Changes in urine colour, froth or smell can signal kidney disease and should not be ignored

Many people dismiss changes in the colour, froth or smell of urine as minor. The article says the body's toxic waste leaves through sweat, urine and stool, so holding urine for long is not advisable. It says lifestyle changes put kidney health at risk, and changes visible in the body should not be ignored.

When kidney disease begins, the symptoms in the first days seem very ordinary, the article says. Over time, however, the trouble grows and the kidneys can fail. Froth in urine, a strong or pungent smell and a dark colour are such changes, which people often treat as normal.

Besides drinking too little water, food items, medicines and vitamin tablets can also change the colour of urine. If enough water is drunk through the day, urine stays very light or clear, while it starts changing colour when too little is drunk. If symptoms such as persistently frothy urine, redness, burning, fever, back pain, swelling or a fall in the quantity of urine appear, treatment should be sought in time, the article says.

On strong odour, the article says it does not always come from infection. Dehydration, or taking calcium or other painkiller tablets, can also cause it. Asparagus, coffee and very spicy food also change the colour of urine, and there can be burning and sharp pain while urinating. Burning, frequent urination, inability to hold urine and sharp pain in the lower abdomen are listed as symptoms seen in kidney-related disease.

On froth, the article explains that when urine is held for long, a full bladder empties forcefully onto the toilet water, which creates froth. But if froth is always seen, proper treatment should be sought on a doctor's advice. If protein starts passing out in urine, it points to a kidney problem, the article says. People with diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of kidney disease are affected by kidney disease sooner.

The article also says that in a urinary tract infection (UTI) or a serious urinary illness, blood can appear in urine, giving it a pink colour. This is described as a very serious warning sign. People affected by more serious diseases of the kidney, bladder or urinary tract must get proper treatment. Dehydration, infection, crystals or stones increase infection in the urinary tract.

A note accompanying the article makes clear that the information is for general awareness only and does not claim to be a treatment. Readers are advised to consult their doctor before trying any remedy.