Reasons for the occurrence of foamy urine

Most of the time, foamy urine is nothing to worry about... However, if it recurs, kidney function and blood sugar levels should be checked.

Protein in urine

Elena Campbell, a urology specialist at Oaksner Health System in the United States, said, "The most common cause of foamy urine is protein mixed in the urine." The protein in urine is called 'proteinuria' or 'albuminuria.' Albumin is a major protein in the blood. A high level of protein in the urine indicates that the kidneys are not properly filtering the protein. Protein in the urine is closely related to kidney disease, diabetes, and hypertension. However, according to the American Society of Nephrology, only about one-third of people with foamy urine are diagnosed with proteinuria. Even if diagnosed, it cannot be definitively concluded that there is a serious problem with the kidneys. Further detailed testing is necessary.

When urinating quickly and forcefully

The faster and stronger the urine flow, the higher the likelihood of foam formation. Dr. Elizabeth Kavaler, a urology specialist at New York's Lenox Hill Hospital, said, "When the urine flow is strong, the water in the toilet becomes turbulent, creating foam. This is a basic principle of physics."

Dehydration

Dehydration can cause the urine to become more concentrated and appear foamy. Insufficient fluid intake can darken the color of urine. Normal urine is light yellow and transparent. Dehydration symptoms may occur if you have diarrhea or vomiting, develop a fever, sweat excessively from physical activity, or do not drink enough water.

Bacteria in urine

If bacteria are present in the urine, foam may form. When you have a bladder infection, you may experience a burning sensation when urinating, a urgent need to go to the bathroom, and foamy urine. Certain sexually transmitted infections (such as trichomoniasis) can produce foamy discharge from the penis in men and the vagina in women, which can affect the urine.

Kidney disease

To determine whether there is protein in the urine, a urine test must be performed. The test results can be known immediately. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) in the United States, if proteinuria is diagnosed more than three times within three months through urine tests, treatment for kidney disease is necessary.

Diabetes mellitus

Diabetic kidney disease caused by type 1 or type 2 diabetes is a major cause of renal failure. If diabetic patients cannot properly control their blood sugar levels, glucose destroys blood vessels and proteins start leaking into the urine. This is why foamy urine appears. In the early stages, kidney disease often shows no symptoms. Diabetic patients should control their blood sugar and undergo regular urine tests.

Hypertension

Even if hypertension patients fail to properly control their blood pressure, foamy urine can occur. Hypertension is the second leading cause of kidney disease. High blood pressure puts too much strain on the kidneys. If the kidneys cannot properly filter waste, proteinuria, or foamy urine, develops. To maintain normal kidney filtration function, blood sugar and blood pressure must be well controlled. These conditions should be managed effectively through diet, exercise, and medication.