Diuresis: Causes, Picture, Symptoms, Diagnosis And Treatment

Feeling to pee frequently? You may have a medical condition known as diuresis that needs treatment. The health problem can lead to increased urination draining the necessary ions and salts in the body. It can affect the overall health of a person. The kidneys filter a large volume of urine in the name of balancing the normal fluid levels. So, the excess urination can result in loss of fluids, ions, and salt leading to complications.

On a normal day, a healthy adult can urinate about 4 to 6 times a day. The total volume of urine that leaves the body averages between three cups to three-quarter cups. Diuresis is the problem that can cause an increase in the average urine production. Therefore, excessive urine production without increasing the fluid intake is a sign of big trouble.

What Is Diuresis?

Diuresis is a condition that results in excess urine production by the kidney. So, the kidneys filter too much body fluid resulting in an increased number of trips to the bathroom. The word itself is the combination of two Greek words. The combined meaning of the words means urine overproduction due to the increase in water. Therefore, it results in increased trips to the bathroom without taking more fluids. Diuresis is triggered by several conditions. You may also feel the frequent need to urinate as a side-effect of certain medications. So, it is important that you consult your doctor to get the necessary treatment for the condition.

Normal Urination Process

Urination is the normal body process, which eliminates the waste from the body. It also helps maintain a stable fluid balance in your body. Urinating is a significant process. But, it does not mean that frequent urination is normal. Though, it is normal if you drink copious amount of fluids or water. In other cases, the constant urination with normal fluid intake is a serious issue. It refers to an underlying health issue. One of the main reason is diuresis. So, your kidneys filter more fluid compared to the normal levels.

Types Of Diuresis

The urgent need to urinate has several underlying causes. You can divide it into different types based on the condition. You need to know the different types for the comprehensive knowledge of the problem. Therefore, the main classification of the diuresis is:

Osmotic Diuresis

The condition occurs due to the presence of some substances in the filtered fluid. The kidney filters the fluid, but the certain elements in the kidney tubes result in excess urine. The substances can trigger urine production by increasing the water volume. The main reasons for the issues are the health condition like high glucose levels (diabetes). It can also occur due to the side effect of medications like mannitol.

Forced Diuresis

As the name suggests, some external factors like medication or fluids can make you urinate more frequently. It also causes the urine to contain certain drugs. Therefore, it is commonly used to treat drug overdose. Treatment for poisoning is also possible with the forced diuresis. The principle that applies to the treatment is that when urine is turned alkaline, it eliminates acid drugs in it. The urine turned acidic in nature, it increases the alkaline drugs. It is a method of therapeutic importance. So, the methods using the principle are known as:

Forced Alkaline Diuresis

During the method, the addition of sodium bicarbonate in the infusion fluid takes place. It enters the bloodstream to make the blood alkaline. Subsequently, it turns the urine alkaline. It is a method that helps in the secretion of drugs like phenobarbitone and salicylates. Therefore, it is highly recommended for processes like rhabdomyolysis.

But, it forced alkaline diuresis requires utmost care. The process leads to loss of potassium in the urine as well as blood. The depletion of potassium in the blood can cause hypokalemia. So, it interferes with the alkaline conversion of the urine as it prevents bicarbonate excretion. It happens due to the bicarbonate ion retention in the body.

Forced Acid Diuresis

In, forced acid diuresis, the use of Ascorbic acid or Vitamin C takes place. Earlier ammonium chloride was also used for the process. But, it is not continued today due to the toxic nature of the compound. Forced acid diuresis is rarely used in practice. Though, it is highly effective in eliminating drugs like:

• Strychnine
• Cocaine
• Quinine
• Quinidine
• Amphetamine

Therefore, forced acid diuresis is effective in a drug overdose.

Pressure Diuresis

It is also known as immersion diuresis. The condition occurs as a result of the increase in arterial pressure. It is normally found when you try to maintain the blood pressure in the normal range or immerse your body in water. Confused? Let’s look into a real-time example. When you immerse yourself till neck level in the pool, it increases your urge to urinate. So, you can see an increase in the secretion of water, salts, and urea.

