Dark-colored urine: symptom of the disease, diagnosis, treatment

The pigment responsible for the brightness and saturation of urine color is urochrome. Normally, it is light straw or amber. The color also depends on the time of day; by evening, the liquid may acquire a brownish tint. But if dark urine persists for several days, then this is a cause for concern. Do not forget that changes can be caused by the use of certain foods or medications. If both factors are absent, then this is a sign of problems in the functioning of the urinary system and requires careful diagnosis.

Risk factors

Dark urine is a superficial symptom of many diseases. Risk factors for its appearance depend on the general condition of the body. Most often, it occurs with the following pathologies:

• Cirrhosis and hepatitis of the liver of various etiologies.
• Jaundice of viral and mechanical origin.
• Gallstones.
• Hemolytic anemia.
• Urinary tract infection.
• Cancer of the bladder, kidneys, liver, bile ducts, pancreas.
• Polycystic kidney disease.
• Porphyria.
• Intoxication.
• Tyrosinemia.
• Vasculitis.
• Injuries.

In addition to the above factors, changes in the secreted fluid may occur with increased sweating and non-compliance with the water balance. In any case, if this symptom persists for a long period of time, you should seek medical help.

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Symptoms

If dark urine is caused by pathological factors, various painful symptoms appear. Most often, this is a deterioration in general health, increased weakness, dizziness and headaches, and an increase in temperature.

In some cases, painful sensations, stinging and burning during urination, pain in the kidneys and lower back, and pale skin occur. Blood clots may be present in the urine. Such symptoms require emergency medical care.

First signs

The nature of the urine change depends on the causes of occurrence. The first signs of an inflammatory process in the bladder or urethra are pain, cutting and burning.

If there is discomfort in the lower back, lower abdomen, left or right abdomen, then this is most likely a kidney or ureter lesion. Problems with urination and a decrease in the amount of fluid excreted may indicate urolithiasis or tumor processes in the body.

Dark yellow urine

The color of urine allows us to judge the functioning of the entire body, and especially the condition of the kidneys. Dark yellow urine that persists for more than 1-2 days indicates pathological processes. Its appearance may be associated with the following diseases:

• Disorders of bile pigment metabolism.
• Dyspeptic processes in the intestines.
• Congestive changes in the kidneys and bladder.
• Dehydration.
• Hemolytic anemia.
• Taking antibiotics, laxatives or nutritional supplements.
• Eating foods rich in vitamins B and C.
• Tumor processes in the genitourinary system, kidneys or pelvic organs.
• Parasitic infestations.

In order to eliminate the dark yellow color, you should establish the cause of its appearance. To do this, you need to seek medical help. The doctor will conduct laboratory diagnostics and, based on its results, prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Dark brown urine

One of the important indicators of human health is urine. Its color is used to judge the general state of health and each organ separately. Dark brown urine is alarming, but does not always indicate pathology. Changes in the morning hours, when the liquid is concentrated due to the high content of urochrome, are not dangerous. But if the disorder persists for several days, this may indicate problems such as:

• Deficiency of fluid in the body.
• Taking medications.
• Increased sweating.
• Consumption of products with dyes, both artificial and natural.
• Inflammatory renal and hepatic pathologies.
• Diseases of the genitourinary system.
• Prostatic disorders.
• Gynecological diseases.

Very often, color change is accompanied by additional symptoms. If dark brown urine, fever and pain during urination appear, these are signs of kidney disease. If the disorder is accompanied by stool disorders and dyspeptic symptoms, these may be intestinal pathologies. Another dangerous combination is dark brown fluid in combination with pain in the ovaries in women and difficulty urinating.

Any changes require attention. To establish the cause of the disorder, you need to seek help from a urologist or nephrologist. After a set of diagnostic measures, the doctor will establish the causes of the pathological condition and suggest ways to treat it.

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Dark urine with odor

The process of urination depends on the coordinated work of the kidneys, bladder and urethra. Normally, urine has no odor, it is transparent or light yellow. Dark urine with an odor may indicate pathological processes in the body. If you have consumed certain foods in the last 24 hours, for example, seafood, horseradish, garlic or asparagus, then the changes are natural. This can be observed when using medications, herbal infusions or decoctions. In this case, you should not worry, since after the end of the course of taking the medicine, the color and smell will return to normal.

But if your case is not related to the above, then you should consult a doctor. Since the changes may indicate problems such as:

• Cystitis is an infectious disease that affects the bladder. Urine acquires a sharp ammonia smell and a brown color. If non-infectious cystitis is diagnosed, the liquid smells like a chemical. Against this background, pain appears during urination and in the lower abdomen.
• Urethritis – with this pathology, both the smell and color of the fluid change. It may contain blood impurities. Urination is painful and difficult.
• Venereal diseases – almost all diseases from this group have a common feature. We are talking about urine with a fishy smell. Such a condition requires treatment, so you need to see a venereologist.
• Inflammation of the kidneys - due to an infectious process in the renal tract, severe pain in the lower back, changes in the secreted fluid and deterioration of general health appear. Without timely treatment, the inflammatory process can lead to serious complications. The same is observed with renal failure, only in this case the urine becomes very dark, and the smell resembles beer.
• Diabetes mellitus – due to the high sugar content, urine has a sweetish smell and is cloudy. As the disease progresses, the liquid begins to smell like acetone.
• Unbalanced diet and fasting – due to the deficiency of beneficial microorganisms, the body begins to function poorly. The kidneys are prone to acidosis, which is why urine acquires an ammonia aroma.
• Dehydration – fluid imbalance in the body has a negative impact on overall well-being. It affects the color and smell of urine, it becomes dark with an ammonia smell.

