Kidneys filter blood, eliminate waste, and regulate water and electrolytes via urine. When kidney filtration is impaired, urine often shows early changes. Many overlook these as temporary.

Master of Science, Doctor Nguyen Quang Huy from the Department of Nephrology and Dialysis at Tam Anh Hanoi General Hospital, notes that not all urine changes indicate kidney disease. Diet, hydration, or certain medications can influence urine color, volume, and characteristics. However, if abnormalities persist or recur, individuals should seek medical evaluation for kidney function and cause.

Frequent urination

Frequent urination, especially waking multiple times at night, may indicate reduced kidney ability to concentrate urine. Kidneys then do not retain water effectively, increasing urine volume. This symptom can also occur with diabetes, urinary tract infections, or prostate enlargement in men.

Doctor Huy consults with a patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Foamy urine

Foamy urine sometimes appears briefly after forceful urination or dehydration. However, persistent, thick, slow-dissolving foam can indicate proteinuria, where protein leaks through glomeruli due to kidney filter damage. If foamy urine is a regular occurrence despite adequate hydration, individuals should check kidney function for early detection of glomerular diseases.

Bloody urine

Bloody urine, visible or detected through testing, can signal conditions like glomerulonephritis, kidney stones, urinary tract infections, or other urinary system diseases. Even if urine color changes once before returning to normal, medical consultation is advised.

Abnormal urine color

Normal urine ranges from pale yellow to amber; certain foods, medications, or vitamins can influence its color. However, persistently dark, cloudy, or unusually colored urine, despite adequate hydration, may indicate a kidney or urinary tract condition.

Doctor Huy advises against ignoring persistent or recurring abnormal urine changes, especially if accompanied by swelling, hypertension, fatigue, loss of appetite, or flank pain. Consulting a nephrology specialist and undergoing necessary tests helps early detection and timely treatment of kidney disease, reducing the risk of chronic kidney failure.

Thu Giang