When turbidity is the norm
The morning portion of urine is almost always more concentrated and darker: a person does not drink during the night, and the kidneys continue to excrete metabolic products. In the heat, with physical activity and sweating, the volume of urine decreases and the concentration increases, so the urine may look cloudy. Cloudiness also occurs due to salts that precipitate when the urine cools, especially if the analysis has stood for several hours before being taken. The sign of a harmless situation is simple: there is no pain, burning, frequent urge or temperature, and after increasing drinking, the urine becomes light and transparent.
- First morning urine
- Heat, sweating, exercise
- Not drinking enough
- Precipitation of salts in cooled urine
- Eat a large protein meal the day before
Possible reasons
The main medical cause is urinary tract infection: cystitis, urethritis, pyelonephritis. White blood cells, bacteria and mucus make the urine cloudy, adding an unpleasant odor. In women, cloudiness is often caused by vaginal discharge that gets into a portion of urine, so the correct collection technique is important. In men, cloudiness is possible after ejaculation or with prostatitis. Salts and crystals indicate a tendency to stone formation. Less common are an admixture of lymph, severe proteinuria in kidney disease, as well as pus in an abscess or fistula.
- Cystitis, urethritis, pyelonephritis
- Urolithiasis and salt crystals
- Vaginal discharge during test collection
- Prostatitis and sperm admixture
- Protein in urine in kidney disease
- Diabetes mellitus with high urine sugar
- Dehydration
Associated signs that will suggest the cause
Pay attention to what accompanies the cloudiness. Pain when urinating, frequent urges and pain in the lower abdomen indicate cystitis. Lower back pain, fever and chills are signs of pyelonephritis, this is a reason for urgent treatment. Paroxysmal pain in the side radiating to the groin is characteristic of stone passage. Itching, unusual discharge and discomfort in women indicate a gynecological cause. Foam in the urine along with swelling forces the kidneys to be checked, and strong thirst and frequent urination - blood sugar levels.
- Pain and frequent urge - cystitis
- Lower back pain and fever - pyelonephritis
- Pain in the side with a return to the groin - stone
- Discharge and itching - gynecological cause
- Foaming and swelling - kidney disease
- Thirst and frequent urination - high sugar
What tests are needed
The basic study is a general urinalysis. It is important to collect it correctly: the morning average portion, after toileting the external genitalia, in a sterile container, delivery to the laboratory within two hours. Women should not get tested during menstruation. If leukocytes and bacteria are detected, urine culture is prescribed to determine sensitivity to antibiotics. An ultrasound examination is performed to assess the condition of the kidneys and bladder. If inflammation or metabolic disorders are suspected, a blood test, glucose and creatinine are added.
- General urine analysis according to collection rules
- Urine culture with sensitivity determination
- Ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder
- General blood test
- Blood glucose and creatinine
- Examination by a gynecologist for discharge
What to do
If there is no pain, burning or fever, start simple: increase the amount of fluid you drink to normal for your weight and weather, limit very salty and spicy foods, re-evaluate your urine in a day or two. There is no need to take antibiotics and diuretic herbs “for prevention” on your own: they interfere with accurate diagnosis. If you experience pain, frequent urges, lower back pain or fever, consult a doctor and first take a urine test. Pregnant women, children and people with diabetes should be contacted earlier, without waiting for symptoms to develop.
- Increase fluid intake and re-evaluate urine
- Follow the rules for collecting analysis
- Don't take antibiotics yourself
- Consult a doctor if there is pain, pain or fever
- Treat the identified infection with a full course
- Early treatment in pregnancy and diabetes