If the changes persist for several days or appear for no apparent reason, you should seek medical attention.

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Dark orange urine

As a rule, dark orange urine signals pathological processes in the body. But in some cases, such changes are considered normal. Let's consider the main factors that contribute to the appearance of dark orange urine:

• Products

Eating large amounts of foods rich in vitamin A, B or C results in a rich orange color. These foods include: citrus fruits, rose hips, pumpkin, asparagus, persimmon, carrots, sorrel, spinach, black currants, raspberries, sea buckthorn. The changes are related to the physiological characteristics of the body, so they do not pose a health hazard.

• Medicines

Long-term use of certain medications can cause urinary system disorders. This is due to the fact that many medications are excreted from the body through the kidneys, so urine contains their active components or metabolites that color it. Most often, this is observed when using the laxative Phenolphthalein, the analgesic Uropyrin, the antibiotic Rifampicin.

• Diseases

If the dark orange color of the secreted fluid is not associated with food or medications, then this may be a signal of such pathologies: dehydration, pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, urolithiasis, toxicosis in pregnant women.

If dark orange urine is detected, it is necessary to determine the reasons for its appearance. If the disorder is accompanied by various painful symptoms, then this is a reason to immediately consult a doctor. Most often, patients experience pain in the lumbar region and discomfort when urinating, possibly an increase in body temperature and blood pressure, the appearance of edema, etc. The doctor will prescribe a set of diagnostic measures that will help to establish the cause of the disorder and select the appropriate treatment.

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Dark red urine

The appearance of such a symptom as dark red urine can be caused by both natural and pathological reasons. In the first case, this is the use of products with coloring substances, for example, beets, cranberries, citrus fruits. The same is observed when using bearberry-based medications for the treatment of urinary infections, in case of poisoning with phenol-containing agents, taking sulfonamides. The color of urine is restored after stopping the use of drugs or products with coloring substances.

The fluid secreted by the body acquires a dark red color also in pathological processes. The disorder may be associated with the entry of blood or any of its elements into it. The presence of red blood cells indicates such problems as:

• Glomerulonephritis is a kidney disease with impaired permeability of their blood vessels. It is characterized by deterioration of the glomerular filtration process, due to which red blood cells enter the urine and not the bloodstream. This pathology can occur as a separate disease or as a complication of other processes.
• Urolithiasis – all stones that form in the urinary tract constantly change their location. The uneven surface of the stones injures the mucous membrane of the urinary tract. This leads to the appearance of dark red urine.
• Hemoglobinuria occurs when red blood cells are destroyed abnormally quickly, and excess hemoglobin enters the urine.
• Bladder cancer.
• Blood clotting disorders.
• Injuries to the lumbar region – any injury to the kidneys or the blood vessels around them can cause the organ to stop filtering incoming blood, causing it to leak into the urine.
• Diseases of the genitals - infectious and inflammatory processes very often cause complications in the form of damage to blood vessels and tissues. This leads to the appearance of cloudy urine with blood impurities.

In any case, if the red tint of urine persists for a long period of time, then you should undergo an examination and take all the necessary tests to determine the cause of the painful condition.

Dark pink urine

Very often, a visual assessment of urine allows you to learn about the state of the body. Dark pink urine may appear when eating red beets, rhubarb, blackberries, black currants, cherries, carrots or products with artificial colors. Similar changes are observed when taking antibiotics and other medications.

There are also more serious reasons for the appearance of dark pink urine. Let's consider common diseases that are characterized by violations:

• Pathologies of the urinary system

These may be various injuries and diseases of the urinary organs. Most often, cystitis, glomerulonephritis, vasculitis, urolithiasis, various oncological diseases, pyelonephritis, traumatic injuries of the bladder, kidneys or urethra are diagnosed.

• Diseases of male organs

Dark pink urine may indicate prostate cancer. As the tumor grows, it damages the walls of the blood vessels, from which blood enters the urethra. This pathology is accompanied by a sharp loss of body weight, high temperature, intoxication and general exhaustion of the body.

• Diseases of female organs

The disorder occurs when taking hormonal contraceptives, due to irregular menstrual cycles or ovarian dysfunction. Long-term use of oral contraceptives causes blood stagnation in the pelvic organs, decreased vascular tone and rupture of small vessels. In some cases, early menstruation or dysfunctional bleeding may be considered blood in the urine.

If pathological symptoms appear, you need to remember what products or medications you have consumed over the past 2-3 days. If the changes are not related to physiological reasons, you should consult a doctor and establish the true cause of the disorder.

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Dark urine with sediment

In most cases, dark urine with sediment is associated with taking medications or products that give the liquid such properties. In order to establish the true cause of turbidity, it is enough to submit urine for analysis. Laboratory diagnostics will allow you to determine what provoked the disorder.

Possible causes of turbidity:

• In combination with flakes, mucus, pus and an unpleasant odor, this indicates inflammatory processes in the genitourinary system. Similar is observed in pyelonephritis, cystitis, urethritis.
• Light sediment signals the initial stage of sand formation in the kidneys. These symptoms do not require special treatment, it is enough to take diuretics to cleanse the kidneys.
• Turbidity of the fluid combined with a red tint indicates trauma to the mucous membrane of the ureters by stones. Bright red color indicates internal bleeding or trauma to the kidneys by stones.

