Urine color is a simple test for disease. Causes of urine discoloration: from dehydration to malignant tumors Urine color is light amber

Analysis of urine for the presence of proteins, sugar, bacteria and other substances and microorganisms in it is quite informative. However, observing for possible discoloration of urine can also determine if there are significant health problems, including malignant tumors and bladder infections. Estet-portal.com will tell you how the color of urine and its consistency can indicate the presence of abnormalities in the body, if found, you should consult a doctor.

Normal urine color and factors that affect its change

First of all, to determine if there is a problem, you need to know what a normal urine color looks like. Urine is considered normal:

• dark yellow transparent;
• light yellow transparent;
• yellow transparent.

Typically, light yellow urine means that your body is functioning normally: it is not dehydrated and you empty your bladder a sufficient number of times a day. However, if you notice a slight darkening of urine, this does not mean that it is time to sound the alarm - you may just need to drink more water.

Certain factors affect the color of urine, such as:

• medications;
• laxatives;
• some food coloring;
• the amount of water you drink;
• disturbances in the body.

What can cause urine discoloration

Below we will describe what a change in the color of urine may indicate.

1. Urine color - amber or honey

Slight darkening of urine, as a rule, indicates a lack of fluid in the body. Remember to drink enough clean water and watch the color change. Remember that urine eliminates toxins from the body, so not enough water can cause them to accumulate in the body.

2. Almost colorless urine

This phenomenon occurs if you drink too much water (overhydration). Absolutely colorless urine may indicate that your kidneys do not have time to remove all water from the body, and overhydration is fraught with an imbalance of sodium and water in the body.

3. If the color of urine is brown

There may be several reasons for this change in urine color:

• severe dehydration;
• eating large amounts of beans, rhubarb or aloe;
• taking certain medications (some antibiotics, laxatives, muscle relaxants);
• urinary tract infections;
• liver disease;
• kidney disease.

In case of such color changes, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

4. Foaming

There are several reasons for the formation of foam after urination:

• increased rate of urine emission;
• high protein in the urine, which may indicate kidney disease.

If you notice foamy urine all the time, see a specialist.

5. Pink or reddish urine

Eating a lot of beets or blueberries is a harmless reason for this color of urine, but if you have not consumed these foods, the following are possible:

• urinary tract infections;
• kidney disease;
• malignant tumors;
• and even prostate problems.

Chemotherapy drugs, laxatives, and antibiotics for tuberculosis can make your urine orange-red.

6. Orange urine

If you notice that your urine turns orange, there may be problems with the liver or bile ducts, as well as dehydration. But it is better to see a doctor.

7. Green or blue urine

A color that is very unusual for urine - green or bluish - can be caused by a genetic disorder called hypercalcemia. This disease is very rare.

As a rule, asparagus, green beer, food colors, and some medications (Ripsalin) stain urine green.

However, green urine can also be a sign of infection.

8. Cloudy urine

Clouding of urine can be caused by urinary tract infections and kidney stones. In addition, infections such as cystitis can cause painful and frequent urination and cloudy urine.

Remember that cloudy urine during pregnancy is quite common because pregnant women have more vaginal discharge, which mixes with the urine and makes it somewhat cloudy.

Changes in urine color do not always indicate serious illness, especially if such changes do not appear constantly. However, if you are sure that changes in the color characteristics of urine are not associated with medication, the use of certain foods, dehydration or hyperhydration, especially if you are in pain, contact a specialist immediately!

Urine color is the main visual indicator of the body's metabolism. The urine of a healthy person has a light yellow tint; in some situations, staining urine in a dark yellow color does not require any therapeutic action. But in most cases, bright yellow urine indicates the course of various pathologies.

It is important to consult a specialist on time, pass a number of tests that help to make the correct diagnosis, and prescribe the desired course of treatment. It is strictly forbidden to take any medication on your own. An important role is played by the presence of concomitant symptoms, so if you notice a change in the color of urine, remember the presence of pain during urination, other symptoms and impurities in urine.

Healthy urine color

Normally, urine has a light yellow tint. The specific color depends on the amount of urochrome pigment (the final metabolite of erythrocyte hemoglobin). The presence of diseases of the excretory system leads to violations of the filtration, selective kidney function.

Violation of filtration in the glomeruli of the kidneys leads to the ingress of certain elements into urine, for example, erythrocytes, proteins, leukocytes, and failures in reabsorption lead to the return of substances back into the blood. For this reason, the patient's urine is colored in a non-specific shade. The color of the patient's urine is often used in a tentative diagnosis.

Probable causes of the bright yellow color of urine

Urine can acquire a rich, bright yellow color against the background of various physiological processes.

