YOUR urine can indicate much about your health.

Urine is produced when blood passes through the kidneys, which in turn filters out waste and water. This waste travels through the ureters (narrow tubes that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder) and is stored in the bladder until you urinate.

Ninety-five per cent of urine is water, with the rest composed of compounds including urea and creatinine.

Bloody, dark, discoloured, or cloudy urine; increased frequency of urination; or pain during urination may indicate the presence of a medical condition. Additionally, the presence of abnormal amounts of substances such as protein, glucose, ketones, and others can also help your doctor diagnose and monitor various medical conditions.

Urine colour and odour

Normal, healthy urine is usually mildly yellow with a slight odour. While changes in the smell and colour of your urine are frequently harmless, sometimes they can indicate a medical problem.

• An ammonia-like odour can be an indication of dehydration.

• Fruity-smelling urine can be a sign of diabetes mellitus.

• Foul-smelling urine can be a sign of an infection.

• Medications can cause a change in the urine odour because many medications exit the body through the urine.

Urine can vary in colour for numerous reasons.

• Pale yellow urine is an indicator of good hydration.

• Dark yellow urine can indicate dehydration.

• Orange urine can be a sign of potential liver problems, especially if you are also noticing light-coloured stools.

• Pink or red urine can be caused by foods or medications or be indicative of the presence of blood.

• Dark-brown urine can be a sign of liver or kidney problems, the presence of medications, or severe muscle injury.

Cloudy urine

This can be an indication of dehydration, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, urinary tract infection, kidney stones, prostate, vaginal or sexually transmitted infections.

Blood in urine

Also known as haematuria, this occurs when red blood cells leak from your urinary tract into the urine. Sometimes the blood is visible, appearing clot-like or turning the urine pink, red, or brown. At other times it can be seen only with a microscope. This is known as microscopic haematuria. There are many causes of haematuria — these include kidney infection, kidney disease, kidney or bladder stones, urinary tract infection, enlarged prostate, or sickle cell disease.

Protein in the urine

Also known as proteinuria, this can be a sign of kidney disease. Persons with diabetes and hypertension have a higher risk of developing kidney disease. Proteinuria can be a sign of pre-eclampsia, a serious blood pressure problem that develops during pregnancy.

Ketones

These are chemicals that are produced when the body begins to burn fat instead of sugar. The presence of ketones in the urine of a diabetic is often a sign of uncontrolled diabetes. Diabetics must test their urine for ketones when their blood glucose level is high, or when they are sick. High levels of ketones can cause the development of diabetic ketoacidosis which can lead to coma and death.

Leukocytes

These are white blood cells which play an important role in fighting off infection in the body. Urinary tract and sexually transmitted infections can cause more than normal number of leukocytes in the urine.

Painful urination

This is most commonly caused by a urinary tract infection. Other causes include sexually transmitted infections, inflammation of the vulvar region (the outer part of the female genitals), inflammation of the urethra (the tube through which urine leaves the body), and prostate disease.

Frequent urination

This can be disruptive to your normal activities. However, it is not always indicative of a medical problem. As you age, the holding capacity of the bladder decreases, causing you to urinate more frequently. Pregnancy, uncontrolled diabetes, urinary tract infection, prostate problems, increased fluid intake, and the consumption of caffeine or alcohol can cause frequent urination. Diuretics, medications used in treatment of high blood pressure and heart failure can also cause frequent urination.

You should always consult with your doctor if you notice/ experience any of the following:

i) blood in your urine or a change in the colour or odour of your urine

ii) painful urination

iii) burning urination

iv) frequent urination

Tests can be conducted to determine the possible causes of your symptoms. Treatment of your urine problem will be based on your complaints and various test results. Recommendations can be made for some changes in your habits — for example, if it has been determined that the cause of your frequent urination at night is the decreased holding capacity of the bladder, your doctor may recommend that you reduce your fluid intake before you go to bed. If there is proof that you have a urinary tract infection, you may be given a course of antibiotics. If you have an underlying disease, that will need to be appropriately treated.

Dr Jacqueline E Campbell is a family physician and radio show host. She is the author of the book A Patient’s Guide to the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus. E-mail her at drjcampbell14@yahoo.com or follow her on IG: dr.jcampbell