If the clouding occurs in the morning, it is due to insufficient fluid intake. This is observed with increased activity of sweat glands due to extreme heat, overwork or after a steam room. To eliminate the defect, it is enough to restore the drinking balance with purified water or green tea.

Dark urine with sediment is observed during the breakdown of fatty tissue that surrounds the kidney or with congenital weakness of the lymphatic system. In some cases, such symptoms occur with decreased liver function, kidney disease, or damage to the pancreas. Turbidity can also affect pregnant women. This is due to the increased load on the genitourinary system during pregnancy. Sometimes turbid urine occurs with slagging of the body, infectious or venereal diseases.

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Dark green urine

A healthy person's urine is light yellow. Dark green urine occurs during certain physiological and pathological processes. The color of the excreted fluid depends on the pigments it contains (urobilin, urochrome, bilirubin) and various impurities. Dark green color occurs in the following cases:

• Consumption of coloring foods.
• Use of medicinal products.
• A specific disease of the body.

Very often, after eating asparagus, black licorice, green beer and other products with green food coloring (lemonade, sweets, sauces), urine becomes colored. To restore the normal color of the liquid, it is enough to stop eating the above products.

Such an unusual color can be a side effect of some medications, for example: Propofol, Indomethacin, Ripsapine, Amitriptyline. In addition, vitamin supplements and drugs containing blue dye, which, when mixed with yellow urine, gives a dark green tint.

The appearance of a greenish tint can be caused by the following diseases:

• Infectious lesions of the urinary tract - diseases of the kidneys, bladder, prostate, urethra. Active reproduction of infectious microorganisms forms yellow-green pus, which penetrates into the urine. All this can be accompanied by painful urination, cutting and burning in the urethra, general weakness, high temperature and pain in the lower back.
• Parasitic infections – the activity of parasites causes changes in urine and feces. Very often this leads to serious diseases of the digestive system, which are accompanied by frequent diarrhea, vomiting, and deterioration of general health.
• Liver and gallbladder diseases – cholecystitis, cholelithiasis and other diseases caused by poor gallbladder function. The bile secreted by the organ begins to accumulate, coloring the fluid secreted by the body in a greenish color. This condition is accompanied by abdominal pain, weakness, vomiting, and high temperature.
• Sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea, which occurs in both men and women, cause changes in urine and are accompanied by painful symptoms.

Thus, if it is established that urine has acquired a dark green color due to the use of products or drugs, then there is no need to worry. But if additional symptoms appear against the background of changes, then you should consult a doctor.

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Urine is dark like beer

If your urine is dark, like beer, it may indicate both natural and pathological reactions. This color often occurs with pyelonephritis, endometriosis, cystitis, urethritis, urolithiasis, autoimmune diseases. Also, infectious diseases and venereal diseases, lesions of the genitals should not be excluded.

Natural causes include: consumption of legumes, black tea, beef, phenol- or lysol-based medications, laxatives, or B vitamins. The disorder may occur due to increased sweating, prolonged diarrhea or vomiting, toxicosis during pregnancy, and also in a feverish state. If the unpleasant condition persists for several days or occurs with additional symptoms, you should consult a doctor and get tested.

Urine is dark like tea

A clear sign of dehydration is urine that is dark like tea. This symptom can also occur in the following cases:

• Eating large amounts of legumes, rhubarb, aloe and other foods that color urine.
• Medicines: antimalarials, antibiotics, drugs for the treatment of urinary tract infections, laxatives with senna, cascara and metoclopramide.
• Medical conditions – these may include liver dysfunction, hepatitis, cirrhosis, glomerulonephritis, or the rare genetic disorder tyrosinemia.

Also, do not forget about injuries to the pelvic organs, disorders due to increased physical activity and a number of other factors.

Little dark colored urine

Many parents often face such a problem as little dark urine in a child. A small volume of excreted fluid in most cases is associated with the gradual development of the child's body, its organs and systems, including the urinary system. As for the darkening of urine, this factor can be associated with various reasons, let's consider the most common ones:

• Use of medications (antibacterial, antimicrobial) that color urine. After stopping the course of treatment, the color is restored. Changes are observed when using vitamins of group B and C.
• Prolonged exposure to the sun on hot days, active games that cause increased sweating and insufficient water consumption during the day.
• Eating natural foods that color urine (beets, rhubarb, blueberries) and foods with artificial coloring agents.

Little dark urine may be in the morning. During the day, the color and amount of fluid normalize. If the disorder persists for several days, then you should consult a doctor. Since the disorder may be associated with serious diseases (hemolytic anemia, gallstone or urolithiasis, viral hepatitis, toxic liver cell damage, glomerulonephritis, congenital pathologies).

Dark urine with foam

The appearance, consistency and shade of urine allow us to judge the state of the body. Dark urine with foam does not always indicate pathological processes and can be a harmless symptom. If foam appears once, you should monitor your own health and, if necessary, seek medical help.

