Cold diuresis is the occurrence of increased urine production on exposure to cold.
Substances that increase diuresis are called diuretics. Caffeine is an example of a diuretic.
Substances that decrease diuresis allow more vasopressin or antidiuretic hormone (ADH) to be present in the kidney.
High-altitude diuresis occurs at altitudes above 10,000 ft and is a desirable indicator of adaptation to high altitudes. Mountaineers who are adapting well to high altitudes experience this type of diuresis. Urine output is thus an important indicator of adaptation to altitude (or lack thereof). Persons who produce less urine even in the presence of adequate fluid intake probably are not adapting well to altitude (Hackett 1980; pp. 54, 62).
