Foamy Urine: Causes, Concerns, and Kidney Health

Foamy urine?

Hello Doctor, I am 32 years old.
Recently, I noticed that my urine has bubbles, which dissipate within 5-10 minutes, but there are small persistent bubbles at the edge of the toilet, especially noticeable during the first urination in the morning, where the bubbles dissipate more slowly.
I am concerned because I took anti-inflammatory pain medications (unsure of the specific type) for a considerable period about a year ago.
I went to a certified laboratory nearby for testing, and the results were: urine protein (-), creatinine 1.06, and eGFR 86.11.
I would like to ask if this is considered abnormal.
Is a normal eGFR value ideally around 100? 2.
Since I provided a urine sample around 5 PM and had already urinated several times that day, could this affect the urine protein test results? 3.
I regularly take B vitamins, fish oil, and lutein; could these affect the above test results? Note: At 18 years old, my creatinine level was 1.19, and at 19 years old, it was 1.2.

Xiao Chen, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/07/09

Dr. Wu Hongjie reply Internal Medicine

1.
I would like to ask if my situation is considered abnormal.
Is a normal eGFR value ideally around 100? The eGFR is an estimate and is related to factors such as gender, muscle mass, and age; a value above 60 is generally acceptable.
To diagnose kidney disease, it must be accompanied by proteinuria, hematuria, abnormal pathology results, or abnormalities on renal ultrasound, among other factors.
2.
Since the urine test was conducted around 5 PM and I had already urinated several times that day, could this affect the urine protein test results? Typically, the first morning urine sample shows the most protein.
If urine protein tests in the clinic repeatedly yield negative results, a 24-hour urine protein test can be considered for confirmation.
3.
I usually take B vitamins, fish oil, and lutein; do these affect the tests mentioned above? They do not affect urine protein testing.
The presence of bubbles in urine does not necessarily indicate proteinuria.
Conditions such as fever, excessive exercise, high intake of animal protein, hormonal changes, or other diseases causing excessive protein production can also be reasons for proteinuria.
The protein level in urine is not necessarily zero; there is normally a small amount of protein, generally less than 150 mg per day.
If urine protein levels exceed the standard during testing, treatment may be necessary.
If the tests do not exceed the standard, it could be due to: 1.
Incomplete detection of urine protein during the test; it is recommended to conduct a 24-hour urine protein test for higher accuracy.
2.
If there is truly no urine protein, it is advisable to monitor it several times over the course of a year, at least two to three times, to rule out its presence.
Wishing you health and safety.

Reply Date: 2021/07/09

More Info

Foamy urine can be a concerning symptom for many individuals, and understanding its causes and implications for kidney health is essential. Based on your description, you have observed foamy urine, particularly noticeable in the morning, and you have undergone some laboratory tests that show normal protein levels and a slightly elevated creatinine level. Let's break down your concerns and provide some insights.

Understanding Foamy Urine
Foamy urine can occur for several reasons. The most common cause is the presence of protein in the urine, which can create bubbles or foam. However, you mentioned that your urine test showed no protein present, which is a good sign. Other potential causes of foamy urine include:
1. Dehydration: Concentrated urine can lead to more foaming. If you are not drinking enough fluids, your urine may become more concentrated, leading to a foamy appearance.

2. Rapid Urination: If you urinate quickly or with force, it can create bubbles in the toilet bowl, mimicking foamy urine.

3. Dietary Factors: Certain foods or supplements can affect urine appearance. For instance, high protein diets can lead to increased protein in the urine, but since your test was negative for protein, this may not be a concern for you.

4. Medications: Some medications, particularly those that affect kidney function or protein metabolism, can lead to changes in urine appearance. You mentioned taking anti-inflammatory medications in the past; depending on the type, they could potentially impact kidney function.

Kidney Health and Test Results
Regarding your kidney function tests, an eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) of 86.11 is within the normal range, although it is slightly below the ideal level of 100. eGFR values can vary based on age, sex, and muscle mass, so a value of 86 is not necessarily alarming, especially if you have no other symptoms of kidney dysfunction. It's important to monitor this over time, especially if you have a history of elevated creatinine levels.

1. Impact of Urine Timing: The timing of your urine test can influence results. If you had urinated multiple times before the test, it might dilute the urine, potentially affecting the concentration of any substances, including proteins. However, since your test showed no protein, this is less of a concern.

2. Supplements and Medications: The B vitamins, fish oil, and lutein you mentioned are generally considered safe and unlikely to significantly affect kidney function or the results of your urine tests. However, it’s always wise to discuss any supplements with your healthcare provider, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

Recommendations
Given your current situation, here are some recommendations:
- Hydration: Ensure you are adequately hydrated. Drinking enough water can help dilute your urine and may reduce foaming.

- Regular Monitoring: Continue to monitor your kidney function through regular check-ups. If you notice any changes in your urine, such as persistent foaming, changes in color, or any other symptoms, consult your healthcare provider.

- Diet and Lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet and avoid excessive intake of protein or other substances that could strain your kidneys. Regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle can also support kidney health.

- Follow-Up: If you have concerns about your kidney function or the foamy urine persists, consider discussing further testing with your healthcare provider. They may recommend additional urine tests or imaging studies to rule out any underlying issues.

In summary, while foamy urine can be a concern, your current test results suggest that your kidney function is stable. Monitoring your symptoms and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will be key in managing your kidney health. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and recommendations.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Foamy Urine: Causes, Kidney Health, and What to Watch For

What causes foamy urine? Is it related to the kidneys? What should I be aware of?

Dr. Chen Xiuyi reply Urology
Hello: If urine has persistent bubbles that do not disappear, a urinalysis should be performed to check for protein, urinary tract infection, crystalluria, etc. If proteinuria is present, it is generally related to kidney issues and further investigation is needed. Sincerely, Dr....

Persistent Foamy Urine: Understanding Causes and Concerns

The suspected causes began with panic disorder leading to autonomic nervous system dysfunction, resulting in symptoms such as body heat, sweating, and loss of appetite, where I could only consume nutritional products like Ensure. Additionally, I experienced pain in my cervical an...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: From a physician's perspective, if urine and blood tests are normal, there is no issue. Drink plenty of water and limit sugary beverages. Wishing you good health.

Understanding Persistent Bubbles in Urine: Kidney Health Concerns

Hello, doctor! I have a question: My boyfriend has a lot of bubbles in his urine when he urinates, and the bubbles do not disappear after a while; they persist, similar to when there are a lot of soap bubbles. Does this indicate a potential kidney problem? Is there a possibility ...

Dr. Zhao Chongliang reply Internal Medicine
The causes of foamy urine include the presence of protein in the urine, gas-producing bacteria in the urine, the formation of a fistula between the urethra and the intestine, and the introduction of foreign substances. Typically, men have more foamy urine because the urinary and ...

Excessive Foamy Urine: Causes and Dietary Connections Explained

Recently, I've been noticing a lot of bubbles in my urine, especially in the morning or evening. Even when the urine is very light in color, almost like water, the bubbles take a long time to dissipate. I haven't used any cleaning agents or deodorizers in my toilet. In ...

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
Chihuahua: Hello, having bubbles in your urine is mostly a normal phenomenon clinically. Sometimes, it is important to consider whether it is caused by an increased concentration of dissolved substances in the urine, such as infections or proteinuria. Recommendation: It is advisa...