Anuria (urine does not come out): causes, treatment, etc.

Definition

What is anuria?

Anuria is a condition when the body is unable to pass urine. This means that the organs that produce urine, namely the kidneys, stop functioning. This condition usually occurs due to interference with the kidneys.

The kidneys function to remove waste and excess fluid from the body in the form of urine. This bean-shaped organ also helps regulate blood pressure, the balance of salt, electrolytes, and acid-base in the body.

Normally, each person excretes about 800-2000 milliliters per day. In the case of anuria, this figure is reduced to 0-100 milliliters per day due to the buildup of toxic substances.

Before experiencing this condition, you will usually pass a condition called oliguria. Oliguria is a condition when the amount of urine decreases, but is not as severe as anuria. Meanwhile, anuria is a sign of acute or chronic kidney problems.

How common is this condition?

Anuria can happen to anyone. However, compared to oliguria, this condition is less common. The reason is, the first stage of this condition is oliguria and when it is not treated properly, anuria can occur.

Signs and symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of anuria?

Basically, not being able to urinate aka anuria is a symptom in itself. Therefore, other symptoms will follow what causes this condition in the body.

Here are some signs and symptoms of kidney disease that may occur in people with anuria.

• Swollen hands and ankles.
• Pain and difficulty urinating.
• There is blood in the urine (hematuria).
• Feeling weak and weak.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Decreased appetite.
• Back pain on the side.
• Difficulty concentrating.

When should I see a doctor?

If you experience some of the symptoms listed and are accompanied by this condition, consult a doctor immediately. This is so that you get the right treatment to reduce the risks and complications.

Cause

What are the causes?

The cause of anuria is a problem related to the kidneys. Anuria can also be caused by heart problems. However, not so many patients reported this case.

Decreased kidney function can be caused by a variety of things which then lead to anuria or inability to urinate. Here are some causes of anuria that you need to be aware of:

Blood pressure drops suddenly

Blood pressure that drops suddenly may occur due to several things, such as:

• severe dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea,
• severe infection that decreases blood flow to the kidneys, and
• red blood cell production decreased dramatically.

If left untreated, this condition can cause acute kidney injury and anuria that makes it difficult for you to urinate.

Diabetes

Levels of glucose (blood sugar) that are too high in people with diabetes can cause diabetic ketoacidosis. This condition can also damage the blood vessels in the kidneys which are at risk for acute kidney failure.

Kidney stones

Kidney stones can cause blockages in the kidneys or ureters (the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder). This condition makes urine finally unable to pass (anuria).

High blood pressure

Uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause damage to blood vessels. As a result, the kidneys are damaged and you can't pee.

Tumor

The presence of tumors can inhibit kidney function and block the urinary tract, resulting in anuria.

Kidney failure

If the kidneys stop functioning (kidney failure), the blood won't filter properly and doesn't produce urine.

Complications

What happens when this condition is not treated properly?

If anuria is not treated promptly, you may run the risk of developing life-threatening complications. Untreated anuria can lead to acute kidney injury and the most severe condition is permanent kidney damage.

Medicine and medication

How to treat anuria?

Treatment of this condition actually depends on the underlying cause. If the kidney damage has reached its final stage, you will be advised to undergo dialysis and a kidney transplant.

Dialysis is used to remove fluids that the body no longer needs and regulate the fluids that the kidneys are supposed to do. Meanwhile, other ways to treat constipation (anuria) include:

Intravenous fluids

Intravenous fluids are usually given to people with anuria caused by severe dehydration and hypotension.

Use ureteric stent

Ureteric stent is a tool to replace the ureteral tract, which is the tube that connects the kidneys to the bladder. This tool is in the form of a small tube or tube that connects the kidney directly to the bladder.

This method is usually given to people who cannot urinate due to ureteral obstruction.

The procedure for removing kidney stones

Patients with this condition caused by kidney stones may be advised to undergo kidney stone treatment. This is done to break down the kidney stones into small pieces so they don't block the urinary tract.

This method is usually also done by people who have tumors and have difficulty urinating.

Take medication as directed by your doctor

If you have hypertension or diabetes, it is important to keep taking your medication as directed by your doctor. Adopting a healthy lifestyle including good diet, exercise and stress management is also very important.

With the improvement of hypertension and diabetes conditions, anuria can be resolved and urinary conditions return to normal.

Kidney transplant

A kidney transplant is a last resort if treatment of anuria based on the cause is unsuccessful. This method is usually performed by patients with end-stage renal disease.

How to diagnose this condition?

Anuria is a condition that must be treated medically. Hence, you need to get a proper diagnosis from a doctor. Diagnosing anuria and its underlying causes begins with asking the patient's thorough medical history

After that, you may be asked to do some kidney tests, namely:

• blood tests to determine the amount of urea and creatinine levels in the blood,
• urine test (urinalysis),
• Ultrasound and CT-scans to see the shape of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder, and
• kidney biopsy to analyze the kidneys via kidney tissue.

Home remedies

What lifestyle changes need to be made?

Apart from undergoing treatment from a doctor, sufferers of anuria also need to change their lifestyle to be healthier. This is done to help speed up the recovery process.

The following is a lifestyle that patients with this condition may need to do, which is similar to dietary restrictions for kidney disease.

• Limit foods that are high in sugar and fat.
• Eat a nutritionally balanced diet.
• Limit animal protein and replace it with plant protein every now and then.
• Low salt and low fat diet.
• Fulfill fluid intake as directed by your doctor.
• Exercise regularly at least 30-45 a day, such as cycling or jogging .
• Manage stress by doing meditation or yoga.

Anuria is a condition associated with a number of kidney problems. Therefore, you cannot self-diagnose.

In essence, the sooner the cause of anuria is detected, you may be able to avoid the risk of complications. If you have further questions, ask your doctor to find a solution that is right for you.