Foul Smelling Urine – Causes of Foul and Smelly Urine

All urine has an odor and it varies from person to person, however normal urine doesn’t have a strong odor. Foul smelling urine can be caused by many different things, depending on the foods or liquids consumed by a person in the last 24 hours or so.

Asparagus and coffee are known to change the odor of urine, and dehydration can cause urine to be darker and have a strong scent of ammonia. Certain medications can cause urine to have a different odor, and medical conditions, like diabetes, may cause the urine to take on an unusual sweet odor.

Bladder infections are a common cause for foul smelly urine, as traces of blood and bacteria can give the urine a very strong, pungent smell. The urine will be cloudy or discolored. Symptoms will also include burning, frequent urination, stomach or back pain and possibly fever.

Other causes for foul smelling urine are metabolic disorders, rare genetic disorders and liver disease, which may give the urine a musty smell. Inflammation of the urethra can cause urine to smell like sulfur, and certain vitamins, especially B vitamins, can give a strange odor to the urine. Any odor that is frequent, or lasts several days and has other symptoms with it, should be diagnosed by a doctor.

Urine tests will determine whether or not an infection or other problems are present. It may be necessary to do further testing to diagnose the source of cloudy smelly urine. Describing the odor to the doctor will help them to determine the cause of the odor, and find an appropriate treatment.

Foul smelling urine is a sign that there could be something more serious going on within the body, and should not be ignored. Most odors in the urine do not signify a health problem, and are usually temporary.

More fluids throughout the day are the best way to keep the urine diluted and allow wastes to be removed from the body faster. It’s important to be aware of normal urine odor, and its variations, so that any change from the ordinary can be addressed as soon as possible.