Answer:

Persistent, excessive foamy urine, especially if it resembles soap and takes a long time to dissipate over several months, can signal an underlying medical condition, particularly one related to the kidneys. While occasional foamy urine is common in healthy individuals—often due to a strong urine stream, urgent urination, or residual cleaning agents in the toilet bowl—its prolonged presence warrants attention.

Your consistent foamy urine for six months, which is recurrent and tends to increase, may indicate proteinuria. This condition means an abnormal amount of protein is being excreted in your urine. Normally, kidneys retain protein for the body, but when their filtering structures are damaged, protein leaks through, causing the excessive foam.

Proteinuria can occur in various conditions, including diabetes, long-standing high blood pressure, glomerulonephritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, urinary tract infections, or chronic kidney disease. The early stages of chronic kidney disease often progress silently. Patients typically experience no pain, fever, or painful urination, making it easy to overlook the condition.

Doctor Ho Tan Thong advises patients visiting the Nephrology - Dialysis Unit. *Illustrative photo: Tam Anh General Clinic District 7.*

In many cases, foamy urine is the earliest indicator of chronic kidney disease, even before a decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). As the disease advances, patients may develop symptoms such as swelling in the hands, feet, and eyelids; persistent fatigue despite adequate rest; loss of appetite; nausea; vomiting; dark urine, cloudy like tea; or blood in the urine.

If you experience persistent foamy urine, you should visit a hospital for comprehensive testing. This includes urine tests (urinalysis, quantitative proteinuria), blood tests to assess kidney function (creatinine, eGFR), and a kidney and urinary tract ultrasound. This prolonged condition should not be ignored, especially in middle-aged or elderly individuals, or those with underlying conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes. Early detection of the cause facilitates timely treatment, slows the progression of kidney failure, and helps avoid the need for dialysis in the future.

During the early stages of suspected kidney damage, proper kidney care and protection are essential. Limit salt intake, as excessive salt raises blood pressure and stresses the kidneys; the recommended intake is usually below 5 g a day. Avoid excessive protein, particularly animal protein, consuming only the amount advised by a doctor or nutritionist. Increase your intake of green vegetables and fruits, while limiting processed foods, canned goods, and fatty foods.

You should drink enough water daily to help your kidneys function more efficiently. Strictly control underlying conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, gout, and dyslipidemia, as these are leading causes of chronic kidney damage. Avoid misusing painkillers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), traditional Vietnamese herbal remedies (thuoc nam), traditional Chinese medicine (thuoc bac), or dietary supplements of unknown origin. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: do not smoke, limit alcohol, get enough sleep, and engage in light exercise to protect your overall health.

Doctor Ho Tan Thong

Nephrology - Dialysis Unit

Tam Anh General Clinic District 7