Have you ever experienced that your colour of urine appears milky or turbid from pale yellow? If yes, then this urine is characterised as cloudy or turbid urine. Noticing cloudy urine occasionally is normal and usually not harmful. However, it’s critical to determine the reason if your urine is frequently hazy or if you experience frequent episodes of cloudy urine. Continue reading to find out cloudy urine reasons and treatment.
Cloudy Urine Causes and Treatment
The treatment for cloudy urine depends on the underlying reason behind it. Here are some of the common cloudy urine causes.
Dehydration
While it’s common knowledge that darker-coloured urine indicates dehydration, cloudy urine can also be an indication of inadequate water intake. Dehydration is also more common in hot temperatures, after intense exercise, when you’re vomiting, have diarrhoea, or have a fever. Increase your intake of liquids, such as water, to treat mild to moderate dehydration. However, severe dehydration could necessitate treatment at a doctor’s clinic or emergency hospital that involves intravenous (IV) fluids.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
A UTI can cause an increase in discharge, either in the form of blood or pus, resulting in cloudy urine. Urine that appears milky or hazy may also be caused by an overabundance of white blood cells that the body uses to combat an infection of the urinary system. Bacteria infiltrate urinary tract and ascend into the bladder to cause UTIs. The majority of UTIs are treated with an antibiotic course that lasts several days.
Kidney Stones
Cloudy urine can result from the high concentration of substances such as calcium, oxalate, or uric acid (constituents that make stones) are released when you have kidney stones. While many kidney stones pass without the need for medical intervention, occasionally they can cause excruciating discomfort and even stop the flow of urine. If kidney stones don’t go away on their own, your doctor can suggest surgery, shock-wave therapy, or a scope inserted via the urethra to remove the stone.
Prostate Problems
Prostatitis, another name for an infected or inflamed prostate, can result in the discharge of pus, white blood cells, or other materials that cause cloudy urine in men. See your doctor if you encounter any of the symptoms of prostate issues, such as frequent or painful urination, cloudy or bloody urine, painful ejaculation, etc. Urine and blood tests, as well as a prostate exam, may be recommended by your doctor to make a diagnosis.
Vaginitis
A vaginal infection known as vaginitis can be brought on by trichomoniasis, bacterial vaginosis, or yeast infections. Vaginitis causes an overabundance of vaginal discharge, which can mix with urine leading to cloudy urine women. Your doctor might test the vaginal pH and vaginal discharge in addition to doing a pelvic exam. Your doctor may recommend a topical or oral medication to treat the infection, depending on the cause of your vaginitis.
Your Diet
Cloudy or turbid urine can also be caused by your diet. Milk, leafy greens, and citrus fruits are amongst the items that might increase the pH of your urine and cause cloudiness. Additionally, consuming high-phosphorus foods like meat and dairy items can cause urine to become cloudy due to an increase in phosphate crystals, particularly if your kidneys aren’t functioning well. It may also result from taking large doses of vitamin D supplements as calcium excretion is increased.
Diabetes
Cloudy urine can occur in diabetics for several causes. The extra sugar in your blood must be processed by your kidneys, which can lead to dehydration and turbid urine. Diabetes-related kidney disease can also prevent kidneys from properly filtering urine. Regular blood sugar monitoring and management can help prevent diabetes-related complications.
Conclusion
Although cloudy or turbid urine is frequently harmless and can be brought on by things like diet or dehydration, it can also be a sign of more serious conditions including diabetes, kidney stones, vaginitis, prostate problems, or urinary tract infections. Appropriate treatment for cloudy urine requires determining its underlying cause. Remaining hydrated, keeping an eye out for any new symptoms, and getting medical care when required can all help manage the illness and preserve general urinary health.
