Non-Dispersing Bubbly Urine: When to Seek Medical Advice

Q: Non-Dispersing Bubbly Urine: When to Seek Medical Advice

Hello： 1) Diet and hydration are factors. <br>2) A normal urinalysis indicates normalcy; further examination at the hospital is recommended. <br>3) A normal urinalysis suggests a low likelihood of stones; drink plenty of water, at least 2000cc of plain water, and avoid beverages.

Could you please clarify your question regarding normal non-foamy urine and other issues?

Introduction: I saw other doctors on a television program mention that persistent bubbles in urine require prompt medical evaluation to avoid kidney issues.
Therefore, I sought medical attention.
The results were normal, but I did not have the opportunity to ask detailed questions in the clinic, leaving me with some doubts.
There is limited health education information or consultation channels available, and I have many questions, which makes me somewhat anxious.
I kindly ask for your understanding and assistance in clarifying my concerns.
Thank you for reading this lengthy message.
Medical History: I frequently have kidney stones, which are mostly small and can pass on their own, usually without pain.
The most I experience is slight pain at the glans or at the exit, muscle tightness along the urinary tract, and lower back discomfort.
Rarely, I have pain caused by stones scraping.
I informed the doctor of my main concerns: the reasons for seeking medical attention (persistent bubbles in urine, occasional itching of the glans, and cloudy urine).
My urine appears cloudy with suspended particles, and the bubbles do not dissipate (they form larger streaks or cap-like shapes).
Occasionally, there is itching at the urethral opening of the glans.
There is mild pain and tightness in the urinary tract.
The area covered by bubbles is small, and I can generally see 80-95% of the water surface, but these symptoms usually disappear when I am well-hydrated.

Family History: There are many cases of diabetes and kidney stones (in different locations) in my family.
(There are also many cases of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, which I forgot to mention.) However, I do not usually consume much meat.
(Note: I forgot to mention to my attending physician that I often eat takeout, consume little meat, and occasionally eat tofu or vegetarian food or snacks.)
Results: Only a urine test was conducted, and the results were normal.
The protein levels were considered normal, and I had not taken any medication or undergone further testing.
There was no mention of any disease.
The doctor explained that the cloudiness in the urine was due to skin flakes falling into the urethra.
Questions:
1.
What causes persistent bubbles in urine?
2.
Is it normal for urine to have persistent bubbles, or have I misunderstood what the doctors on the program meant?
3.
Should I be concerned about occasional itching at the urethral opening of the glans? Could it be caused by kidney stones? (Currently, I feel some discomfort similar to that of kidney stones, with lower back pain.) However, I have not undergone ultrasound or other tests.
4.
What symptoms should prompt me to return to the urology department for further examination? (Persistent bubbles or other urinary phenomena?)
5.
Regarding kidney stones, I generally drink over 2000 ml of water daily, sometimes exceeding 3000 ml.
How much water intake could lead to water intoxication, or is this not a concern?
Thank you for reading this and for clarifying my doubts.
I have limited health knowledge and hope for your assistance.
Thank you once again, and I wish you peace and well-being.

Yihuo Ren, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/07/04

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: 1) Diet and hydration are factors.
2) A normal urinalysis indicates normalcy; further examination at the hospital is recommended.
3) A normal urinalysis suggests a low likelihood of stones; drink plenty of water, at least 2000cc of plain water, and avoid beverages.
4) Regular check-ups should be conducted every six months to a year (if there is a history of kidney stones).
5) Consuming 2000-3000cc of water will not lead to water intoxication, so there is no need for concern.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/07/04

More Info

When it comes to the issue of non-dispersing bubbly urine, it is important to understand the potential underlying causes and when to seek medical advice. The presence of bubbles in urine can be attributed to various factors, including proteinuria, which is the presence of excess protein in the urine. This can be a sign of kidney dysfunction or other medical conditions.
1. What Causes Non-Dispersing Bubbly Urine?
Non-dispersing bubbles in urine can be caused by a variety of factors. One common reason is the presence of protein in the urine, which can create a foamy appearance. This condition, known as proteinuria, can be indicative of kidney issues, such as glomerulonephritis or nephrotic syndrome. Other factors that can contribute to bubbly urine include dehydration, which can concentrate the urine and lead to a foamy appearance, or the presence of certain substances in the urine, such as soap or other cleaning agents.
2. Is Non-Dispersing Bubbly Urine Normal?
While occasional bubbly urine can be normal, especially after vigorous physical activity or dehydration, persistent non-dispersing bubbles should not be ignored. If the bubbles do not dissipate and are accompanied by other symptoms, such as changes in urine color, pain, or discomfort, it is advisable to seek medical attention. The concerns raised in the television program regarding the need for prompt evaluation are valid, particularly if there are other risk factors or symptoms present.

3. Should I Worry About Occasional Itching at the Urethral Opening?
Occasional itching at the urethral opening can be caused by several factors, including irritation from soaps, detergents, or hygiene products, as well as infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Given your history of kidney stones and urinary symptoms, it is worth discussing this symptom with your healthcare provider, especially if it persists or worsens.

4. When Should I Return to the Urologist?
You should consider returning to the urologist if you experience any of the following:
- Persistent or worsening bubbly urine that does not resolve.

- Changes in urine color, such as dark or cloudy urine.

- Increased frequency of urination or urgency.

- Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen or back.

- Any new symptoms, such as fever or chills, which could indicate an infection.

5. Hydration and Water Intoxication Concerns:
Drinking adequate amounts of water is crucial for kidney health, especially for those with a history of kidney stones. Generally, a fluid intake of 2000-3000 mL per day is considered safe for most individuals. However, excessive water intake can lead to water intoxication, which is rare but can occur if fluid intake exceeds the kidneys' ability to excrete it, leading to hyponatremia (low sodium levels). Signs of water intoxication include confusion, headache, nausea, and in severe cases, seizures. It is important to listen to your body and adjust your fluid intake based on your activity level and environmental conditions.

In conclusion, while your recent urine tests came back normal, it is essential to remain vigilant about any changes in your urinary symptoms. If you have ongoing concerns or if new symptoms arise, do not hesitate to seek further evaluation from a healthcare professional. Regular follow-ups and open communication with your doctor can help ensure that any potential issues are addressed promptly.

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