What condition is characterized by the production of abnormally small amounts of urine?

The condition characterized by the production of abnormally small amounts of urine is commonly referred to as oliguria. Oliguria is defined as a urinary output that is less than 400 milliliters per day in adults. It can be caused by a variety of factors including dehydration, kidney disease, or certain medications that affect kidney function.

Understanding oliguria is essential because it can indicate underlying health issues that may need to be addressed promptly. For instance, oliguria may result from acute kidney injury, which requires immediate medical evaluation to prevent further kidney damage.

In contrast, anuria refers to a complete cessation of urine output (less than 100 milliliters per day), while polyuria indicates the production of excessive amounts of urine, typically more than 2.5 liters per day. Nocturia is a condition where an individual wakes up during the night to urinate, which is separate from the volume of urine produced over a 24-hour period. This distinction is crucial for clinicians in diagnosing and managing patient conditions effectively.