Persistent Strong Smell and Bubbles in Morning Urine: What Could It Mean?

For the past ten days, my first morning urine has had a strong odor and there are many bubbles that take a long time to dissipate?

Hello, doctor.
Recently, when I wake up in the morning, my first urine has a strong, foul odor that can be quite pungent.
It also has a lot of bubbles, and the urine color is light yellow.
This has been ongoing for more than ten days.
I currently do not feel any discomfort in my body.
My diet is very light, primarily consisting of vegetables.
I do not eat fried foods, and I only drink water and freshly squeezed fruit juice.
Under normal circumstances, I shouldn't be experiencing this.
I usually have dinner around 8 to 9 PM, and I do not have a habit of eating late-night snacks.
However, I have been having dinner at this time for over six months now.
My urine was normal before this.
My height is 177 cm, and my weight is about 68 kg, which is also normal.
Whether I exercise or not, the odor of my urine remains the same.
I drink about 2000 cc of water daily, sometimes even more.
Only my first urine of the day has this issue.
Could you please provide your professional insight on what might be happening? Thank you, doctor.
I really appreciate it.

Xiao Hai, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/05/09

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Hello, based on your description, it seems to be a urinary tract infection.
A urine test can be conducted to check for any issues and the extent of the infection, after which appropriate treatment can be determined.
Additionally, if you consume too much late-night snack, it may put a strain on the kidneys, leading to mild proteinuria.
If there are any unclear points, feel free to ask again, and we can discuss and research further.

Director of Urology, Taitung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan, Hsu Wei-Kai.

Reply Date: 2008/05/09

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding the persistent strong smell and bubbles in your morning urine. Based on your description, there are several potential explanations for these symptoms, and I will do my best to provide you with a comprehensive understanding.

Firstly, the strong odor in your urine, particularly if it is described as "fishy" or "ammonia-like," can be attributed to a variety of factors. One common cause is dehydration, which can concentrate the urine and intensify its smell. However, you mentioned that you are drinking around 2000cc of water daily, which should generally be sufficient to keep you hydrated.
Another possibility is the presence of certain dietary components. While you indicated that your diet is primarily composed of vegetables and fresh juices, certain foods can lead to changes in urine odor. For example, asparagus is well-known for causing a distinct smell in urine due to the breakdown of asparagusic acid. Similarly, foods high in protein can also lead to a stronger odor due to the increased production of urea and ammonia.

The presence of bubbles in your urine can also be indicative of several conditions. Bubbles can occur due to the force of urination, but if they are persistent and excessive, it may suggest the presence of protein in the urine, a condition known as proteinuria. This can be a sign of kidney issues, such as glomerulonephritis or nephrotic syndrome, where the kidneys are not filtering properly.
Given that you have not experienced any other discomfort or symptoms, it is reassuring; however, it is still essential to consider the possibility of underlying conditions. For instance, urinary tract infections (UTIs) can sometimes present with strong-smelling urine, although they typically come with additional symptoms such as burning during urination, frequent urination, or abdominal pain.
Another consideration is diabetes, particularly if your body is not effectively utilizing glucose, leading to the presence of ketones in the urine, which can also produce a strong odor.
Since you have mentioned that this has been ongoing for over ten days, I would recommend that you consult with a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. A urinalysis can provide valuable information regarding the presence of protein, glucose, ketones, and other substances in your urine. Additionally, blood tests may be necessary to assess kidney function and overall metabolic health.

In summary, while there are several benign explanations for the changes in your urine, it is crucial to rule out any potential underlying health issues. I encourage you to seek medical advice to ensure that you receive the appropriate tests and evaluations. Early detection and intervention can be key in managing any potential health concerns effectively.

Best wishes for your health, and I hope you find the answers you are looking for soon.

Sincerely,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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