Let's consider the main reasons for the cloudiness of the secreted liquid and the appearance of foam in it:

• A rapid urination process can cause foaming. This is observed in people who hold back the urge to urinate for a long time.
• Foamy urine is normal in infants, as their excretory system is just beginning to function. This symptom is also observed during pregnancy.
• If foam appears a couple of times a day, then most likely it is proteinuria. It occurs due to increased protein content, which is typical for diabetes, heart pathologies, and various infectious processes.
• When the genitourinary system is inflamed, urine becomes the color of beer and begins to foam heavily. In addition, additional symptoms appear in the form of increased weakness, bowel disturbances, nausea, hyperthermia, cutting and burning.
• Gallstone disease - due to blockage of the bile ducts, bile is thrown into the blood, causing cholemia. Under the influence of bilirubin and acids, foam appears.
• In women, this may be associated with premenstrual syndrome, and in men with retrograde ejaculation, when seminal fluid enters the urine.
• Oncological processes are very often accompanied by foaming and darkening of urine. This is due to the presence of specific proteins-paraproteins in the blood.

Foam and darkening of urine occur with an unbalanced diet, when protein products predominate in the diet. This is also possible with excessive physical exertion.

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Dark amber urine color

As a rule, a slight darkening of urine indicates a lack of fluid in the body. But dark amber urine can also occur due to the consumption of products that contain coloring agents. Very often, this is observed when taking medications or after physical exercise.

If the changes are accompanied by additional painful symptoms, you should immediately seek medical help. But in most cases, the urine color returns to normal after rest and drinking plenty of fluids.

Dark urine in women

A symptom such as dark urine in women may occur for the following reasons:

• Deficiency of fluid in the body.
• Urinary tract infections.
• Jaundice or vasculitis.
• Elevated bilirubin levels.
• Hemolytic anemia.
• Pregnancy.
• Cystitis.
• Food products containing coloring agents.
• Dietary factors.
• Injuries to the pelvic organs.
• Oncological diseases of the pancreas and liver.

As a rule, darkening of the secreted fluid is associated with inflammatory processes. Such pathologies negatively affect the blood circulation process, causing red blood cells to penetrate into the body tissues. If pain, stinging or burning occurs during urination, and there are blood impurities in the urine, this may indicate cystitis or endometriosis of the bladder.

Similar changes are often observed in pregnant women. This is due to hormonal changes and microscopic injuries to the uterus due to its growth. Also, urolithiasis, cysts, pyelonephritis, cancerous lesions of the kidneys or liver, and small-cell anemia should not be ruled out. Some hormonal contraceptives contribute to changes in the color of urine. To establish the exact cause of the disorder, general and biochemical laboratory testing of urine and blood is indicated.

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Dark urine during pregnancy

During pregnancy, the female body faces increased stress. Dark urine during pregnancy may occur due to hormonal changes in the mother's body or be pathological. Such a disorder is observed when consuming foods and drinks with coloring agents, vitamins, medications, as well as with dehydration. If the above factors are excluded, and the color of urine remains dark and is accompanied by painful symptoms, then you should immediately consult a doctor. The doctor will prescribe tests that will help determine the true cause of the unpleasant condition and prevent possible complications of pregnancy.

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Dark urine after childbirth

There are a number of physiological and pathological factors that provoke dark urine after childbirth. The disorder may be associated with birth injuries, especially if there is blood in the urine. Also, various infectious diseases should not be ruled out.

If a woman takes medications, this is another possible reason for the changes. Urine changes under the influence of some antibacterial agents, vitamin complexes. Coloring occurs when eating certain foods. This is observed in diseases of the kidneys, liver, genitourinary system and other pathologies. To diagnose a painful condition, you should consult a doctor and take a set of laboratory tests.

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Dark urine in men

Changes in urine color are an indicator of the body's condition. Dark urine in men can indicate both pathologies in the functioning of internal organs and appear for completely harmless reasons. Most often, color changes are associated with factors such as:

• Dehydration.
• Consumption of products with natural or chemical dyes.
• Taking certain groups of medications.

Dark urine in men also occurs due to the presence of red blood cells, bilirubin, mucus or pus. Changes in the outflow of fluid may indicate the following problems:

• Diseases of the liver and gallbladder.
• Kidney disease.
• Prostatitis.
• Pathologies in the functioning of the urinary bladder.
• Injuries to the pubic area.
• Urethral infection.

The color of urine may vary from dark yellow to black. If such changes are accompanied by painful symptoms, you should contact a therapist or urologist for tests and treatment.

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Dark urine in a child

Many mothers, having noticed dark urine in their child, begin to worry a lot. But you should not worry in advance, since such changes can occur for completely natural reasons. Increased concentration of urine is observed in the morning, when eating food or drinks with dyes, when taking medications or vitamin complexes, or due to fluid deficiency in the body. But if additional painful symptoms are observed against the background of urination disorders, then you should immediately consult a doctor. Since dark urine in a child can indicate serious intoxication of the body, liver, kidney or urinary tract diseases.

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Dark urine in a newborn

The color of urine in infants can vary from transparent to light yellow. Dark urine in newborns occurs due to the small amount of water consumed. Because of this, the liquid becomes concentrated and gets a darker shade. In some cases, this symptom indicates a high salt content.

If the dark color persists for a long period of time, this may indicate liver or kidney disease. If there are problems in the biliary system, laboratory tests will show high bilirubin levels. Acute intestinal infections should also not be ruled out, especially if additional painful symptoms appear.

