Over the course of some weeks, Akash Kumar, a 55-year-old business consultant from Hyderabad, noticed a foul smell whenever he urinated. This made him self-conscious, inducing reluctance to use the washroom when he stepped outside his house, even if it was urgent. He neither had any underlying health conditions nor was on any medication. A urine analysis recommended by a urologist revealed that he had a severe urinary tract infection (UTI), and he was put on medication to address the issue.
Foul-smelling urine is usually not concerning if it lingers for a few days, say experts. It can result from factors like bacterial infections in the urinary tract, urine becoming acidic or kidney stones, says Dr Govardhan Reddy, lead consultant, urology & uro-oncology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore. However, one should not jump to severe conclusions without a detailed diagnosis.
Foul smell in urine: What are its causes?
“A strong or foul-smelling urine for an extended period may result from chronic health conditions like diabetes,” says Dr Chethan JV, consultant, urology, Manipal Hospital, Bangalore. According to a case study published in 2023, foul-smelling urine in adults can mostly occur due to an infection or bacterial growth in the urinary tract. In addition, certain dietary choices can also lead to the condition. According to experts, some of the primary causes of bad urine odor include:
♦ UTIs
UTIs, typically resulting from bacterial growth in the urinary tract, are one of the major causes of foul urine odor, says Dr Chethan. The bacteria can infect the urethra, bladder or kidneys.
♦ Uncontrolled diabetes
Individuals with severe diabetes may also develop cystopathy, a condition where their bladder becomes weak, says Dr Reddy. “They may also find it difficult to empty the bladder completely, leading to urine retention — a condition where some urine remains in the bladder. This urine may produce a foul smell,” he elaborates.
♦ Kidney problems
According to experts, bad urine odor may also develop due to kidney complications resulting from UTIs. “A urine infection can affect kidney functioning as well. Sometimes, high purine levels can make the urine acidic, producing an ammonia-like pungent smell,” explains Dr Reddy.
♦ Prostate or bladder cancer
Cloudy or smelly urine can also be a sign of cancer in the prostate gland or bladder. When an individual has prostate cancer, a lot of chemicals are released that can alter the smell or appearance of urine. However, an unpleasant odor in the urine should not always be assumed as a sign of cancer.
Managing foul smell in urine
According to experts, some primary measures to address foul urine odor are as follows:
♦ Ensure adequate hydration
Drinking adequate water (six to eight glasses a day) can help dilute the urine. This can keep UTIs at bay, which can lead to severe health problems, says Dr Chethan. However, those dealing with kidney or cardiac problems should not drink excess water, as it can negatively impact their health. They can drink fluids as per the limit recommended by their doctor.
♦ Cranberry juice can be beneficial
According to experts, many studies have reported that cranberry juice is helpful in managing UTIs. Dr Reddy says that it can also help reduce the foul odor in urine.
♦ Alter your diet
Certain foods (such as asparagus, garlic and onions) and beverages may cause the urine to stink. Hence, experts suggest avoiding such foods and reducing the intake of beverages like coffee that can irritate the bladder and contribute to foul-smelling urine.
They also advise incorporating citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons into the diet, as these can make the urine more alkaline and reduce the foul odor.
♦ Seek medical help
Foul-smelling urine (due to bladder infections) for an extended period can give rise to severe consequences. Hence, it’s crucial to undergo a urine flow test to detect any infection and come up with an appropriate treatment plan.
Takeaways
Foul-smelling urine can result from UTIs or chronic health conditions like diabetes, kidney complications and cancer. However, one should not assume the worst without a detailed diagnosis. Ensuring adequate hydration, incorporating citrus fruits into the diet and seeking medical help are some ways to address the issue.
