Cloudy urine: Know the common causes and treatments

Your normal urine is supposed to look clear or yellowish. However, if it looks cloudy, it might be a matter of concern for you. It could be due to multiple reasons like infection, kidney stones or other health concerns. Sometimes, it can be painful too. The sooner you get to know the cause, the quicker you can get it treated. Find out more about the causes of cloudy urine and treatment options.

What causes cloudy urine?

Cloudy urine can be attributed to various factors, and its causes may range from harmless to more serious underlying conditions. Some of the common causes are –

1. Dehydration

When you don’t drink enough water, it leads to concentrated urine with more minerals and sediments. “This can create crystals in the urine, making it look cloudy,” says urologist Dr Prakash Chandra Shetty.  Many people might not drink enough water because of their fast-paced lives. Factors like drinking too much caffeine, not having access to clean water, and stress can make dehydration worse.

2. Urinary tract infection (UTI)

A urinary tract infection happens when bacteria spreads to your bladder, kidneys or urethra. These are the organs from where urine passes out. “In cities, where many people live close together, urinary tract infections are more common. This is because bacteria can easily spread in crowded places,” shares the expert.

Other symptoms include:

• Pain or burning sensation when you pee
• An urge to pee more often
• Leakage of urine
• Pain in your lower belly

You can consult a healthcare professional to get the right medications prescribed to get rid of the bacteria.

3. Kidney stones

Cloudy urine can also be caused by kidney stones, which are crystals that accumulate in the kidneys after getting formed by the minerals and salts in your urine. Stones of bigger sizes may hinder the process of urination. This can lead to pain in your side or lower back while peeing. In such cases, your urine can turn cloudy or can also turn bloody or smelly.

How to treat cloudy urine

The treatment for cloudy urine depends on the underlying cause. Some of the options are:

1. Proper hydration

“Increasing fluid intake is a common recommendation to address dehydration and dilute the urine,” says the expert. Dehydration is a matter that can be solved at the earliest by drinking more water every day. Putting ample fluids in your body will help to return the urine to its normal colour.

2. Medications for UTI and STIs

For urinary tract infections, antibiotics are often prescribed. These antibiotics will clear up the infection by killing the bacteria in your urinary organs.
their formation. STIs necessitate appropriate antimicrobial treatment.

3. Prevention of kidney stones

Kidney stones may require medical intervention or lifestyle changes to prevent their formation. In some cases, kidney stones come out on their own naturally in the urine. In severe cases, non-invasive procedures are suggested by doctors to break up the bigger stones that are hard to pass through urine. Sometimes, surgery is recommended to remove stones.

In urban environments, healthcare accessibility is a critical factor in addressing cloudy urine. Regular health check-ups and easy access to medical facilities can aid in early detection and treatment. Public health campaigns in cities should emphasise the importance of hydration, healthy lifestyles and prompt medical attention for urinary abnormalities.