A change in the color of urine in an infant may indicate the following diseases:

• Dark yellow – increased content of bile pigments, infectious liver lesions.
• Orange – dehydration, high oxalate salt content, diarrhea and vomiting, high temperature.
• Dark red – increased red blood cell count, which may indicate kidney or urinary tract pathologies.
• Dark green – mechanical jaundice of the newborn.

In addition to color, it is necessary to pay attention to the smell of the secreted liquid. Children's urine has a weak smell without any impurities. If the aroma of rotten apples appears, this indicates an increase in acetone, which may be associated with the development of diabetes. The smell of ammonia appears during an inflammatory process. This happens with cystitis, when bacteria decompose urine in the bladder.

Changes in the secreted fluid are observed during complementary feeding of the baby, when vegetables are introduced into the child's diet (beets, carrots, broccoli). In this case, the coloring is natural and should not cause concern.

If you notice any abnormalities in the color, transparency, or smell of your baby's urine, you should slowly consult a pediatrician. Since the presence of abnormalities can lead to intoxication, fever, cystitis, pyelonephritis, ulcerative colitis, and other diseases that are no less dangerous for a newborn.

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Dark urine in an elderly person

Various disorders of the urinary system in adulthood are not uncommon. Dark urine in an elderly person may indicate microbial processes, bladder dysfunction, or impaired urine flow. Tumor neoplasms should also not be ruled out. In men, this is a lesion of the prostate and urethra. If darkening is accompanied by painful sensations in the iliac bones, this indicates renal artery embolism.

Such disorders are observed in various forms of diabetes, chronic kidney and liver diseases. The presence of stones in the kidneys or bladder contributes to the disturbance of urine color. In elderly women, changes are most often associated with inflammatory processes due to kidney or genital infections. The disorder may be associated with the use of medications, food products or insufficient fluid intake.

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Forms

In most cases, back pain and dark urine are associated with kidney or bladder pathologies. However, these symptoms are more common in women, due to the structural features of their bodies.

Back pain and dark urine

Let's consider the most common causes of the pathological condition:

• Pyelonephritis (acute, chronic) – in addition to severe discomfort in the spine, there is a desire to urinate frequently. The pain increases in cold weather. If both kidneys are affected, arterial hypertension develops. In the acute course of this pathology, the temperature rises sharply, vomiting, feverish condition and general weakness occur. Without medical assistance, the pain intensifies, purulent and bloody impurities appear in the urine.
• Cystitis - frequent urination is accompanied by back pain, burning and stinging in the bladder. Also very often there is urinary incontinence or impaired fluid outflow. More often this disease is diagnosed in women. If the temperature rises and blood impurities appear in the urine, then this indicates the development of complications.
• Urolithiasis - pain increases with physical exertion and urination. Depending on the location of the stones, discomfort may occur in the lower abdomen, in the back on the right or left.
• Urethritis - against the background of frequent urination, there is a strong burning and itching, pathological mucous discharge and severe back pain. The disease occurs with signs of intoxication, that is, a feverish state, high temperature, vomiting and diarrhea.

If painful symptoms occur in women, this may be due to various neoplasms, adnexitis, infectious lesions of internal organs. In some cases, this is a sign of miscarriage, early pregnancy or uterine fibroids.

Discomfort in the back and change in urine color in men may indicate hyperplasia of the prostate gland, prostatitis. Very often, the pathological condition is supplemented by pain in the lower abdomen, on the inner thigh and in the groin. Against this background, a decrease in libido or a complete refusal of sexual intercourse is observed.

To determine the cause of the painful condition, you need to see a doctor. Diagnostics are mandatory: ultrasound of the pelvic organs, laboratory tests, X-ray of the bladder, spine and pelvic bones, laparoscopy and others.

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Pain in the right hypochondrium, right side and dark urine

In most cases, pain in the right hypochondrium, right side and dark urine indicate diseases of the biliary system. This may be cholelithiasis, cholecystitis or a kink in the gallbladder. But discomfort on the right indicates not only problems with the liver. In the area of the right hypochondrium, there are several vital organs, the damage to which causes pathological symptoms.

The source of painful sensations and changes in urine may be associated with appendicitis, pathologies of the ovaries, ureter, colon or ascending colon. Very often, pathological symptoms are supplemented by stool disorders, bloating, poor appetite, nausea and vomiting, and elevated temperature.

Let's look at the main causes of discomfort in the right side and changes in the color of the secreted fluid:

• Liver diseases – pain occurs at any time of the day. There is heaviness and distension in the right side. If it is cirrhosis, then the urine is bloody, there is a burning sensation and discomfort just below the ribs on the right. With hepatitis, urine resembles dark foamy beer, yellowing of the skin, mucous membranes and whites of the eyes is observed.
• Cholecystitis and inflammation of the gallbladder are characterized by stabbing pains that radiate to the back. Against this background, a deterioration in the general condition is observed, nausea, high temperature and vomiting with mucus appear. Urine is dark, cloudy with blood impurities.
• When the colon is inflamed, colic occurs at the bottom right. The pain is of a spasmodic nature and can spread to the entire abdomen.
• Inflammation of the appendix and inflammatory processes in the kidneys are accompanied by pain in the right side, which can radiate to the back. Against this background, the general condition worsens, the temperature rises, vomiting, swelling and urination disorders appear.