Do not be alarmed to find a change in the color of urine, most cases of this state of affairs are the result of harmless physiological processes:

• eating special foods, able to "paint" urine. Few all-natural products remain today. Manufacturers add many different dyes, preservatives that can affect the color of human urine. This category includes carbonated drinks with a bright color, carrots, various sweets. In this case, you should not worry, doctors recommend refusing to use this product in the future;
• dehydration. It is a fairly common cause of bright yellow urine. The process leads to active reabsorption of water, the concentration of urine increases, against the background of this process, the liquid itself acquires a rich yellow tint. The causes of dehydration are not only lack of water or hot weather, pathology is observed against the background of intestinal infections, a number of other diseases, intense exercise, severe toxicosis during pregnancy;
• taking special medications or vitamins. Most of the active components of medicinal products are not completely absorbed, they are excreted along with the urine, which can affect its color. These drugs include vitamins of group B, A, C, nitrofuran. After complete cleansing of the body from the components of the drug, the urine will again return to its usual color.

Deep yellow urine is found in patients with serious pathologies:

• ... The formation of salts in the patient's urinary system leads to the formation of sand, then its elements stick together, forming various sizes. Salts gradually absorb liquid, which affects the concentration of urine, including its shade;
• gestosis. It is a serious complication in pregnant women in the late gestation period. The complication is accompanied by constant high blood pressure, swelling of the limbs, face, proteinuria. In such a situation, dehydration of the body leads to a change in the usual color of the patient's urine;
• liver disease. Urobilin in increased amounts (observed when the liver malfunctions) contributes to the staining of the patient's urine in a bright yellow color;
• genetic or individual characteristics of metabolism in the patient's body. The increased formation of salts leads to a permanent staining of urine in a yellow saturated shade. In the future, the pathology contributes to the formation of sand and calculi, which can cause development. Be vigilant, take good care of your health, with the constant presence of a nonspecific color of urine, visit a specialist.

On a note! The course of the pathology is accompanied by a detailed clinical picture, not only by a change in the color of the patient's urine. To identify the provoking factor of poor health, contact a physician, undergo an examination. Based on the results obtained, the doctor will make the correct diagnosis, prescribe the necessary therapeutic course.

Discoloration of urine during pregnancy

Urine during this period is the main indicator of the state of the mother and the unborn baby. The analysis of urine is shown at each visit to the doctor to clearly monitor its composition and color. The bright yellow color of urine in a lady in a position is not always a sign of any disease. Many women are prescribed multivitamin complexes that can change the shade of urine; taste preferences play an important role.

The female body, while carrying a child, takes on all the load, is responsible for the viability of the fetus. Continuous work of the excretory system can lead to its overload, urine color in a non-specific shade. Do not panic when a pathology is found, but you cannot ignore the symptom either. Consult a doctor, the doctor will identify the root cause of the pathological condition, and, if necessary, prescribe treatment.

In men

In men, urine also changes color on the background of taking certain medications, eating "coloring" products. The color of urine of the stronger sex is affected by the abuse of fatty foods, alcoholic beverages. After gatherings with friends, it is recommended to increase the amount of fluid consumed, to follow a diet for at least several days after a strong load on the body.

In the case of a change in the color of urine against the background of the course of the disease, urine acquires a fetid odor, sometimes the appearance of blotches of blood, pus, and other impurities is noted. Often the cause of the pathological condition is prostatitis. The disease is getting younger every year, so be engaged in prevention, monitor the state of the urinary system.

Go to the address and read about the treatment of coral kidney stones with folk remedies.

In children

Urine in children, as in adults, indicates the state of metabolic processes, the excretory system. After birth, the baby's urine is almost transparent, the baby's body needs time to independently perform vital operations. If the urine does not acquire a normal color, show the child to the doctor. Pathology may indicate the presence of congenital diseases, lack of fluid intake.

You should not panic if the baby's urine is painted in a bright color, you also cannot ignore it. The quality of life of the child and its duration will depend on timely treatment.

Symptoms

Depending on the accompanying signs, you can first find out what led to the staining of urine in a bright yellow color:

• the absence of additional symptoms indicates the physiological reasons for the development of trouble (a side effect after taking medication, eating special foods, alcohol abuse);
• the presence of blood in the urine, a painful act of urination indicates inflammatory processes in the kidneys, excretory canals, urolithiasis. The walls of the organs of the urinary system can damage pathogens or the movement of calculi;
• chills, fever, other signs of intoxication are formed against the background of an acute course of infectious processes (and others).

Only a doctor can determine the exact cause of the discomfort. Do not take any action on your own, otherwise it is difficult to avoid a worsening of the situation.

An experienced doctor is engaged in the selection of specific treatment tactics. Depending on the disease, the patient is prescribed specific medications, adherence to the diet, and the drinking regime is adjusted. In addition to medications, pay special attention to dietary changes. Most ailments of the excretory system are formed against the background of improper nutrition, lack of water in the body.