Rebound Diuresis

The rebound diuresis is a condition common with patients recovering from renal failure. During the renal failure, the tubules of the kidney get blocked with the cellular matter. Once the obstruction gets cleared, the urine flow increases. So, the patients recovering from acute renal failure can face the issue.

Post Obstructive Diuresis

People suffering from issues like urinary tract infection can see reduced urine flow. It is due to the underlying cause of the infection like:

• Kidney Stones
• Kidney Infections
• Prostrate Hypertrophy

The urinary output increases with the removal of the obstruction. So, it can lead to the condition known as post-obstructive diuresis.

Causes Of Diuresis

The main cause of diuresis is determined as the lifestyle factor or as a side effect of a certain medical condition as well as medications. It increases the urine volume result in diuresis. Some of the major reasons that result in the issue are:

Renal Failure

Patients suffering from kidney failure or kidney disease can get diuresis as a side-effect. Impaired kidney function does not work properly. It fails to flush the impurities outside the body. So, it leads to the accumulation of wastes and fluids. But, diuresis in the renal failure patients is a welcome sign. Kidney failure causes water retention. Therefore, diuresis is a good sign that shows improvement in the condition of patients.

Drugs

Certain medications used to treat health problems can lead to increased urination. The medications for diseases like hypertension, kidney problems, and heart failures have increased urination as a side-effect. The elimination of water from the body is necessary to treat the condition. Therefore, the following medication can lead to diuresis:

• Chlorothiazide
• Amiloride
• Mannitol
• Bumetanide

Foods And Drinks

Some natural food items contain diuretic in it. So, having more quantity of food and juices results in increased urine production. Maintain caution while having the following items:

• Cranberry Juice
• Parsley
• Juniper Juice

Renal Obstruction

The block in the kidney or obstruction in it can lead to the accumulation of substances. So, it results in the osmotic diuresis.

Diabetes Insipidus

People suffering from diabetes insipidus can lead to diuresis. Diabetes insipidus is a condition caused by ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone) in your body. Therefore, the issue can lead to abnormal urine concentration and the high volume of urine production. People suffering from the issue need close monitoring.

Polydipsia

It is the condition that can lead to increased thirst. So, you drink large quantities of water to quench the thirst. Consuming too much water can result in diuresis.

Diabetes

One of the major lifestyle diseases that affects the majority of people is diabetes. the disease can result in the overproduction of urine. The rise in glucose levels in your bloodstream can raise the osmotic pressure. It results in the reduction of water re-absorption by your kidneys. So, the urine volume increases leading to diuresis.

Exposure To Cold Temperature

When the temperatures get cold, you feel the frequent need to urinate. The phenomenon is known as cold diuresis. It is the technique of your body to preserve the heat in order to prevent hypothermia. So, with the drop in temperature, your body reacts with the constriction of blood vessels. It results in a reduction of blood flow to the skin. Therefore, it helps retain the warmth around your internal organs. The increase in pressure causes the kidneys to filter more urine resulting in diuresis.

Symptoms Of Diuresis

Diuresis is a condition that has visible signs and symptoms you can experience. So, the different symptoms indicate that something is wrong with your body. You need to look out for the following signs to detect the presence of the health issue:

Increase In Urine Production

The main symptom associated with the issue is the enhanced production of urine. You feel the need to pass urine frequently. Apart from frequent urination, the total urine volume also increases. It is a cause of concern if your fluid intake is normal.

Discomfort

Diuresis leads to discomfort in the genital area. When you urinate frequently, you feel irritation in the genital region. So, you can experience the feeling of discomfort while passing urine.

Increased Thirst

The issue can result in the loss of fluids from your body. Therefore, it results in polydipsia. It is the condition causing an increased feeling of thirst. The loss of fluids from the body can make you feel thirsty.

Fatigue

The different types of diuresis can lead to loss of fluids, mineral, salts, etc. from the body. So, it results in feeling exhausted and tired. If you urinate frequently, the body loses its capability to retain the necessary salts and minerals needed for enhancing energy.

Sleep Disturbances

The increased urination frequency can make you wake up at the irregular house. So, you can enjoy an undisturbed sleep continuously. Therefore, the large urine volume can result in affecting your sleep pattern.

