Tea-Colored Urine in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients - Gastroenterology and Hepatology

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Brown urine in the context of hepatitis B concerns?


Hello, doctor.
I would like to ask you about my situation.
I have been a carrier of hepatitis B since childhood, and recently, in the past week, I have experienced two episodes of tea-colored urine, both occurring around 3:00 PM.
The next urination returned to normal color.
I have not experienced any other discomfort or jaundice.
Information I found online suggests a connection to hepatitis.
I undergo ultrasound and blood tests every six months, and my last follow-up in mid-January showed no abnormalities.
I would like to know if tea-colored urine related to hepatitis means that the urine is consistently tea-colored each time, or if having it appear even once is enough to be considered related to hepatitis.
Thank you.

123, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/05/20

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology


The described symptoms are likely unrelated to hepatitis B and may be due to dietary pigments or urinary tract issues (such as minor bleeding).
It is advisable to consult a urologist for a urinalysis.

Reply Date: 2023/05/20

More Info


Tea-colored urine can be concerning, especially for individuals with a history of chronic hepatitis B. However, it is essential to understand that the presence of tea-colored urine does not automatically indicate a serious underlying condition, such as liver disease. In your case, where you have a history of being a hepatitis B carrier and have recently experienced tea-colored urine intermittently, it is crucial to consider various factors.

Firstly, tea-colored urine can result from several benign causes, including dietary factors, dehydration, or even certain medications. Foods such as beets, blackberries, and some food dyes can alter urine color. Additionally, dehydration can concentrate urine, leading to a darker appearance. In your case, since you mentioned that the tea-colored urine occurred only twice and returned to normal shortly after, it may not be directly related to your hepatitis B status.

Regarding the relationship between hepatitis B and tea-colored urine, it is important to clarify that persistent tea-colored urine, especially when accompanied by other symptoms such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal pain, or fatigue, could indicate liver dysfunction or bile duct obstruction. In such cases, further evaluation would be warranted. However, if the tea-colored urine is transient and not associated with other symptoms, it is less likely to be related to liver disease.

In your situation, since you have been regularly monitored with ultrasound and blood tests every six months, and your last check-up showed no abnormalities, it is reassuring. The intermittent nature of your symptoms suggests that it may not be a direct consequence of your hepatitis B status. However, it is always wise to remain vigilant and consult with your healthcare provider if you notice any changes in your health or if the tea-colored urine persists.

To answer your specific question about whether tea-colored urine related to hepatitis B is characterized by its persistence: it is generally the case that persistent changes in urine color, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, warrant further investigation. A single occurrence of tea-colored urine, particularly if it resolves quickly and is not accompanied by other symptoms, is less likely to be a cause for concern.

In conclusion, while tea-colored urine can be associated with liver issues, in your case, it appears to be a transient event. Continue to monitor your health, stay hydrated, and maintain regular check-ups with your healthcare provider. If you experience any new or worsening symptoms, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. Your proactive approach to managing your hepatitis B and monitoring your health is commendable, and it is essential to keep open communication with your healthcare team.

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