It is possible to prevent a change in the color of urine if certain rules are followed:

• follow the drinking regimen. A healthy person is recommended to drink at least two liters of clean water per day. Intense sports, high air temperature requires adjusting this dose (increase the amount of water by half a liter);
• treat diseases of the genitourinary system in a timely manner. Most cases of change in the color of urine are based on the background of pathologies in this area;
• during pregnancy, only take medications prescribed by your doctor. Self-medication can lead to unwanted side effects (non-specific urine color);
• before consuming brightly colored foods, be prepared for the urine to discolor. Do not be alarmed in such a situation, increase the amount of liquid per day, which will help to quickly remove the "coloring" components of the drink or dish.

Observe preventive recommendations, visit a doctor if necessary. A change in the color of urine in any case indicates some processes in the body, ignoring the symptom can lead to a deterioration in well-being, the development of serious complications.

Find out more about what urine color means after watching the following video:

Urine is a biological fluid of the body that contains the end products of metabolism. In a healthy body, its color ranges from light yellow to bright straw shades. But during the day, there is a repeated change in the color characteristics of urine. It depends on the drinking regime, food, physical stress, ambient temperature, and the use of drugs. If changes in the color of urine are of a single nature and are caused by the above reasons, then there is no reason for concern. If persistent staining of urine in amber color is noted, then this is the reason for going to the doctor.

Natural Causes of Darkening Urine

Insufficient fluid intake. If a person uses little water or there is a significant loss of it due to increased sweating, diarrhea or vomiting, then the amount of urine excreted in this case is very small. At the same time, its density increases and the liquid becomes amber. These changes are coming, which means that the shade of urine quickly normalizes when a sufficient volume of fluid is consumed.

Eating brightly colored foods. The reasons for the darkening of urine may lie in the use of foods such as carrots, oranges, beets, spinach, legumes, blueberries. Then the urine becomes orange, red or dark. Similar changes in the color of urine occur with the use of drinks, creams, confectionery products containing food colors. After a day after their use, the color of the secreted liquid is restored.

The use of certain medicinal substances. The use of vitamin complexes, drugs that include aspirin, nitrofuran, sulfonamide substances, some groups of antibiotics also entails a change in the color of urine to dark. It can last another one to two days after the end of the course of treatment, and finally the urine takes on a standard appearance after three to five days.

The reasons for the change in the color of urine in men to a darker one may lie in great physical exertion during exercise or playing sports. A good rest and plenty of drink will normalize this indicator.

In young children, urine can change color during a fever, which is explained by an increase in its concentration due to dehydration and intoxication. In addition, inadequate clothes for the baby, walks in the midday heat can lead to overheating and a decrease in the amount of fluid released, which means that they lead to a change in its color.

During pregnancy, a darkening of the urine may also occur in a woman. In the early stages of pregnancy, this is explained by dehydration due to symptoms of toxicosis.

But this happens especially often in the second half of the term, when the fetus reaches a significant size and can disrupt the functioning of the liver and gallbladder, while the amount of bile pigments in the blood, and therefore later in the urine, increases. Another reason for darkening of urine in pregnant women is that the kidneys are also in a squeezed position and from this unfavorable processes are observed in them. During such a period, not only pigments may appear in a woman's urine, but also leukocytes, and a significant amount of salts and mucus. However, these changes are also temporary and go away on their own after the birth of the baby.

Pathological causes of darkening urine

Dark urine, as mentioned earlier, is not always a sign of illness. A short-term change in the shade of the secreted fluid may be due to physiological factors. It is worth contacting a doctor when changes in the urine are long-term and are accompanied by the following symptoms:

• discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes and eye sclera;
• fever;
• frequent headaches;
• itchy skin and rashes on it;
• growing weakness;
• back pain;
• dyspeptic disorders;
• soreness when urinating.

Remember that such symptoms are a sign of the presence of a serious pathology that has gone far in its development, so do not hesitate to visit a doctor and do not try to heal yourself - do not waste precious time.

Urine color is an important diagnostic criterion for assessing the body's activity. Normally, urine is colored light yellow or straw-colored. The color intensity changes even in a healthy person, depending on the food consumed and the amount of liquid drunk. However, in some cases, discoloration is an important sign when making a diagnosis. Orange urine may be associated with physiological factors, but we should not forget that sometimes this situation signals a malfunctioning of the body.

Physiological causes

There are several reasons why urine becomes an unnatural orange hue. More often than not, the process is not associated with serious violations. The color of a biological fluid is determined by the amount of substances dissolved in it - pigments. At night, when the interval between urination is large, they accumulate a lot, therefore, the morning portion can be amber or rusty. If during the day the color of the urine returns to normal, then there is probably no reason to panic.