Hypercalcemia

The high levels of calcium in your body are referred to as hypercalcemia. The elevated calcium levels can increase the urine volume. High calcium levels are the causative factor in some type of diuresis like osmotic diuresis.

Heart Failure

With the increased urination, your chances of getting health complications like heart failure increases. So, you become more vulnerable to getting heart diseases.

Diagnosing Diuresis

You need to understand that there is no screening test available to detect diuresis. A medical diagnosis is only possible based on the symptoms visible. If an underlying medical condition like diabetes is the cause of the issue, then the corresponding medical test is conducted. So, it helps determine the actual reason for the issue.

Medical History

Your doctor enquires about your medical history. It will help uncover the underlying disease that causes frequent urination. Before going to the doctor, you need to follow some pointers:

• Make a list of your eating and drinking habits to know your exact routine.
• The medication you take along with the dose.
• The number of times you urinate.

So, your doctor can determine the actual reason for the diuresis. It will help your doctor develop an effective treatment plan. It will help alleviate the issue and prevent complications.

Treatment Of Diuresis

The treatment of diuresis involves getting treatment for the underlying conditions. So, the treatment plan involves the following:

Managing The Medical Condition

It is significant to manage the underlying medical condition that can trigger the diuresis. The main disease that causes the problem is diabetes. Therefore, you need to keep your blood sugar levels under control. You have to include some changes in your life to manage the blood sugar levels.

• Eating a healthy diet that provides all the necessary nutrients.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Including physical activity to ensure the blood sugar levels remains controlled.

Switching Medications

If medicine is the cause of diuresis, then you need to talk to your doctor. Your doctor can suggest an alternative medicine for your disease without the side effect. It will help manage the health issue without frequent urination.

Consumption Of Natural Diuretics

You need to avoid consuming natural diuretics. Consuming the diuretics can worsen the frequent urination. The natural herbs you use in your daily life can increase the volume of the urine. So, make sure you proceed with caution when you use the herbs like:

• Ginger
• Parsley
• Juniper
• Hawthorn
• Dandelion

The natural substances are highly effective for people suffering from sodium and water retention. Therefore, if you have diuresis, then it is better you limit or avoid the intake of the natural diuretics.

Complications Of Diuresis

Apart from the frequent trips to the bathroom, why is diuresis a complicated issue? You may have thought about it several times. Going to pee several times a day may cause inconvenience to you. But, the real complication of diuresis are:

Hyponatremia

It is the condition caused by depletion of sodium levels in your body. Diuresis not only causes excess urination but also flushes sodium from your body. Sodium is an integral component of your body. It helps you regulate your blood pressure levels. Sodium also helps balance the fluid levels in your body and support the nervous system. Therefore, depletion of sodium can cause harm to your body.

Dehydration

Excess urination without taking enough fluid means you lose water from your body. So, diuresis causes dehydration. Once your body loses the fluids and electrolytes, it becomes difficult to regulate the body temperature. Therefore, dehydration results in kidney diseases, seizures, dizziness or even shock. Going into shock is a life-threatening condition. Taking necessary precaution is vital for maintaining health.

Hyperkalemia And Hypokalemia

Diuresis can retain or deplete the potassium levels the body depending on the type of the issue. Hyperkalemia is the medical term of the high levels of potassium in the body. While you may suffer from hypokalemia with low levels of potassium. It is the direct complication of using diuretics. The right levels of potassium are essential in your body. It regulates muscle contractions, heart health, and digestion. Therefore, maintaining the right balance of potassium in the body is essential.

With diuresis affecting your health adversely, you need to take adequate steps to overcome the problems. Avoiding it can lead to the issue getting worse resulting in damage to your body.

Conclusion

Learn to understand the signals of your body. The increase in urination is a sign that something is not right. Any underlying disease can lead to diuresis. So, you need medical treatment to overcome the problem. Ignoring it is not a good sign. With the doctor’s help, you can find the right solution to avoid frequent urination. Simple changes suggested by your doctor can transform your life. Therefore, the right medication or diet can bring back your life on track. Careful monitoring is essential to prevent the problem from affecting your life.

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