Dark urine

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Dark urine is a condition where the color of the urine is darker than usual. This can be a symptom of various medical conditions, including dehydration, liver disease, and certain infections. It can also be caused by certain medications and foods.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Dark urine can be caused by a variety of factors. These include:

  • Dehydration: This is the most common cause of dark urine. When the body is dehydrated, the kidneys produce more concentrated urine, which can appear darker in color.
  • Liver disease: Conditions such as hepatitis and cirrhosis can cause dark urine.
  • Infections: Certain infections, including urinary tract infections and kidney infections, can cause dark urine.
  • Medications: Certain medications, including some antibiotics and laxatives, can cause dark urine.
  • Foods: Certain foods, including blackberries and beets, can cause dark urine.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

In addition to dark urine, individuals may experience other symptoms, such as:

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of the cause of dark urine typically involves a urinalysis, which is a test that examines the content of the urine. Other tests may include blood tests, imaging tests, and, in some cases, a liver biopsy.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for dark urine depends on the underlying cause. For example, if dehydration is the cause, drinking more fluids may help. If a medication is the cause, the medication may need to be changed. If a liver disease is the cause, treatment may involve medication, lifestyle changes, or, in severe cases, a liver transplant.

See also[edit | edit source]

Dark urine Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD