ARTICLE; YOUR HEALTH-WHTA YOUR URINE SAYS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH:

What your urine says about your health

By DR MUKUHI NG’ANG’A (Business Daily-Kenya 30/05/2013)

Most of us do not pay much attention to our urine when we go to the toilet. We consider it a waste product so few of us bother to even glance at it for any changes it may have. However, urine can offer a wealth of information on what is going on inside our bodies.

Urine is made by our kidneys as they filter the blood of any unwanted or excess products. It gets its natural pale yellow to amber colour from a pigment known as ‘urochrome’. In good health, urine should have little or no smell.

Most urine changes are often harmless and short-term but some of them are a sign of underlying health problems.

Colour changes: 

Deeply amber-coloured urine is concentrated urine. This is often a sign that you are not drinking enough fluids. Tea-coloured or dark brown urine can be a sign of kidney or liver disease.

It can also occur if you have a urinary tract infection or have been on certain medication like antibiotics, antimalarials and some muscle relaxants. People with diets rich in rhubarb or who take lots of aloe vera may notice the same changes.

Orange urine can be a sign of liver problems. It is, however, common in people who are on medication for tuberculosis, blood thinners and chemotherapy.

Occasionally, it is caused by foods containing high vitamin C or carotene, a plant pigment in orange coloured foods like carrots.

Red or pink urine can indicate the presence of blood. Blood in urine occurs when one has a urinary tract infection, cancers and growths in the urinary system or kidney problems such as stones.

In some people, very strenuous exercise can have similar effects. Foods that can cause pink urine include beetroot, rhubarb and berries. Medication such as some laxatives can also have same effects. People who have been exposed to toxic substances such as lead or mercury may have similar urine changes.

Blue or green urine: This unusual colour can occur in babies with a rare condition in which they have abnormally high levels of calcium. Food dyes and those used in certain medical tests, as well as certain medication, can cause this as well.

Changes in smell

Foul or fishy smells can be as a result of infection. Diabetics sometimes report a ‘sweet’ aromatic smell in their urine. A musky smell indicates liver problems.

Changes in quantity

Increase in urination frequency or volume: This occurs in natural conditions such as pregnancy and when one drinks too much fluid. It can, however, occur in diabetes, urinary tract infections, overactive bladders, prostate problems, stroke and Parkinson’s disease.

Foul or fishy smells can be as a result of infection. Diabetics sometimes report a ‘sweet’ aromatic smell in their urine. A musky smell indicates liver problems.

Some medication used in treating high blood pressure, kidney and heart problems have the same effects. Alcohol and excess caffeine have also been known to increase urination.

Decrease in urination: Occurs in cases where there is dehydration and blockage in the urinary system.

Other changes in appearance:

Cloudy or unclear urine may indicate a urinary tract infection or kidney stones. Foamy or frothy urine usually means protein is building up in your urine which can indicate a kidney problem.

What to expect in hospital

After your doctor does a thorough physical examination, you will probably undergo a series of tests. Try and give a very detailed account of your symptoms as this helps guide the doctor on which tests need to be done.

Most doctors will analyse the urine and do a blood test to check your kidney function. Sometimes, you may need an ultrasound or CT scan to visualise your urinary system. Other tests will be based on your symptoms.

Medical conditions that will need screening

If you have urinary changes, get screened for infections, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney and liver problems. If you are male and over 50 years, your doctor will probably screen you for prostate problems.

Information to give the doctor

Ensure you tell your doctor about all your medication (including vitamin supplements and herbal drugs). Tell them what your regular diet consists of and make sure you alert them to any medical problems you have.