What does anuria mean in medical terms?

Anuria refers to a medical condition characterized by the complete absence of urine production. This can occur when the kidneys are not functioning properly, leading to significant implications for a person's health, including the potential for toxin buildup in the body. Understanding this term is crucial for healthcare professionals as it often signifies severe underlying health issues that require urgent assessment and intervention.

In contrast, other terms represent different conditions. Excessive urine production, for instance, relates to polyuria, while decreased urine output is referred to as oliguria. The term nocturia specifically describes the need to urinate at night, rather than a total absence of urine. Grasping these definitions helps in the accurate assessment and management of patients with urinary issues.