Do you have bubbles in your urine? This can be an indication of different conditions in the body. It is common in people suffering from conditions like proteinuria or an infection in the urinary tract.
Urine is a body solution made in the kidney. It contains water and other excretory body waste products. Production of urine is the body's way of removing unwanted soluble substances from the body.
It is normal for urine to contain bubbles. It is also possible for one to produce urine that is foamy because it could be the result of reaction of the urine with the toilet cleaning agents. You can determine whether the foaming is physiological or a reaction with toilet cleansers by urinating inside a sterilized beaker and observe the urine for foam. If the cause is a reaction with cleansers, the foam will be absent. If the foam is still evident, you need to have a urine analysis conducted. Using a 24hours test gives more accurate evidence than use of dipstick tests. Below are some causes of normal and abnormal urine.
Causes of Normal Bubbles in Urine
1. Mild dehydration
Mild dehydration occurs when the body is deprived of adequate amounts of water. Symptoms include headache, fatigue, decrease in urine output, dry mouth as well as frothy urine. Taking adequate amounts of water can help reduce bubbles in urine.
Risk indicators: People suffering from diabetes should ensure they take in enough water. High levels of glucose in the blood cause the excess glucose to be removed in urine. This leads to more production of urine. This means that body water is lost in urination leading to dehydration. Apart from bubbles and mild dehydration, people suffering from diabetes will experience excessive thirst and urination. One is advised to seek medical attention immediately.
2. Pregnancy
It is normal to have bubbles in urine when pregnant. This is because kidneys in some women enlarge and so does the permeability of the glomerulus. This leads to traces of protein in the urine causing bubbles. It is advisable to see an obstetrician for checkup.
Risk indicators: Presence of bubbles in urine can also indicate the development of preeclampsia. This condition causes presence of protein in urine which forms bubbles. Other symptoms include high blood pressure above 140/90 as well as swelling of face, hands and feet. This condition requires medical attention immediately.
3. Forceful urination
When one urinates forcefully, air gets trapped in the urine, and this causes foaming. This is also common when one urinates in the morning. Morning urine is quite concentrated and hence forms bubbles. The only time you should be alarmed is when the foaming occurs too often.
4. Menstruation
It is normal for women to experience bubbles in urine during the first 2 days of their menstrual period. This is due to dehydration. This should not be a source of concern. Intake of water in plenty is recommended.
Causes of Abnormal Bubbles in Urine
1. Proteinuria
This condition is caused by abnormal amounts of protein in the urine. This is one sign of kidney disease because faulty kidneys allow the passage of protein from the blood to the urine. This condition is also caused by digesting too much protein or too much production of protein in the body.
Those who have hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes have a greater chance of seeing bubbles in their urine. Besides, those above the age of 65, obese people and those who have genetic kidney disease also have a greater chance of developing proteinuria.
Other conditions like trauma, toxins, medications, disorders of the immune system, infections can also lead to proteinuria.
Treatment
Treatment involves treating the causes in this condition. When caused by kidney disease, it is essential to get appropriate medical attention. ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers) and ACE inhibitors (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors) are prescribed especially to patients with diabetes or hypertension. It is essential to seek proper treatment especially by people with other conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
2. Urinary tract infection
This infection mostly occurs in women. It is caused by bacteria found in the urinary bladder or urethra. The bacteria can move to the kidney if it not treated in time. Signs include fever, frequent urge to urinate, dysuria (pain when urinating), abdominal aches, discharge that is yellowish and greenish, foul smell in urine and traces of blood in urine.
If you have any of the above symptoms, you need to seek medical assistance immediately. The doctor will know the cause and administer the correct medication.
Treatment
The doctor determines the cause of the infection and the type of infection. Common medications include antibiotics, antiviral, antifungal as well as anti-parasite drugs. Drugs for bladder spasms may also be prescribed. In some cases, surgery is needed as a corrective measure.
3. Vesicocolic fistula
Vesicocolic fistula refers to an abnormal connection between the colon and bladder. This is more common in men. A swelling forms on the urinary bladder's base causing the accumulation of body fluids beneath the skin. Bubbles present in this fluid pass through urine.
Treatment
These bubbles can indicate complications such as Crohn's disease or tumors. There is often no need for medication, but it is important to consult the doctor for further guidance.
4. Kidney disease
Any damage or infection in the kidney leads to the spillage of proteins into urine. This protein is what causes the bubbles in urine. This leads to constant urination as the body is no longer able to prepare concentrated urine. Apart from the presence of protein in urine, other symptoms of kidney infection include appetite loss, hypertension as well as fatigue.
Treatment
Early treatment is a great advantage in kidney diseases to prevent further deterioration. It's also important to monitor closely your blood glucose levels if you are suffering from diabetes and at the same time control your blood pressure.