What is the medical term for excessive urination?

The medical term for excessive urination is polyuria. This condition is characterized by an increase in urine output, typically defined as producing more than 3 liters of urine in a 24-hour period. It can be a symptom of various underlying health issues, such as diabetes mellitus, diabetes insipidus, or certain medications.

Understanding polyuria is important in medical contexts because it can provide critical clues about a patient’s overall hydration status and renal function. Recognizing the term helps healthcare professionals assess and provide appropriate care for conditions associated with abnormal urine output.

In contrast, other terms such as anuria refers to the absence of urine production, hematuria indicates the presence of blood in the urine, and nocturia specifically describes the condition of waking at night to urinate. Each of these terms addresses different renal conditions and symptoms, making it essential to accurately identify them in medical practice.