Foamy urine is a symptom that could be indicative of a medical problem. Although it may not be serious for most situation(s), it may also point to an underlying health condition or kidney disease that requires medical intervention from a medical professional or kidney specialist. This article will explore what bubbling in urine can mean and its potential causes.
While it is not unheard of for urine to have some degree of bubbling, too much foaming or a sustained presence of bubbles from the urine stream requires further investigation.
What are the causes of foamy urine? Is it a sign of Kidney Disease?
When it comes to the causes of bubbling in urine, here are some possibilities to consider:
► Dehydration: When you don’t consume enough fluids, your urine can become more concentrated, resulting in increased foam or bubbles. This may be a sign that you should increase your liquid intake.
► Urinary tract infection (UTI): Bubbling in urine can be caused by urinary tract infections (UTIs). These infections can create inflammation and irritation in the bladder, resulting in extra foam or air bubbles. Other indications of a UTI may include a burning sensation when passing urine, an urge to urinate more often than usual, plus the appearance of cloudy or bad-smelling urine.
► Proteinuria: Proteinuria is a condition where the urine contains excessive protein. Usually, the kidneys filter out protein and keep it in the body. When the kidneys aren’t working correctly, it can cause the protein to leak into the urine, resulting in the urine appearing foamy or full of tiny bubbles.
► Kidney disease: Bubbling in urine can be a symptom of various health issues, including kidney disease. When the kidneys are not working effectively, they struggle to filter out unwanted substances and additional bodily liquids. This leads to an increase in urine proteins, making it appear foamy or bubbly.
► Diabetes: Those with diabetes may have a higher risk of kidney disease, which can come with telltale signs such as foaming in the urine. When blood sugar remains uncontrolled for an extended period, it can weaken the kidneys and cause larger-than-normal amounts of protein to enter the urine.
► Medications: Foamy or bubbly urine can be caused by certain medications, including diuretics and antihistamines. It is essential to bring this up with your doctor if it is a side effect of your medication. Checking in with your doctor could help identify whether the foamy urine is due to your prescription or something else.
► Pregnancy: You may observe foamy urine due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. However, in case of persistent or excessive bubbling in your urine, it is essential to consult a doctor immediately to rule out any medical concerns.
Diagnostic Urine Tests for Protein in the Urine
Medical attention should be sought immediately when your urine exhibits unusual or persistent bubbling, accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, a high fever or difficulty in urination.
Here are some tests your renal specialist may use to diagnose bubbling in urine:
► Urinalysis: A urinalysis is a simple urine test that checks your urine’s appearance, concentration, and content. A urine sample is collected and analyzed to check for the presence of protein, white blood cells, or other substances that may indicate an underlying condition.
► Blood tests: A series of blood tests may be ordered to determine how well the kidneys are functioning and search for any additional health complications. Diabetes and kidney disease are two possible examples that can be diagnosed this way.
► Imaging tests: Your renal specialist may request diagnostic imaging such as an ultrasound, CT scan or MRI to assess the urinary tract and detect potential abnormalities that could be related.
► Cystoscopy: An individual may undergo cystoscopy to examine the urinary tract for possible signs of inflammation or infection.
Treatment for Bubbling in Urine
When treating bubbling in urine, much of it depends on what is causing it. Increasing your fluid intake may be enough to eliminate this symptom in cases where dehydration is the underlying issue. Occasionally, antibiotics may be needed when a urinary tract infection (UTI) is diagnosed.
Most importantly, you should seek medical advice from your renal specialist to check for the underlying cause of bubbling in urine and treat it appropriately.