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Cloudy urine is common and usually happens due to the large amount and mucus in the urine, which may be due to sample contamination, dehydration or use of supplements. However, when cloudy urine is accompanied by other signs and symptoms, such as pain and discomfort when urinating and pain in the back, for example, it is important that the urologist or gynecologist is consulted, as it may be indicative of infection.
The treatment for cloudy urine can vary according to its cause, however in general it is indicated an increase in the consumption of fluids during the day, as it causes more urine production, becomes more diluted and promotes the elimination of excess bacteria and prevent the formation of kidney stones, for example.
1. Sample contamination
The contamination of the sample at the time of collection is one of the main causes of cloudy urine, because in this case there is normally a large amount of bacteria, which are part of the normal microbiota of the genital region, epithelial cells and a large amount of mucus, which is what guarantees the cloudy appearance of the sample.
The contamination of the sample happens mainly due to errors at the time of collection, in which the first stream of urine is not dispensed, and a more concentrated sample is then collected and analyzed, which does not necessarily represent the person's health status.
What to do: It is important to pay attention to sample collection, it is recommended that the first stream of urine be dispensed and that the intimate area be cleaned with soap and water. Then, urine should be collected, which must be sent to the laboratory within 2 hours to avoid errors in the result.
2. Dehydration
Dehydration, which can be characterized by excessive loss of body fluids, can also cause the urine to appear cloudy, because in this case the urine becomes more concentrated, and the presence of some substances, such as fat and proteins, can also be noticed. , for example.
What to do: If it is found that cloudy urine is due to dehydration, it is important to increase the consumption of fluids and water-rich foods during the day, so it is possible to promote rehydration. However, in cases of severe dehydration, it may be recommended that the person go to the nearest hospital to receive serum directly into the vein and thus improve. Learn how the treatment for dehydration should be.
3. Use of supplements
Frequent intake of vitamin supplements can also make urine look more cloudy. This is because some vitamins are soluble in water and when there is an excessive amount of these vitamins, there is a greater amount solubilized in the urine, changing the appearance of the pee.
What to do: Cloudy urine due to the use of vitamin supplements is not considered serious, however it is important that the doctor or nutritionist be consulted to see if there is a need to continue using the supplements or if it is possible to obtain adequate amounts of vitamin through food.
4. Pregnancy
Cloudy urine in pregnancy is also considered normal, this is because during the period there is a greater production of mucus, especially in the last weeks of pregnancy, since it is produced with the aim of facilitating delivery.
What to do: The presence of mucus in the urine and cloudy urine during pregnancy is not a cause for concern and no treatment is necessary. However, if the woman has symptoms such as discomfort, pain and a burning sensation when urinating, or the urine smells very strong, it is important that the genecologist is consulted so that tests can be carried out and treatment started, if necessary.
5. Urinary infection
Urinary tract infection is a frequent cause of cloudy urine, because the increase in the amount of bacteria, leukocytes and epithelial cells in the urine makes it more turbid. In addition to cloudy urine, it is important that the person is attentive to signs and symptoms that may arise such as pain and discomfort when urinating, feeling unable to empty the bladder and frequent urge to urinate, it is recommended to consult the urologist or gynecologist to confirm the diagnosis and start the most appropriate treatment.
Learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of urinary tract infection.
What to do: In this case it is important to follow the treatment indicated by the doctor, which usually involves the use of antibiotics according to the microorganism responsible for the infection. In addition to antibiotic treatment, it is important that the person maintains the correct hygiene of the genital region, in addition to increasing the water intake during the day, as this way it is possible to produce more urine and facilitate the elimination of bacteria that are in excess.
6. Renal stone
The kidney stone, also known as kidney stone, can also cause the urine to become cloudy, because in this situation there is an increase in the amount of leukocytes, epithelial cells and crystals in the urine, which can change its appearance, for example.
What to do: It is common that in the presence of kidney stones the person feels severe pain in the back of the back, it is important to go to the hospital as soon as the pain arises, as it is possible that tests are done to check the quantity and size of stones. Thus, according to the characteristics of the calculation, appropriate treatment is initiated, which may involve the use of remedies that promote the elimination of the stone or surgery. See how the treatment for kidney stones is done.