Urine, abnormal color

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.

Home Care:
For dark yellow or orange urine, increase fluid intake.

For urine color changes due to medication or food consumption, the color change is temporary and will disappear as the chemical substance causing the color change leaves the body. No treatment is necessary.

For green or blue urine, no treatment is necessary. This condition is harmless.

Call Your Healthcare Provider If:

  • there is clear, dark-brown urine, particularly if accompanied by pale stools and yellow skin and eyes.
  • there is pink, red, or smoky-brown urine, and the color change was not expected (due to a medication).
  • abnormal urine color is persistent and unexplained or accompanied by other unexplained symptoms.



What to Expect:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting abnormal urine color in detail may include:

  • time pattern
    • When did this begin?
    • Did this begin suddenly?

  • quality
    • Is there any pain associated with urination?
    • What color is the urine?
    • Is it consistently the same color throughout the day?
    • Is the quantity of urine per day decreased? Increased?
    • Is any blood visible?
    • Is there an odor?

  • aggravating factors
    • Are medications being taken that could cause this change in color?
    • Have foods been eaten that could account for this change in color (such as colored candy, beets, berries, rhubarb)?

  • relieving factors:
    • Does a change in diet change the color of the urine?
    • Does a change in medication change the color of the urine? (Note: NEVER change medications without first consulting your health care provider.)

  • other

A history will be obtained and a physical examination performed (possibly including a rectal or pelvic exam). Take a clean catch urine sample to your health care provider's office.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to abnormal urine color, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.


This is an illustration of the female urinary tract. The female and male urinary tracts are relatively the same except for the length of the urethra. The positioning in the body and relative size of the organs are also demonstrated.



This is an illustration of the male urinary tract. The female and male urinary tract are relatively the same except for the length of the urethra. The positioning and relative size of the organs are also shown.



Urine normally does not contain melanin, the pigment responsible for tanning and skin color. Malignant melanoma may produce excessive melanin that can appear in the urine. On exposure to air, this melanin darkens.