Urine, abnormal color
Alternative names:
discoloration of urine
Definition:
Urine that appears different from the usual straw-yellow color, or that is cloudy, dark, or blood-tinged. See also Urine, bloody or dark.
Considerations:
Any changes in urine color, or the presence of an abnormal urine color that cannot be linked to the consumption of a food or drug, should be reported to the doctor. This is particularly important if it happens for longer than a day or two, or if there are repeated episodes.
Some dyes used in candy may be excreted in the urine, and a wide variety of drugs can discolor the urine.
Cloudy, murky, or turbid urine is characteristic of a urinary tract infection (in which case it may have an offensive smell) or may be caused by the presence of bacteria, mucus, white blood cells or red blood cells, epithelial cells, fat, or phosphates.
Dark brown and clear urine is characteristic of a liver disorder such as acute viral hepatitis or cirrhosis.
Pink, red, or smoky brown urine can be a side effect of a medication or caused by the recent consumption of beets, blackberries or other red food. It is also characteristic of a urinary tract disorder in which bleeding occurs such as cystitis, enlarged prostate, kidney cancer, bladder tumor, tuberculosis, bladder stones, kidney infection, Wilms' tumor (in children), or hypernephroma. Hemolytic anemia and porphyria can also cause urine to take on these colors.
Dark yellow or orange urine can be caused by recent use of laxatives or consumption of rhubarb or beets and is also characteristic of concentrated urine often caused by decreased fluid intake due to conditions such as fever, heatstroke, or heat exhaustion. Orange urine is often caused by Pyridium (used in the treatment of urinary tract infections).
Green or blue urine is due to the effect of artificial color in food or drug.
Common causes:
Other diseases (not presented in order of likelihood--some are extremely unlikely): Drugs: - coumarin anticoagulants - oral
Note: There may be other causes of abnormal urine color. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for abnormal urine color, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.
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