Let’s set the record straight right from the beginning, your urine should be pale yellow and clear. Anything else, take note.
Cloudy Urine Means…
You are probably not drinking a sufficient amount of water. Once you become dehydrated your urine gets concentrated and can look cloudy instead of clear. If you drink lots of coffee or carbonated soft drinks, the caffeine can make the same sort of cloudiness occur. So try substituting that afternoon soft drink with water, and maybe drink half caffeinated and half caffeine free coffee in the A.M.
Cloudy urine could also indicate kidney stones. No one ever forgets the nightmare of having kidney stones, and as the stones move and break up, they can cause your urine to appear cloudy.
Urinary tract bacteria infections will usually make urine appear cloudy. Diabetes, a sexually transmitted infection, or kidney disease will also have this effect.
Too Frequent Urination
If you find yourself spending more time in the bathroom than usual, it could indicate some of the following:
- Enlarged prostate in men
- A urinary tract infection or UTI
- Diabetes
- Kidney problems
Foul Smelling Urine
When you notice a foul smell coming from the toilet, it could be something as simple as having asparagus for dinner. About half the population has this common reaction to eating this particular veggie.
Sometimes, a nasty smell can be from a urinary tract infection or a sexually transmitted infection. Pregnancy can often change the smell of urine, but most changes in smell are likely due to new medications, foods, or supplements like Vitamin B6. These common causes are almost always temporary and are not a reason to panic.
To be on the safe side, if an unusual smell does not go away in a day or two, see Dr, Mercado to get a proper diagnosis, followed by a course of treatment.
Dark Colored Urine
If you urine looks dark brown, this could be a sign of something serious, so see your professional as soon as possible. Most often, dark urine is associated with liver disease or blood in the urine.
Foamy Urine
Foam in the urine is usually not harmful, but it could mean your diet consists of too much protein. Foamy urine could also indicate a kidney problem. If it happens frequently, see your doctor.
Most changes in urine smell and color are temporary, but sometimes they can indicate an underlying medical condition. An exam and urinalysis will help clear up any questions right away.
Call Miguel Mercado, M.D. if changes in urine do not go away in a day or so, and especially if accompanied by fever, vomiting, or back pain.
As always, if you have any further questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call (281) 351-5174 today!