If there are no complaints about well-being, and the urine has suddenly become a brick shade, you should think about what was eaten the day before. Red pigments are found in carrots, beets, persimmons, oranges, grapefruit, sea buckthorn, pumpkin, raspberries and other carotene-rich foods. In addition, hard candy, candy, lemonade, juices, alcohol, and other sweets and drinks often contain artificial colors. Nutrition is the most common factor in changing the properties of urine.

Urine can darken with low fluid intake or heavy sweating during hot seasons, or after excessive physical exertion in the gym. In people who practice sports, urine can foam due to excess protein intake.

The effect of medications

Dark urine can become a side effect of the use of vitamins A and C, pain relievers (Phenazopyridine), anticoagulants (Warfarin), laxatives with phenolphthalein, anti-tuberculosis (Rifampicin), antimicrobial (Furagin) drugs, as well as drugs that affect the growth of neoplasms. This is due to the fact that many drugs are excreted by the kidneys, which means that the urine fluid after taking them will contain decay products and have a characteristic tone. As a rule, after discontinuation of therapy, the color of urine returns to normal.

Pathological causes

Sometimes rusty urine is a serious cause for concern and a visit to the doctor. Typically, the urine of a healthy adult is 97% water. The more saturated the color, the less liquid there is. Hence, the next reason for the amber color is dehydration, which can be caused by poisoning or an infectious intestinal lesion.

The discharge of orange urine in elderly and middle-aged men often indicates a pathology of the prostate or the presence of urolithiasis. Changes are usually accompanied by repeated bouts of pain, vomiting, fever, weakness, and chills. Sometimes a sediment in the form of stones and sand is found in the urine.

Red urine may mean that inflammatory processes are occurring in the urinary system caused by a bacterial infection. The multiplication of bacteria with pyelonephritis is accompanied by:

• rise in temperature, chills;
• malaise, drowsiness;
• pain in the lumbar region;
• increased urination;
• swelling;
• a dark yellow tint and a pungent smell of urine.

The symptoms of glomerulonephritis are:

• darkening of urine up to a bright brown color;
• swelling of the face and legs;
• high blood pressure;
• decreased urine output;
• nausea;
• headache, weakness.

In women, orange-colored urine can be a sign of cystitis. In addition, it contains a large amount of mucus, and urination becomes painful.

Features in pregnant women and children

The physiological cause of orange urine in women is pregnancy. The yellowish-amber urine of pregnant girls does not always serve as an alarm signal. It reflects the products that make up the woman's diet, since the body works differently during this period. However, discoloration may be due to toxicosis that occurs in girls at the beginning of pregnancy, as well as gestosis. Concomitant complaints with preeclampsia are edema of the legs, arms, face and an increase in blood pressure. In this case, specialist advice is required.

In infants, urine of a light amber hue is not a single phenomenon, the culprit is uric acid, which gives the characteristic color. The urine of infants has a large specific gravity, but as water is added to the diet, it decreases, over time the liquid becomes a yellowish, natural shade. In older children, discoloration of urine is not always a pathology. The reason for this is the excessive consumption of bright and eye-catching sweets, carbonated drinks, rich in artificial colors.

The following diseases are pathological reasons for changing the shade of urine: uric acid infarction, hepatitis, dehydration, poisoning, intestinal infection, hemolytic disease of newborns, toxic and inflammatory liver damage.

Required examinations

To find the cause of an uncharacteristic color of urine or to detect the presence of a possible pathogen, a number of studies must be carried out:

• general urine analysis (OAM);
• test according to Nechiporenko;
• general analysis and biochemistry of blood;
• study of liver enzymes;
• Ultrasound of the kidneys, peritoneal organs.

Given the accompanying complaints, the doctor may prescribe additional methods of examination to establish and confirm the diagnosis. Despite the large list of tests, they should be performed, since early diagnosis contributes to a speedy recovery and prevention of complications.

Treatment and prevention

When urine with an orange tint is observed, it is important to find provoking factors, then prescribe the appropriate treatment for a specific disease, if necessary. Perhaps this is a temporary, physiological phenomenon that self-normalizes. To begin with, it is important to analyze the nature of the diet, as well as how much fluid was consumed.In summer, in hot weather and during active sports, sweating is most pronounced, therefore it is especially important to observe the water regime, control the amount of fluid you drink. If the appearance of a reddish color is caused by taking medications, then after the end of treatment, the color is normalized. Orange urine in children is often the result of the intake of a large number of bright candies and candies, which are full of supermarket shelves. In these cases, it is worthwhile to temporarily stop eating foods containing the orange pigment and increase the amount of fluid consumed.

Pregnant girls should be regularly monitored by a gynecologist, take the necessary tests and talk to the doctor about all the changes in their body.

Concomitant symptoms such as lower back pain when urinating, weakness, malaise, fever and swelling will help to suspect the presence of any disease. With a long-term change in the shade of urine or the appearance of other complaints, it is worth contacting a medical institution for a full examination.