Since pain in the right hypochondrium and dark urine occur with many diseases, it is very important to conduct a full diagnosis. For this, a detailed analysis of the secreted fluid, a biochemical blood test, ultrasound examinations of the pelvic organs and a number of other studies are done. Based on the results of the diagnosis, a treatment plan is drawn up or additional tests are prescribed.

Abdominal pain and dark urine

Severe abdominal pain and dark urine very often signal problems with the urinary system. If the pathological symptoms are supplemented by nausea and increased sweating, then this indicates kidney stones or an attack of renal colic.

Unpleasant sensations arise with cystitis, which is more common in women. In this case, the pain is sharp, acute and intensifies during urination. A change in the color of urine in combination with pain symptoms in some cases indicates infectious diseases, such as:

• Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease in which pathogens spread to the genitals and urinary tract. The discharged fluid becomes cloudy, and the process of urination can be complicated and painful.
• Gonorrhea - in women, the bacteria of this infection affect the genitourinary system and the cervix. This causes severe pain, swelling of the genitals and inflammation of the sex glands. Urine with blood impurities, sometimes greenish.
• Ureplasmosis – infection occurs during sexual contact. Harmful microorganisms penetrate the genitourinary system, causing burning, pain during urination and in the lower abdomen, and transparent discharge.

When establishing the cause of pathological symptoms, additional symptoms are of great importance. With cystitis, these are pains not only in the abdomen, but also in the lumbar region. With urethritis, there is a sharp increase in temperature, pain when urinating. With inflammatory processes in the genitourinary system, there are cutting sharp pains, frequent urge to go to the toilet, and deterioration of general well-being.

For diagnostics, urine and blood tests and various smears are taken. If necessary, an ultrasound examination is performed. Treatment depends on the diagnostic results and the cause of discomfort. Antibiotics and immunoprotectors are prescribed for cystitis, and anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed for infectious lesions.

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Lower abdominal pain and dark urine

A very non-specific symptom, when the lower abdomen hurts and the urine is dark, occurs with many diseases. When establishing the cause of the painful condition, that is, during the examination, the nature of the pain (acute, spasmodic, increasing) and the presence of accompanying symptoms (chills, fever, nausea, vomiting, bleeding, etc.) are taken into account.

Let's look at the main symptom complexes that are accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen and dark urine and their causes:

• Diseases of the reproductive system – abnormal vaginal bleeding, severe pain during menstruation.
• Pelvic infections – a sharp increase in temperature, chills, sharp pain in the lower abdomen.
• Gastrointestinal diseases – loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, dark foamy urine, pain.
• Intraperitoneal bleeding – severe pulling pain in the lower abdomen and fainting.
• Pathologies of the urinary tract - pain in the lower back and abdomen, blood in the urine, painful urination.
• Infectious inflammation of the pelvic organs - abnormal discharge from the genitals, discomfort in the lower abdomen, greenish or purulent urine.

If such discomfort occurs in a woman, it is necessary to determine whether it is related to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy or gynecological diseases. Unpleasant sensations can be caused by a rupture or twisting of one of the gastrointestinal organs.

During diagnostics, a general blood test with a count of formed elements, a urine test with microscopic examination, sowing and a test for antibacterial drugs are performed. If necessary, an ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs is performed.

Jaundice and dark urine

The presence of red blood cell and hemoglobin breakdown products in the body causes jaundice. Visually, the disorder manifests itself as yellowing of the skin and mucous membranes. The skin color can range from dark orange to bright lemon. Jaundice is a clinical manifestation of various pathologies. Its appearance does not depend on age or gender.

Jaundice and dark urine are symptoms that indicate an increased level of bilirubin in the body. Pathological symptoms are complemented by changes in feces, which in most cases are discolored.

Let's look at the color variations of excreted fluid and feces for different types of disorders:

• Hepatic jaundice - urine is the color of beer, it contains bilirubin and urobilin. Stool is discolored.
• Mechanical - dark brown urine, acholic feces.
• Hemolytic - urine is dark, contains urobilinogen and stercobilinogen, feces are dark brown.

According to medical statistics, jaundice among newborns ranks 4th in the structure of diseases of the first week of life. It is diagnosed in 1% of babies. Mechanical jaundice is also common. It occurs in 40% of patients with gallstone disease. In 99% of cases, the disease develops with tumor lesions of the liver and bile ducts.

Dark urine in the morning

If the body functions normally, the fluid released during urination is pale yellow or amber. Dark urine in the morning in most cases indicates an increased concentration of urochrome. This condition has its own medical name - morning hyperchromia. Such a physiological factor is normalized during the day, and urine acquires a normal color. But if the disorder persists for a long time and is accompanied by painful symptoms, then you should immediately seek medical help.

Dark urine in the evening

When consuming foods or medications during the day that affect the concentration of urochrome, you may notice dark urine in the evening. Such changes are considered natural, since the urine condition is restored on its own within a short period of time.

But if dark urine in the evening persists for several days in a row, is not associated with taking medications or coloring products and is accompanied by painful symptoms, then this is a reason to see a doctor. Most often, patients complain of increased sweating, fever and chills, pain in the lower abdomen, which can radiate to the back. Urine may acquire an unpleasant odor. As a rule, such symptoms indicate a progressive inflammatory or infectious process.

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Dark urine and fever

Disturbances in the fluid released during urination can be caused by both physiological and pathological reasons. Dark urine and temperature occur in the second case. As a rule, this condition is observed in infectious and inflammatory processes.

