Hematuria occurs when blood enters the urinary tract. A urinalysis typically includes three parts, which are: Depending on the urinalysis results, your provider may also want to do blood work to check for other possible reasons for the change in urine odor. But the good news is that visiting your healthcare provider can help undercover the cause. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in less than one minute for common issues such as: colds and coughs, stomach symptoms, bladder infections, rashes, and more. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Hemolytic anemia is an autoimmune disorder wherein the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy red blood cells in the body. However, other, more serious health conditions, such as infections, liver disease, kidney disease, or diabetes, will require various treatments to manage the disease causing the odorous urine. Foods that make your urine smell | HealthTap Online Doctor This allows oxalate to be free in the gut and absorbed in the bloodstream. Adults who keep getting kidney stones also should be tested for oxalate in the urine. Lab Tests Online. In the most severe cases of dehydration, hospital treatment may be necessary. All rights reserved. Certain conditions, however, may cause your urine to have an unusual or unpleasant odor, which may raise concerns about a problem or abnormality. Your body odor can change due to hormones, the food you eat, infection, medications or underlying conditions like diabetes. 's editorial policy editorial process and privacy policy. When you drink enough water -- about eight glasses a day in normal conditions -- your urine appears light yellow and clear, with less ammonia odor. Bananas, salmon, turkey and chicken (Picture: Getty) Foods that contain. Once again, act fast. J Anaesthesiol Clin Pharmacol. Could some drugs make your urine smell terrible? Chilli peppers: The skin of chilli peppers contains a neuropeptide called capsaicin which doesnt break down after being digested. Case report and literature review. Learn more about A.D.A.M. Sharp pain in the back, side, lower stomach area or groin. 3. 2012;16(5):436-441. doi.org/10.1016/j.bjid.2012.06.025. The Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases. Photo by Jenny Georgieva. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery also can lead to trouble absorbing fat in the gut, which raises the risk of hyperoxaluria. The most common causes of bad smelling urine are dehydration, dietary changes, a side-effect of medication, or a urinary tract infection. If you or a loved one is experiencing odorous urine, see your healthcare provider to rule out any unknown underlying medication conditions that may be causing your symptoms. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2015.0837, Jump RL, Crnich CJ, Nace DA. .20% of the marihuana is excreted in the urine. However, the shade of yellow can change without there being any problem. Hyperoxaluria can be caused by a change in a gene, an intestine disease or eating too many foods that are high in oxalate. 1. So, if the smell pops up and disappears quickly, there's little reason for concern. Ketones affect your urine causing a bad odour. They may also order diagnostic imaging such as a computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to see if there is another medical issue. In children, serious problems developing and growing. A person can become dehydrated for many reasons, including excessive sweating, urinating, and not drinking enough fluids. B vitamins in. If this doesn't work, soak the clothing with water . There are different types of hyperoxaluria: Primary hyperoxaluria. Urine can begin to smell like sulfur for many different reasons. Why does my urine smell like popcorn? - Medical News Today If you notice a sweet or fruity aroma after urinating, it may be a sign of a more serious medical condition. If you don't drink enough water, your urine could acquire a cloudy yellow color and an ammonia smell. However, it will not always be necessary to seek treatment. Harvard Women's Health Watch; Urine Color and Odor Changes; June 2010, North Dakota Department of Health; MSUD (Maple Syrup Urine Disease); May 2008. Appointments Contact Us Possible Causes Care and Treatment When to Call the Doctor Some specific odors could indicate medical problems. Urine is typically transparent yellow or pale. That gives. For example, urine odor due to severe dehydration typically resolves once a person consumes an adequate amount of fluids. You know what your peeshould smell likeso, an unfamiliar scent might be a sign of having consumed these foods: Alcohol and coffee: Both alcohol and coffee cause smelly urine because they are diuretics. SAGE Open Med Case Rep. 2019;7:2050313X18823105. The harmless odor is caused by a breakdown of asparagusic acid. The uric acid or any other chemicals or vitamins in your urine become more concentrated and create a stronger smelling urine. Urine odor Causes - Mayo Clinic Oxalosis happens if you have primary or enteric hyperoxaluria and your kidneys stop working well enough. Could fecal transplants improve melanoma treatment? Accessed March 6, 2023. Urine with a pungent smell may mean that it is more concentrated, having higher-than-normal levels of waste. Urine that smells like maple sugar could mark a rare genetic disorder called maple sugar urine disease. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Enteric hyperoxaluria. It is possible for certain foods and medications to cause the urine to change color. Any unusual or prolonged urine odor changes should be discussed with your healthcare provider. Coffee. Small changes in the composition of urine can affect its color. It can also cause dark or brown urine. Londons best bits in your inbox, By ticking this box, you confirm you are over the age of 18*. Urine could smell foul, strong, or sweet. However, there are many types of health conditions that can cause urine odor symptoms. Oxlumo (prescribing information). Not all foods pass odors along to your urine. From Mayo Clinic to your inbox Urine is mostly water and typically has little to no odor. Why does my urine smell sweet? - Medical News Today Some intestine problems cause the body to absorb more oxalate from foods. The darker or more discoloured the urine becomes, the more likely it is to be a problem. Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver, usually from a viral infection. High fruit and vegetable diet. Cloudy, Foul-Smelling Urine Not a Criteria for Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Infection in Older Adults. In fact, dehydration is the most common reason for dark urine to occur, but it is usually easy to treat. Not being able to urinate or peeing only a small amount. Typically eaten as a breakfast cereal, puffed wheat can cause urine that gives off an odour like malt which is similar to the way it smells in your bowl. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. Urine smells like sulfur: 11 causes and treatment - Medical News Today Sweet-Smelling Urine: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment - Healthline Without proper treatment, hepatitis can cause scarring and permanent damage to the liver. Some urine odor causes are: Some medications and supplements may also cause changes in urine odor, such as: Treatment for urine odor depends on its cause. Riley RS, McPherson RA. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Asparagus is by far the most famous for doing this, and that's because sulfur byproducts of the veggie are being eliminated in the urine. Can diet and exercise reverse prediabetes? Definition & facts of kidney stones in children. What does urinary tract infection (UTI) urine smell like? It affects the odour of your breath, and your sweat. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. Common causes of smelly urine include: Concentrated urine When urine is highly concentrated, it contains more ammonia and less water. https://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/urinalysis/ui-exams, Perrier ET, Johnson EC, McKenzie AL, Ellis LA, Armstrong LE. The smell of your urine may provide insight into a health condition that is causing the smell. It's also found in some foods. Ochsner J. 26th ed. The checkup should include a test that measures oxalate in the urine. Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. In this case, the change will be temporary, and it will not pose any health risks. This can cause a breakdown of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. If this happens, it might leave oxalate more available for the gut to absorb. The unusable amino acids leave the body through the urine, giving it a maple sugar odor. Read our, Complications and Risk Factors Associated With Urine Odor. Fun fact: Lots of people can't smell "asparagus pee" because of certain genetic variants that make them unable to detect this odor. Accessed Dec. 27, 2022. Not everyone who eats asparagus experiences the same effects, leading researchers to suspect that either some people can't smell the compounds or not all people produce the smell. Although urine shouldnt have a particular odour, it can smell stronger in the morning, or when youre dehydrated. Some users claim it affects fecal are eliminated via your kidneys concentrating in the. In mild cases, this will involve drinking water. Oral rehydration solutions are available for purchase online. Antiviral medications are the primary treatment for some types of viral hepatitis. It is important for those experiencing brown urine that does not return to normal to seek medical care. Alnylam Pharmaceuticals; 2022. A person's breath may smell like urine or ammonia due to numerous causes, including nasal congestion, stomach infection, diet, and more. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). Rhabdomyolysis is a serious condition that can result from severe muscle injury. Treatments for cirrhosis aim to address the underlying cause, such as treating viral hepatitis. Dehydration Urine is a combination of water and chemicals that leaves your body. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Accessed Dec. 27, 2022. What is kidney (renal) failure? 