What term describes a decrease in urine production?

The term that describes a decrease in urine production is "oliguria." This refers specifically to a condition in which a person produces less urine than normal, typically defined as less than 400 milliliters per day in adults. Oliguria may be a sign of underlying medical conditions, such as dehydration, kidney impairment, or urinary obstruction, and indicates that the kidneys are not filtering the blood effectively to produce urine.

In contrast, polyuria refers to an increase in urine production, while anuria signifies the complete absence of urine output, which is a more severe condition. Dysuria refers to painful or difficult urination, which involves discomfort but does not specifically relate to the quantity of urine produced. Understanding these terms is essential in assessing and diagnosing conditions related to urine output and kidney function.