What is polysuria?
Polysuria is the medical term for frequent urination. It is typically defined as producing more than 2-3 litres of urine in a 24-hour period. Polysuria can be a sign of several different medical conditions, including:
* Diabetes insipidus is a condition that occurs when the body does not produce enough antidiuretic hormone (ADH). ADH helps the kidneys regulate the amount of water in the body, and when levels are low, the body produces more urine.
* Diabetes mellitus is a condition characterised by high blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels are high, the kidneys try to excrete the excess sugar through urine, which can lead to polysuria.
* Hypercalcaemia is a condition that occurs when there is too much calcium in the blood. This can cause the kidneys to produce more urine in an attempt to lower calcium levels.
* Certain medications can also lead to polysuria. These include diuretics (water pills), which are used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure.
If you are experiencing polysuria, it is important to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause. Treatment will depend on the cause of the polysuria.