Question Title: Cloudy Urine

I have had cloudy urine for a few weeks now. It is at all time I urinate. Very cloudy and thick looking. I am not on medications ans I am not pregnant.
The urine also has a smell to it- what could be the cause?
sp

Dear Sarah Preston
Thank you for your inquiry. The color of urine can range anywhere from clear to dark yellow, red, or orange depending on a few factors. Clear urine is a dilute urine which usually typifies a well hydrated person in which the kidney releases the excess fluid and solute/waste in a low concentration. Dark yellow urine typifies a dehydrated person in which the kidney has less volume of fluid to excrete its waste and thus the fluid component compared to the waste component is less and the urine is more concentrated. Red urine typifies bleeding or hematuria, orange urine may be from certain medications. Urine typically has little to no smell. The nitrogen waste product of ammonia does have a characteristic smell but is usually not that offensive. Urinary tract infections, vaginal infections can produce a foul smelling urine depending on the infecting organism. Often there are accompanying symptoms of urge, frequency, dysuria(painful urination) with UTI’s. Women who are sexually active have a higher incidence of UTI’s frequently exacerbated by intercourse. Any women who is getting frequent infections should be evaluated by a physician.

The scenario you described is typical of a urinary tract infection/cystitis. If not treated the urine can become cloudy and foul smelling. Often with the history and physical exam a urinalysis and culture are performed to specifically identify the infecting organism. If this is a first time infection in a young women who is sexually active treating with antibiotics is all that may be required. If these infections come more frequently, develop kidney infection/pyelonephrites further investigation is required. Either way you should see your doctor to further investigate this condition.

This information is provided for general medical education only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition. More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its urban campuses by calling 1 800-6536568.

Sincerely,
HFHS M.D.-JS
*Keyword: Urinary tract infection

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