When it comes to rest room habits, most individuals like to remain non-public. But when you catch a glimpse of your pee and spot foamy urine, it might set off a purple flag, and also you’re possible left questioning “what causes foamy pee?”
“Foamy urine is not at all times an enormous deal, and it could occur whenever you pee actually exhausting or whenever you’re dehydrated,” says David Shusterman, MD, a board-certified urologist at NY Urology. “In basic, it is regular for urine to have some foam or bubbles, particularly if the urine stream is robust and hits the bathroom water with drive,” he explains.
Urine is a liquid waste product the kidneys produce by filtering out extra water and toxins from the physique, Dr. Shusterman says. It’s principally made up of water, but additionally comprises urea, creatinine, electrolytes, and different waste merchandise, nevertheless, the precise composition of urine relies on your hydration ranges, food regimen, and total well being, he provides.
The important job of urine is to do away with waste and toxins out of your physique to maintain your fluids and electrolytes in examine, however Dr. Shusterman says your pee also can inform you a large number concerning the functioning of your kidneys and organs. So, when you discover persistent modifications or alarming traits to your pee (like blood, foul odor, or ache when urinating), it is time to examine in along with your physician as it might be an indication of an underlying well being situation, he explains.
To aid you discover out what you are coping with, we had Dr. Shusterman break down all the pieces you must learn about foamy pee, together with foamy urine causes and when to see a health care provider.
Experts Featured in This Article
David Shusterman, MD, is a board-certified urologist at NY Urology.
What Causes Foamy Pee?
It’s usually regular to have some foam or bubbles in your pee, however the accompanying signs can make clear the underlying trigger. Keep studying to grasp extra of what is inflicting your frothy urine.
Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when your physique does not have sufficient water, which can lead to darker and probably foamy urine, Dr. Shusterman says. Other indicators to be careful for embrace dry mouth, fatigue, and darkish yellow urine, so if that is the case, first step is to up your hydration sport and drink loads of water, he explains. To forestall the problem (and help your total well being!), purpose to drink no less than six to eight glasses of water per day, or round 64 ounces. You also can add an electrolyte powder to spice up your sodium ranges which plummet whenever you’re dehydrated.
Proteinuria
Proteinuria occurs when there’s an excessive amount of protein in your urine, resulting in foamy pee and potential swelling in your fingers, toes, or face, Dr. Shusterman says. Proteinuria is just not a illness in and of itself, however slightly a symptom of sure situations affecting the kidneys together with kidney illness or immune problems, per the Cleveland Clinic. Treatment relies on the foundation trigger, and will contain treatment or life-style modifications, so when you expertise swelling, muscle cramping, lack of urge for food, shortness of breath, and/or frequent urination together with foamy pee, examine in along with your physician, says Dr. Shusterman.
Urinary Tract Infection
A urinary tract an infection (UTI) may cause foamy pee because the micro organism creates bubbles in your urine stream, Dr. Shusterman says. Additional signs embrace frequent urination, a burning sensation, and cloudy or foul-smelling urine, he explains. UTIs are usually handled with antibiotics, so if signs do not go away on their very own, it is essential to examine in along with your healthcare supplier, he says.
Kidney Issues
Kidney points comparable to kidney illness or harm, may end up in foamy urine as a result of protein leakage, Dr. Shusterman says. Healthy kidneys filter out toxins and waste out of your blood whereas preserving protein circulating in your bloodstream, and a rise of protein within the urine may cause foamy pee, signaling that one thing is up. Kidney points additionally usually current with swelling, hypertension, and modifications in your urination (each in frequency and look), so it is important to observe signs and see a health care provider as remedy might contain treatment, dietary modifications, or dialysis, Dr. Shusterman says.
Powerful Urination
It sounds foolish, however vigorous urination can create foamy urine as a result of bubbles from the drive of the urine hitting the bathroom water, Dr. Shusterman says. Additional bubbles also can seem in case your pee is popping out sooner and/or the bathroom was simply cleaned with rest room bowl cleaner or chemical compounds. This is often innocent and does not require medical consideration, however in case you have different regarding signs, Dr. Shusterman recommends speaking along with your doc.
Medication
Certain medicines and dietary supplements could be the wrongdoer behind foamy urine, so it is essential to debate bubbly pee with a healthcare supplier for potential dose changes or options, Dr. Shusterman says. In explicit, when you repeatedly take over-the-counter painkillers like Advil, Motrin, and Aleve, it could result in frothy pee as a result of elevated ranges of protein within the urine. If foamy urine continues even after stopping a drugs or complement, it is value additional medical analysis to rule out underlying well being considerations, Dr. Shusterman provides.
Sleep
Foamy urine can occur at any time of day, however some individuals may discover extra bubbles of their pee very first thing within the morning as a result of it is extra concentrated after sleeping, Dr. Shusterman says. You can relaxation straightforward, although, as a result of this isn’t a trigger for concern.
When to See a Doctor About Foamy Pee
If your foamy pee happens with none accompanying signs, it is possible simply momentary and innocent, Dr. Shusterman says. “But in case your pee stays foamy, or if it is foamy together with different points like peeing so much, ache, or bizarre pee colour, it would imply one thing extra critical is happening and it is best to undoubtedly see a health care provider.” Additionally, when you’re fatigued, have swelling in your legs, ankles, or face, fever, chills, and/or foul-smelling or bloody urine, it is time to go to a healthcare supplier, he provides.
From there, a health care provider can run mandatory exams to diagnose the foundation reason behind your foamy pee and prescribe the correct remedy.
Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based freelance author and graduate from Emory University and Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. Her work has appeared in PS, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, and elsewhere.
