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Published on: 5/21/2025

What Could Cause a Decrease in Urine Output?

Jason Wilt

Reviewed by Jason Wilt, MD

Sports Medicine

A decrease in urine output can be caused by dehydration, kidney problems, or issues with blood flow to the kidneys.

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Explanation

Decreased urine output, also known as oliguria, occurs when the body produces less urine than normal. This can happen for several reasons.

  1. Dehydration: When the body loses more fluids than it takes in, it can lead to less urine production.

  2. Kidney Problems: If the kidneys are not working well, they might not be able to filter and produce urine properly. This can be due to acute kidney injury, which is a sudden loss of kidney function.

  3. Blood Flow Issues: Sometimes, the kidneys do not get enough blood flow to work properly. This can happen in critically ill patients or due to conditions affecting blood circulation.

Understanding these causes can help in identifying the underlying issue and seeking appropriate care. It's important to address the root cause to restore normal urine output.

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