewhere in your urinary system. This is the most severe form of a condition called Oliguria . Oliguria is when the amount of urine you produce is abnormally low.

The amount of urine we excrete says a lot about our health. The kidneys of a healthy adult typically produce more than 500 milliliters (500 ml) of urine per day. That's about the size of a bottle. In children, this amount varies depending on age and body size.

However, an adult with anuria excretes a very small amount of urine per day, between 0 and 100 milliliters .

What are the symptoms of anuria?

The most obvious symptom of this condition is the absence or very little urine output. However, you may also have other symptoms related to the underlying medical condition that caused the anuria.

For example, if anuria is caused by conditions such as kidney disease, liver disease, or heart disease, the following symptoms may also occur.

Diseases like diabetes can also damage the kidneys. Therefore, if you are passing very little urine and have any of the other symptoms mentioned above, go to a hospital's emergency room (ETU) immediately.

What causes anuria?

There are three main categories of causes of anuria. Let's look at them one by one.

1. Not getting enough blood or fluid to the kidneys: To function properly, the kidneys need a good blood supply. If this supply is reduced, urine production stops.

2. Interference with the process of filtering blood by the kidneys: Even though the kidneys receive blood, for some reason the process of filtering that blood and forming urine may be interrupted.

3. Blockage of the urinary tract after urine is formed: Even though urine is formed by the kidneys, if there is a blockage somewhere along the path that urine travels to the bladder and out, urine will not be released.

The table below contains some examples related to these categories of reasons.

How serious is this condition? Are there any complications?

Yes, Anuria is a very serious and life-threatening condition. The kidneys remove waste and extra fluid from our body. When the kidneys do not work, these waste and fluid accumulate in the body. This can even lead to death.

If left untreated, anuria can cause permanent damage to the kidneys, leading to complete failure.

How much does kidney function decrease before death occurs?

Doctors measure kidney function with a test called eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) . When the kidneys' ability to filter waste products decreases, we call it Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).

There are 5 stages of CKD.

• Stage 1: eGFR is 90 or higher. The kidneys are working well, but there may be some damage.
• Stage 5: The eGFR is less than 15. This means that the kidneys are very close to complete failure, or have already failed.

If you reach stage 5, your life may not be saved unless you undergo dialysis or a kidney transplant.

How do you find this, Doctor?

When you see a doctor, he or she will ask you a few questions about your medical history and symptoms.

• "What did you drink today? How much did you drink?"
• "When did you last pee?"
• "Do you feel like you're urinating less than usual?"
• "Have you ever had difficulty urinating like this before?"
• "Are your legs and feet swollen?"
• "Have you noticed blood in your urine (Hematuria)?"
• "Have you been feeling very tired lately?"

In addition to these questions, the doctor may order various tests to confirm the condition of anuria and check the health of the kidneys.

What are the tests?

How is Anuria treated?

The treatment method depends on the cause of the anuria.

• If the cause is an emergency such as a heart attack, sepsis, or shock, the doctors' first priority is to treat that condition.
• If you have severe kidney disease, you may need dialysis or a kidney transplant to clean your blood.
• If there is a blockage in the urinary tract, the doctor will insert a catheter to quickly drain the urine from the bladder. For example, a Foley catheter or suprapubic catheter . Sometimes, devices called ureteral stents may be used to keep the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder open.
• If this condition is caused by dehydration, the body is rehydrated by giving it water to drink or giving saline (intravenous - IV fluids) through a vein.

Can Anuria be prevented? When should you see a doctor?

If you have a chronic condition that can cause anuria, such as diabetes or heart disease, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions to manage your condition. These instructions may include:

• What to eat and drink, and in what quantities.
• Recording body weight daily.
• Identifying signs of swelling or water retention in the body.
• Taking prescribed medications on time.

Also, in situations where dehydration can occur, such as vomiting or diarrhea, it is very important to drink enough fluids .

When should you see a doctor?

If you have kidney or heart disease and notice that you are urinating less than usual, especially if you are drinking plenty of fluids, call your doctor right away. Also, be aware of any changes in the color of your urine (e.g., dark color).

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