Fever and urinary system disorders most often accompany the following pathologies:

• Cirrhosis
• Hepatitis
• Cholestasis
• Pancreatitis
• Glomerulonephritis
• Porphyria
• Polycystic disease
• Hemochromatosis
• Tyrosinemia
• Intoxication of the body
• Metabolic disorders
• Dehydration
• Oncological processes

Darkening of urine in combination with elevated temperature occurs during pregnancy during toxicosis, as well as during colds, acute respiratory viral infections. If unpleasant symptoms persist for several days, you should seek medical help.

Dark urine after fever

Many people experience dark urine after a fever. Changes may be associated with taking various medications, such as antibiotics or antipyretics. Increased concentration of excreted fluid is observed after inflammatory, infectious or viral diseases.

Very often, pathological symptoms occur in children and adults after colds or poisoning. In this case, the disorder indicates that the body is cleansing itself of toxins and other pathogens. But if the darkening of the liquid persists for several days, you should seek medical help.

[ 38 ], [ 39 ]

Vomiting and dark urine

There are many pathologies that are characterized by symptoms such as vomiting and dark urine. The painful condition may be associated with the following reasons:

• Disease or damage to parts of the central nervous system.
• Intoxication of the body: food, drugs, alcohol.
• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Psychogenic factors.
• Tumor processes in the body.
• Infectious and inflammatory diseases.
• High temperature and dehydration.

If vomiting and dark urine persist for a long period of time, you should consult a therapist or gastroenterologist. Treatment of the pathological condition is impossible without diagnosis and determination of the cause of its occurrence.

Nausea and dark urine

Many diseases cause such a symptom complex as nausea and dark urine. Most often, unpleasant sensations arise due to the following reasons:

• Intoxication of the body.
• Early pregnancy.
• Menstruation.
• Taking medications.
• Fasting or unbalanced diets.
• Dehydration, heatstroke or sunstroke.
• Severe headaches, migraines.
• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Pancreatitis.
• Gallbladder diseases.
• Gallstone disease
• Inflammation of the kidneys.
• Oncological diseases.

Since in some cases pathological symptoms are associated with emergency conditions or severe pathologies, you should seek medical help as soon as possible.

Dark urine and weakness

Decreased strength and tone of the body is a fairly common symptom. Dark urine and weakness occur against the background of strong physical and emotional stress, with genetic, autoimmune or mental pathologies. In some cases, the causes of the painful condition are associated with pregnancy, inflammatory, infectious or endocrine diseases.

Regardless of the nature of the origin, increased weakness and changes in urine require careful diagnostics. Based on the results of the studies, the doctor will select the optimal treatment method. Very often, to eliminate the symptoms of the disorder, it is enough to normalize the daily routine, eat right and maintain water balance in the body, minimize nervous tension and control physical activity.

[ 40 ], [ 41 ], [ 42 ]

Headache and dark urine

Symptoms such as headache and dark urine have probably occurred to everyone. The causes of this condition may be associated with non-pathogenic and pathogenic factors. In the first case, this is dehydration of the body, nervous experiences and stress, reactions to products or drugs with coloring pigments.

Particular attention should be paid to the pathological factors of the disease state:

• Organic brain damage.
• Inflammatory diseases.
• Traumatic brain injury.
• New growths.
• Migraine.
• Arterial hypertension.
• Infectious diseases.
• Disturbances of metabolic processes in the body.
• Intoxication.

If headaches last for a long period of time and the color of urine does not return to normal, you should immediately seek medical help.

Diarrhea and dark urine

Symptoms such as diarrhea and dark urine do not often appear simultaneously. But in most cases, they signal pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary system and other internal organs.

In some cases, diarrhea and dark urine occur as a side effect of certain medications. If the disease occurs with additional symptoms, for example, with bouts of nausea and vomiting, this may indicate intestinal infections and other digestive system disorders.

Diarrhea and dark urine are a kind of protective reaction of the body to intoxication with waste, toxins and other harmful substances. The disorder may be associated with the consumption of foods that color the fluid excreted by the kidneys and lead to stool disorders. Similar symptoms are also observed with alcohol poisoning, they may be accompanied by vomiting and general weakness. If this condition persists for a long period of time, you should consult a doctor.

[ 43 ], [ 44 ]

Constipation and dark urine

The most common and dangerous disorders in the gastrointestinal tract are constipation. The pathological condition is characterized by the retention of feces in the body for a period longer than two days. Constipation and dark urine very often appear simultaneously. Such a symptom complex indicates intoxication of the body with its own waste products. At the same time, the longer a person cannot get rid of accumulated toxins, the stronger the internal poisoning.

Frequent constipation promotes putrefactive processes in the intestines, which causes damage and wear of the mucous membrane. It is the mucous membrane that ensures the normal functioning of the microflora. Against this background, a deterioration in the general condition is observed. Lethargy and fatigue appear, appetite worsens, and heaviness in the stomach occurs. Systematic and prolonged constipation has more pronounced symptoms:

• Muscle and joint pain.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Elevated temperature.
• Headaches.
• Increased weakness, drowsiness, fatigue.
• Loss of appetite.

