Why has a dying person stopped passing much urine?
A dying person may pass very little urine because they are drinking less and their kidneys and circulation are slowing.
A dying person may pass very little urine because they are drinking less and their kidneys and circulation are slowing. Urine may become darker, smaller in amount, or stop.
This can be part of the dying process, especially when the person is also sleeping most of the time, eating and drinking very little, and showing changes in breathing, skin colour or temperature.
General information: This page gives general information for people in Australia. It cannot tell you exactly what is happening in one person's situation. If you have concerns about a symptom, medicine, treatment decision or change in someone's condition, contact their doctor, palliative care team, nurse or other treating health professional.
Why urine reduces near death
Near death, the body uses less fluid. The person may not feel like drinking, may not swallow safely, and may be too sleepy to ask for fluids. At the same time, blood flow to the kidneys reduces, so the kidneys make less urine.
Less urine can be a sign that death may be close. It is one sign among many, not a clock.
Does this mean they are dehydrated and suffering?
Not always. A dry mouth can be uncomfortable, but it is often helped better by mouth care than by forcing fluids. IV fluids do not always improve comfort near death and can sometimes worsen swelling, secretions or breathlessness.
Ask the care team what applies in this person's situation. Some people need treatment for a reversible problem. Others are in the final stage of dying, where comfort care is the focus.
Watch for bladder discomfort
Passing little urine is different from being unable to pass urine when the bladder is full. A full bladder can cause pain, agitation, restlessness or a swollen lower belly.
Tell the team if the person seems uncomfortable, keeps trying to pass urine, pulls at clothes or bedding, becomes restless, or has lower belly swelling. They may check whether a catheter or other treatment is needed.
What you can do
Do mouth care often as advised. Keep lips moist. Offer small sips only if the person is awake and can swallow safely.
Keep bedding clean and dry. If the person has a catheter, ask how to keep it comfortable and when to call for help.
Do not try to make the person drink large amounts if they are drowsy or unable to swallow safely.
Questions to ask
You can ask:
- "Is this amount of urine expected now?"
- "Could their bladder be full?"
- "Would fluids help or make things worse?"
- "Should they have a catheter?"
- "What should we do if they become restless?"
When to get help now
Contact the palliative care team, GP, nurse or aged care staff if the person seems in pain, has lower belly swelling, is very restless, has fever, blood in the urine, a blocked catheter, or sudden change that worries you.
Call 000 if there is a sudden life-threatening emergency and no end-of-life plan telling you what to do.
You may also want to read
- Would IV fluids help someone who is dying?
- What can I use for a very dry mouth at the end of life?
- Why are a dying person's hands and feet becoming cold?
- How can I tell if someone is dying?