"Does your urine smell strange?"... If the smell is different from usual, it could be due to 'this condition."

When the color of urine is not the usual bright yellow, many people suspect that there may be a health issue. However, in fact, not only the color but also the smell of urine is an important indicator of health status. Sometimes, a temporary change in smell can be due to medication or food intake, but if a strange smell persists every time you urinate, it is advisable to suspect a disease and undergo testing. Let's learn about health problems that can change urine smell and how to manage them.

 

If there is a different smell in your urine than usual, it could be a sign of a health problem. | Source: Clipart Korea

 

☆Strong ammonia smell, suspected dehydration or urinary tract infection

A strong ammonia smell in urine is a typical sign of dehydration or urinary tract infection. Ammonia, one of the main components of urine, is produced during the body's protein metabolism process, and it is usually excreted in a sufficiently diluted state, so the smell is not strong. However, in a dehydrated state, urine becomes more concentrated, and the ammonia smell can become more noticeable than usual. If a urinary tract infection occurs, bacteria break down in the urine, which can further intensify the ammonia smell.

 

To prevent dehydration, it is important to consume an adequate amount of fluids. A total fluid intake of about 2 liters, including the amount obtained from food, is recommended. Especially during the summer or after sweating from exercise, it is advisable to drink more water than usual. If fluids are not sufficiently supplied, urine becomes more concentrated and darker than usual, which can lead to a strong ammonia smell and increase the risk of conditions such as urinary stones, so caution is necessary.

 

Adequate fluid intake is also helpful when experiencing a urinary tract infection. Drinking plenty of water and urinating regularly helps to flush bacteria from the urinary system along with the urine. If you feel the urge to urinate, do not hold it and go to the bathroom immediately. After urination or defecation, it is important to clean thoroughly to maintain a hygienic environment. Especially for women, since their urinary tract is shorter and closer to the anus compared to men, they are more vulnerable to urinary tract infections, so extra care should be taken in daily management.

 

☆If it smells fishy, it could be due to bacterial vaginitis

If a woman experiences a strong fishy odor after urination, bacterial vaginitis may be suspected. Vaginitis can be broadly classified into △bacterial vaginitis △candidiasis △trichomoniasis based on its cause, among which bacterial vaginitis can cause foul-smelling discharge and urine. In addition to the fishy smell of urine, characteristic features of bacterial vaginitis include an increased amount of vaginal discharge and a yellow-green or gray coloration. Bacterial vaginitis occurs when the balance of bacteria and lactic acid bacteria inside the vagina is disrupted, and even without sexual contact, factors such as △excessive vaginal cleansing △wearing tight clothing △smoking can influence its development.

 

When treating bacterial vaginitis, it is important to manage it not only by taking antibiotics prescribed by a hospital but also through self-care. ☆Avoid wearing very tight clothing or clothes that do not allow proper ventilation, and opt for breathable cotton underwear to create a comfortable environment. Excessive use of cleansing agents can also remove beneficial microorganisms in the vagina, so it is advisable to avoid frequent use and simply rinse with clean water. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid using public baths or saunas until the vaginitis has healed.

 

Sweet-smelling urine may indicate diabetes.

A sweet smell in urine may be related to diabetes. It is a symptom that occurs when glucose that has not been fully filtered by the kidneys is excreted in the urine due to very high blood sugar levels. Under normal conditions, glucose is not detected in urine, but when blood sugar rises excessively, glucose can be excreted in the urine, producing a sweet smell. If a person with diabetes is already controlling their blood sugar with medication, this could be a warning sign of complications such as diabetic nephropathy or diabetic ketoacidosis, and caution should be exercised.

 

In particular, diabetic ketoacidosis is characterized by a fruity smell not only in the urine but also in the breath. This is because accumulated ketones in the body are expelled through urine and respiration. At this stage, symptoms such as fatigue, dehydration, severe thirst, altered consciousness, and coma may appear. In severe cases, it can lead to death, so if any suspicious symptoms occur, prompt and appropriate treatment must be received immediately.

 

The most important thing in this case is blood sugar management. Proper control of blood sugar can prevent complications such as diabetic nephropathy or ketoacidosis. Continuously monitoring blood sugar levels through medications like hypoglycemic agents or insulin, and managing lifestyle factors such as weight control, diet, and exercise to prevent blood sugar from becoming too high, is helpful. If blood sugar levels are not well controlled, appropriate measures such as consulting healthcare professionals to adjust medications should be taken before complications appear.

 

An Se-jin, HiDoc Health and Medical Reporter, hidoceditor@mcircle.biz

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When I was in school, I liked sweet foods, and I heard that if you urinate on the street with a loud noise, ants will gather if you have diabetes.

Since I am in the pre-diabetic stage, I am paying attention to my urine as well, and I thought it would be good to share this information.