TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Urine is a waste fluid from the body consisting of water, salts, electrolytes such as potassium and phosphorus, and the chemicals urea and uric acid. This fluid is produced in the kidneys, which filter toxins and other harmful substances from the blood. However, urine is more than just waste; it can also indicate a person's health condition.
Early warning signs of serious medical conditions appear through changes in color, odor, and frequency of urination. Changes in urine can indicate possible diseases in organs such as the liver and kidneys, infections, and even cancer. Here are five changes in urine to watch out for:
1. Dark or Brown Urine
Dark or brown urine usually indicates dehydration, but it can also signal serious liver or kidney problems. This occurs because liver damage from hepatitis or cirrhosis can cause increased bilirubin production, resulting in dark urine. According to the Mayo Clinic, muscle injuries from extreme sports can also cause urine to appear tea- or cola-colored. These injuries can lead to kidney damage.
2. Cloudy Urine
An infection in the urinary tract or kidneys can cause urine to appear cloudy. This happens because urine contains white blood cells, bacteria, and crystals, which make it appear cloudy. A strong or unpleasant odor in urine also indicates an infection.
3. Pink Urine
Eating certain foods such as dragon fruit, blackberries, or beets can turn urine pink. So can certain medications, such as the antibiotic rifampin (Rifadin) and the UTI medication phenazopyridine (Pyridium), according to WebMD.
However, pink or red urine can also indicate the presence of blood in the urine. This doesn't always mean there's a problem, but it could be a sign of kidney disease, a UTI, prostate problems, or a tumor. Be alert if the presence of blood in the urine is accompanied by pain during urination, a burning sensation, increased frequency of urination, and lower back pain.
4. Green or Blue Urine
Green or blue urine is rare. This condition is usually caused by food coloring or certain medications. However, rare medical conditions can also turn urine green, including benign familial hypercalcemia, a genetic disorder characterized by slightly elevated calcium levels.
5. Foul Odor
Urine can smell differently depending on hydration levels and the type of food consumed, but a persistent foul odor usually indicates a health problem. Bacterial growth in a urinary tract infection produces urine that smells like ammonia or has a sweet or foul odor. Urine odor also changes as liver disease progresses.
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