2012;48(3):164168. https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/primary-hyperoxaluria/. Foods that do include asparagus, coffee and some spices. MORE : Suspect with drugs up his backside didnt go to toilet for nine days, MORE : Woman divorces husband because he wouldnt build a toilet in their home, Sign up to our guide to whats on in London, trusted reviews, brilliant offers and competitions. Why does asparagus make your urine smell strangely? Usually, oxalate combines with calcium in the gut and exits the body through stools. However, urine odor can sometimes vary from sweet to foul depending on the foods and drinks we consume, medicines we take, infections, and other health conditions. Diagnostic testing, such as a urinalysis, may be necessary to determine the cause and ensure there are no other unknown underlying medical conditions. 24th ed. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. With primary hyperoxaluria, kidney stones form early. when i eat spicy food urine smell like spicy food..why like this?do i need to consult doctor? In moderate and more severe cases, an oral rehydration solution may be necessary. MSUD usually manifests in infancy. Brief or mild urine odor symptoms can stem from certain foods, medications, vitamins, or dehydration. When i drink papaya juice urine smell like pappaya. Jan. 18, 2023. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 TAGS alcohol asparagus bananas beer Brussels sprouts coffee diabetes garlic salmon urine urine odor vitamin b6 wine Recommended Articles would u feel "poisoned". If a medication is causing urine odor symptoms, talk to your provider to ensure that the symptom is expected and not a sign of something more serious. Urine Odor: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment - Verywell Health However, a urinalysis is needed to confirm a UTI diagnosis. It contains methyl mercaptan which causes a smelly urine. A foul taste in the mouth may . In most circumstances, the urine of healthy people will not have a strong odor. Body Odor Body odor is caused by a mix of bacteria and sweat on your skin. Body Odor: Causes, Changes, Underlying Diseases & Treatment When you enter a state of ketosis, your body releases ketones as it burns fat for fuel. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. These include: Hyperoxaluria and oxalosis care at Mayo Clinic. Your genes affect whether you can smell these sulfur byproducts. Learn why urine may smell sweet, treatments, and when to see a, Most urine is pale yellow and clear. If. They can cause urine to become dark and appear brown. The causes of foul-smelling-urine. If foods are responsible, the smell should go away after a few hours. UTIs are more common in women than men. Insulin helps the body break down glucose to use. Sarah Jividen, RN, BSN, is a freelance healthcare journalist and content marketing writer at Health Writing Solutions, LLC. Often, the first sign of hyperoxaluria is a kidney stone. Causes of Urine Odor Brief or mild urine odor symptoms may not signify a more significant medical condition. Dehydration occurs when the body lacks enough water to function properly. Other possible causes include . Asparagus, one of the worst offenders, gives the urine of most people a foul, sulfurous stench. Urine. Does ingesting ginger make your urine smell? 7 Foods That Make Your Pee Smell Funky - Spoon University Asparagus. Taking vitamin supplements or certain medications can have a similar effect or even turn your urine a fluorescent yellow or green colour. Some conditions that can cause changes in urine odor include: Call your health care provider if you have signs of a urinary tract infection with abnormal urine odor. The hemoglobin can enter the urinary tract and cause urine to turn brown. Normal urine has a clear yellow color and a slight ammonia smell. Muscle proteins enter the kidneys, which will excrete them as urine. Foul-smelling urine may be due to bacteria. Rhabdomyolysis can severely damage the kidneys over time, so early treatment is vital. Infection. 2018;115:36-38. doi:10.1016/j.urology.2018.02.023, Worku DA. URL of this page: //medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007298.htm. 65% excreted in feces. There are various reasons why pee might smell like popcorn, such as consuming a lot of protein . Prevention. Which Foods and Health Conditions Might Make Urine Smell | livestrong According to research published in January 2018 in Pharmacometrics & Systems Pharmacology , some people don't excrete the sulfurous metabolites that cause this signature odor. Some medications such as antibiotics might add odd odors and strange colors to urine. Other foods, like onions and garlic, can have similar odorous effects. The exact contents of this waste, which we call urine, can range from byproducts of digestion to hormones. This can cause it to have a strong smell. