Anuria: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Anuria is a serious problem where the body makes very little or no urine. This usually means there is something wrong with the kidneys or another serious health issue. It needs to be found and treated quickly. Learning about what causes anuria, its symptoms, and how to treat it can help manage the condition.

What is Anuria? Recognizing a Medical Emergency

Anuria means making less than 50mL of urine in a whole day. This is significantly less than oliguria, which is characterized by low urine output. Anuria is more serious and usually means the kidneys have almost stopped working. Because anuria can cause dangerous levels of toxins and fluids to build up in the body, it is a medical emergency. It needs to be checked and treated by doctors right away.

At Volusia Medical Center, we treat this as a serious condition. If you or a loved one has not produced urine in 12–24 hours, this requires immediate diagnostic intervention at one of our clinics in DeLand, New Smyrna Beach, or South Daytona.

Primary Causes: Why the Kidneys Stop Working

At our Florida clinics, we often see anuria caused by three distinct categories:

1. Pre-Renal (Blood Flow Issues)

The kidneys are healthy, but they are not getting enough blood to filter.

• Florida Heat & Dehydration: In Central Florida, very hot weather can cause extreme heat exhaustion. This can make your blood pressure drop so low that your kidneys stop producing urine to conserve fluid.

• Sepsis: A systemic infection that reduces blood flow to vital organs.

2. Renal (Direct Kidney Damage)

• Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): This often happens because of diabetes or high blood pressure that is not treated for a long time.

• Medication Toxicity: Using too many NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen) or some antibiotics can harm the kidneys and cause them to stop making urine.

3. Post-Renal (Obstructions)

The kidneys are making urine, but it can't leave the body.

• Kidney Stones: These are common in our region because some local water sources have a high mineral content, and people can get dehydrated.

• Enlarged Prostate (BPH): This is a common cause for our geriatric patients in New Smyrna Beach.

Anuria vs. Oliguria: At-a-Glance Comparison

Feature	Oliguria	Anuria
Urine Volume	100mL to 400mL / day	Less than 50mL / day
Urgency	Urgent (Schedule an appt)	Emergency (Seek immediate care)
Common Sign	Dark, concentrated urine	No urine at all
Primary Risk	Dehydration / Early Kidney Disease	Total Kidney Failure / Sepsis

How We Diagnose Anuria at Volusia Medical Center

We don't just treat the symptom; we look for what causes it. When you visit our offices, our doctors (such as Dr. John Yee or Dr. Priscilla Luong) utilize:

1. On-Site Bladder Scans: We use non-invasive ultrasound to check if urine is trapped in your bladder (Post-renal obstruction).

2. Stat Lab Panels: We check Creatinine and BUN levels right away to see how well your kidneys are working.

3. Electrolyte Monitoring: We look for high potassium levels, which can happen with anuria.

When to Seek Help in Volusia County

Don't wait until you feel pain. Anuria is often painless if caused by kidney failure. Go to our nearest location for medical help if you have any of these signs:

• Zero urine output for 12+ hours.

• New swelling (edema) in the ankles or under the eyes.

• Confusion or "Brain Fog" (a sign of toxin buildup).

Expert Tip from Volusia Medical Center: "Many patients mistake anuria for simple dehydration. If drinking water does not result in urination within 2-3 hours, your kidneys may be struggling to process fluids. This is the moment to call your primary care provider."

Don’t Ignore the Signs: Schedule Your Evaluation Today

Anuria is more than a symptom—it is a signal that your body needs help. Whether you are dealing with a sudden drop in urine output or managing a chronic condition like diabetes or high blood pressure, our team of medical professionals at Volusia Medical Center is here to provide the specialized care you need. With three convenient locations in DeLand, New Smyrna Beach, and South Daytona, expert medical intervention is always nearby. Contact us and schedule a consultation today!

Conclusion

Anuria is a serious health problem that needs quick and expert care. The kidneys clean toxins from your body and keep your fluids balanced, so if they stop working, it can cause problems throughout your body. If you notice early signs such as unexplained swelling, tiredness, or confusion, see the specialists at Volusia Medical Center. They can find the cause and help protect your kidney health. Our goal is to use advanced tests and a caring, patient-focused approach to help everyone in Volusia County stay healthy and informed.

FAQs

1. Is anuria always a medical emergency?

• Yes. In most cases, a total lack of urine (less than 50mL in 24 hours) means there is a serious problem, such as acute kidney injury or a major obstruction. If you have not urinated for more than 12 hours, even though you are drinking fluids, you should get medical help right away.

2. Can anuria be reversed without surgery?

• It depends on what is causing it. If anuria is due to dehydration or low blood pressure, giving fluids through an IV and certain medicines can usually fix it. But if something is blocking the urine flow, like a big kidney stone or a tumor, a minor surgery might be needed to remove the blockage.

3. What is the main difference between anuria and oliguria?

• The difference is the volume of urine produced. Oliguria means making a small amount of urine (usually between 100mL and 400mL per day). Anuria means making almost no urine (less than 50mL per day). Oliguria is a warning sign, while anuria is a medical emergency.

4. Are there any home remedies for anuria?

• No, you should not try to treat anuria at home with herbal supplements or by drinking a lot of water. If your kidneys are not functioning, drinking too much water can cause serious problems, such as fluid building up in your lungs and heart. Only a doctor can safely diagnose and treat this condition.

5. What will a doctor do first to treat anuria?

• The doctor will usually start with a bladder scan or ultrasound to check if your bladder is full (which could mean a blockage) or empty (which could mean your kidneys are not producing urine). Next, they will do blood tests to check your creatinine levels and see how quickly treatment is needed.