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Pearle MS, et al. Mayo Clinic. This is an over-the-counter drink that will replace fluids and electrolytes. Some specific odors could indicate medical problems. Lab Tests Online. Vitamins that the body processes but doesn't consume are eliminated. However, more severe health conditions may cause urine odor symptoms, such as an infection, ketonuria, liver disease or liver failure, and chronic renal (kidney) failure. B vitamins are water soluble, which means your body doesn't store them, and whatever you don't need is removed in your urine. Definition & facts for cirrhosis. Your horoscope for July 17, 2023, I laughed as my dad took his last breath I cant forgive myself, My husband barricaded me into our bedroom to stop me buying booze, Mum could only afford to keep one of her triplets now theyve been reunited, Man branded weird for telling his parents when he has oral sex, Suspect with drugs up his backside didnt go to toilet for nine days, Woman divorces husband because he wouldnt build a toilet in their home, Do not sell or share my personal information. It causes urine to become pink, red, or brown. Vaginal discharge. The body can no longer get rid of the extra oxalate, so the oxalate starts building up. There are also other signs of high blood sugar, including: Excessive thirst Increased need to drink water Frequent urination What Does It Mean If You Have Sugar in Your Urine? Dark urine in any shade of red or purple, unrelated to food, might signal internal bleeding from a urinary infection. PMID: 25829882, Rehfuss A, Mahon J, Sorokin I, Smith C, Stein BS. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/kidney-stones. Shortly after you consume coffee or alcohol, you will likely need to urinate which can lead to dehydration. doi:10.1016/j.idc.2017.07.002. Urine smells like ammonia: Causes, treatments, and symptoms Talk to a healthcare provider if you are experiencing unusual or resistant urine odor symptoms. Select Accept to consent or Reject to decline non-essential cookies for this use. Nephrolithiasis. Oxalosis (ok-suh-LOW-sis) happens after the kidneys stop working well in people who have primary and intestine-related causes of hyperoxaluria. 2012;31(4):249252. Pale, ashen skin or other changes to skin color tied to having a low number of red blood cells, also called anemia. Accessed Dec. 27, 2022. This article will discuss some possible causes of brown urine. Crohn's disease is one intestine problem that can lead to enteric hyperoxaluria. A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, for Health Content Provider (www.urac.org). This article will review urine odor symptoms, causes, treatments, diagnostic testing, and when to see a healthcare provider. If you're taking prescription medicine and note unusual urine qualities, ask your doctor whether the drug causes these side effects. Have you ever settled into the restroom to do your business and listen to the calming sound of your yellow stream only to notice an awful smell?! would it make your urine smell like feces and/or stool smell like ammonia? Treatment can include: In mild cases, it may be possible to treat rhabdomyolysis at home with rest and rehydration. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Sometimes, however, a change of urine color can indicate that something is wrong in the body. 2014; doi:10.1089/end.2019.0130. If you don't drink enough water, your urine could acquire a cloudy yellow color and an ammonia smell. In: Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. Should I Worry if My Urine Smells of the Food I Just Ate? Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. But kidney failure can happen even in babies with this disease. This button displays the currently selected search type. They most often cause symptoms from childhood through age 20. Liver disease could give your urine an unusual musty odor. A.D.A.M. Foods such as beets and blackberries temporarily color your urine. The body gets rid of excess oxalate through the kidneys, in urine. Hematuria refers to blood in the urine. Oxalosis can cause many health problems outside the kidneys in its late stages. Too much oxalate collects in the blood. Usually you only need to consider getting medical advice if youre having additional symptoms alongside urine with an odour. This happens because vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, so if you consume too much either via a supplement or from eating an abundance of C-rich foods like kiwis, bell peppers and . Accessed Dec. 27, 2022. The death of muscle fibers causes their cells to empty into the bloodstream. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. doi:10.1007/s00394-015-1010-2, Dreger NM, Degener S, Ahmad-Nejad P, Wbker G, Roth S. Urosepsis--Etiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment. For healthy diet: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/., exercise 30 minutes/day, drink enough wa Urine smell is personally unique and also reflects dietary intake. You should see your healthcare provider if youre experiencing a strong or persistent urine odor, especially if you have any other usual medical issues occurring. The truth shocked everyone, My mum broke my heart with three simple words. What Causes Urine to Smell Like Fish and How Is This Treated? - Healthline Or the protein doesn't work as it should. But too much oxalate in the urine can cause serious problems. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 106. 8 Foods that make your Urine smell (other than Asparagus) - LinkedIn Takeaway Urine does not usually have a strong odor to it, but a person may notice an ammonia odor at times. Also, vitamin B-6 or foods containing large amounts of vitamin B-6 can also make your urine have a strong odor. Causes By Mayo Clinic Staff Urine consists mainly of water. Most people associate asparagus with foul smelling urine, but the odour is actually a metabolite, which is a substance produced during metabolism. Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Urinalysis. How bacteria can colonize skin and accelerate eczema growth, Social isolation linked to lower brain volume that may affect cognitive health. Cruciferous vegetables can cause a strong smell in urine. Are There Tests to Diagnose the Cause of Urine Odor? Anyone with concerns about the color of their urine should consider seeing their doctor. Kidney stones that form in children and teenagers are likely to be caused by a health problem, such as hyperoxaluria. 2017;10:5766. A number of things, including diet, some medications, dehydration, and several conditions, can cause urine to become brown. A bladder infection or other infection impacting the urinary tract can lead to urine that smells like ammonia. Acute oxalate nephropathy caused by ethylene glycol poisoning. Frequent urge to pee, also called urination. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. If your pancreas works properly, sugar in the blood triggers a flood of insulin needed to process the fuel. Some medications such as antibiotics might add odd odors and strange colors to urine. Only some people can smell it, so you may find that you wont notice it at all. Infect Dis Clin North Am. When to Go to the Hospital for a Kidney Infection, Understanding Unusual Urine Color, Odor, or Appearance, Your urine and diabetes: what you should know. Liver disease and certain metabolic disorders may cause musty-smelling urine. For additional information visit Linking to and Using Content from MedlinePlus. Fish Shutterstock "Eating fish can create smelly urine for some," says Sheri Berger, RDN, CDCES. 2. Ammonia Smell in Urine: Causes and What to Do About It For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). https://www.kidneyfund.org/all-about-kidneys/other-kidney-diseases/primary-hyperoxaluria. First it builds up in the blood, then in the eyes, bones, skin, muscles, blood vessels, heart and other organs. It's caused by changes in a gene. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter Digital Edition. They can cause urine to . Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. The urine will smell just like the pillsmedicinal and bitter moldy smell. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. To learn more, please visit our. Examples include Hydralyte, which is available in the form of an effervescent tablet that people can add to a glass or bottle of water. 3/18/2016, Seo JW, Lee JH, Son IS, et al. A keto diet: Just as going on super low carb diet makes your breath reek, it can do the same to your pee. 2021; doi:10.1053/ j.ajkd.2021.07.018. Risk factors associated with urine odor are not due to the smell but the underlying cause. Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. More concerning causes of urine odor include bacterial infection, ketonuria, liver disease, and chronic renal failure. Cloudy Urine: Causes, Treatment, & What Does It Mean - Cleveland Clinic Diuretics will cause you to urinate more often, making it easier to become dehydrated. Takeaway. Some urine odor causes are foods, medications, vitamins, and dehydration. doi:10.1016/j.krcp.2012.09.007. What Foods Make Your Pee Smell and Why? | Well+Good If the odor of your urine corresponds to the smell of food you recently ate, in most cases you shouldn't worry. Other symptoms associated with a UTI include: pain when urinating. They may order a urinalysis and other diagnostic tests that can help to shed some light on what is causing the problem. All rights reserved. 2017;33(1):128130. This can happen for many different reasons, such as: The treatments for these conditions vary depending on their cause. Other symptoms include: urine that is cloudy or . Witting C, et al. This type is a rare inherited disease, which means that it's passed down in families. For example, eating asparagus causes a distinct urine odor. Immediate hospital treatment is necessary to treat rhabdomyolysis. Demoulin N, et al. They are not usually present in the urine, so when they are present, it can, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Comprehensive Clinical Nephrology. Urinary Tract Infection and Asymptomatic Bacteriuria in Older Adults. Your healthcare provider may start by collecting a past medical history and performing a physical exam. Foul-Smelling Urine but No Pain: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment - Healthline Niaudet P. Primary hyperoxaluria. This is because they contain a chemical called methyl-mercaptan, which produces a bitter odour after consumption. Excess sugar gives your urine a sweet smell. Salmon: Salmon contains plenty of Vitamin B6 which is terrible for urine odour. Possible causes include certain foods, supplement use, a urinary tract infection, a. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Darker or brown urine is a symptom of dehydration. Pathophysiology and treatment of enteric hyperoxaluria. She has over a decade of direct patient care experience working as a registered nurse specializing in neurotrauma, stroke, and the emergency room. Sign up to our guide to whats on in London, trusted reviews, brilliant offers and competitions. Abnormal urine colors, such as orange, Leukocytes are white blood cells that help protect people from infection. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 4.