If constipation occurs in a chronic form, the following symptoms occur:

• Yellow coating on the tongue.
• Changes in body weight.
• Bad breath.
• Frequent and unexplained headaches, dizziness.
• Loss of appetite and sleep disturbances.
• Chronic nervousness.
• Urine acquires a rich dark color and an unpleasant odor due to a malfunction of the kidneys.
• Swelling due to the accumulation of excess fluid in the body.

The pathological condition has a negative impact on the skin. This is due to the fact that the epidermis reflects the work of the liver and kidneys. With constipation, the skin becomes porous, peels and thickens. Various rashes appear, most often on the temples and forehead. Due to intoxication, chronic dermatitis may worsen, and the immune system's protective properties may weaken. This condition requires emergency treatment.

[ 45 ], [ 46 ]

Dark urine and pain when urinating

In a healthy person, the urinary system does not cause painful sensations, and urine is light in color without impurities or sediment. Dark urine and pain during urination are observed in many pathological conditions of the body. Infectious-inflammatory and non-infectious causes of the painful condition are distinguished.

Non-infectious factors:

• Traumatic impact.
• Increased physical and emotional stress.
• Non-infectious pathologies of the urinary system.
• Neurogenic factors.

The absence of an infectious process, pain during urination and darkening of the excreted fluid accompanies the following diseases:

• Urolithiasis or kidney stone disease.
• Renal colic.
• Gout.
• Malignant and benign tumors of the urinary system.
• Oncological lesions of other organs and systems.
• Irritation of the external opening of the urethra and genitals.

Infectious and inflammatory causes include:

• STDs.
• Inflammation of the bladder.
• Pyelonephritis.
• Glomerulonephritis.
• Inflammation of the prostate, urethra.
• Inflammation of the uterus and vagina.
• Inflammatory processes in the intestines, complicating the genitourinary system.

The painful process may be accompanied by additional symptoms: nagging pain in the lower abdomen, pain in the urethra when passing urine, deterioration of general health, and increased temperature. Such symptoms require careful diagnosis and treatment.

[ 47 ], [ 48 ], [ 49 ]

Frequent urination and dark urine

The problem of frequent urination and dark urine is known to many. Similar symptoms accompany both infectious and inflammatory processes. Most often, discomfort occurs in such cases:

• Diabetes insipidus of central origin, nephrogenic.
• Diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2.
• Use of diuretics and other medications.
• Salt-wasting kidney diseases.
• Diabetic neuropathy.
• Urinary tract infection.
• Interstitial cystitis.
• Prostate cancer.
• Excessive fluid intake.
• Stress urinary incontinence.
• Neurogenic bladder.
• Consequences of surgical intervention.
• Overactive bladder.
• Hormonal changes.
• Other neuropathies: multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease.

Since many medical conditions can cause frequent urination and dark urine, it is important to promptly identify the cause of the discomfort and receive adequate treatment.

White stool and dark urine

Such a combination as white feces and dark urine in most cases indicates liver inflammation, i.e. hepatitis. Side symptoms are supplemented by yellowing of the whites of the eyes, mucous membranes and skin. When the liver is inflamed, the function of bile formation is disrupted, due to which bile stops flowing into the intestine. This leads to the appearance of discolored feces. Darkening of urine is associated with an increased content of bilirubin in it.

Light-colored stool and discoloration of excreted fluid are observed with stomach disorders. Such symptoms may be associated with dietary habits or exacerbation of chronic diseases. Discoloration of excrement is typical for people who abuse alcohol. Another possible cause of the disorder is exhaustion of the body due to increased physical activity or taking antibiotics. To establish the exact cause of the disorder, you must consult a doctor and undergo a set of diagnostic measures.

Yellow stool and dark urine

The appearance of yellow feces and dark urine indicates increased bilirubin, which is excreted by the liver along with bile. In some cases, such changes are associated with dietary habits or medication intake.

In a healthy person, yellow stool is a normal phenomenon. But if it is accompanied by darkening of the fluid secreted by the kidneys, this indicates a pathological narrowing of the bile ducts. This condition requires medical attention, especially if painful sensations appear.

Gray stool and dark urine

Gray stool and changes in the fluid excreted by the kidneys are most often associated with recently consumed foods. This may include rice, potatoes, food with artificial colors. The same symptoms are observed with barium X-rays, when taking antacids, calcium, and antidiarrheal drugs.

Gray feces and dark urine can be an alarming signal of the acute phase of hepatitis. Inflammatory processes in the liver lead to a disruption of the bile formation function. Because of this, bilirubin produced by the body comes out through the kidneys and skin. If the feces are constantly gray, this indicates that it does not reach the intestines. This may be a sign of cirrhosis or liver cancer. Side effects require medical intervention and careful diagnosis.

Black stool and dark urine

Common symptoms of a perforated gastric ulcer or duodenal ulcer are black stool and dark urine. They are observed with alcohol abuse, the use of certain medications (Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen and other NSAIDs, Acetaminophen) or narcotics that cause stomach bleeding. Such changes are characteristic of gastritis, inflammation of the inner walls of the stomach, internal bleeding or tumor lesions of the upper gastrointestinal tract.

But in some cases, black stool and dark urine are harmless symptoms caused by the use of food additives, activated carbon, bismuth medications or iron preparations. If the changes in stool persist for a long period of time and are accompanied by such symptoms as sudden weight loss, frequent headaches and dizziness, nausea and vomiting, fever, then this may indicate colon cancer.

Bitterness in the mouth and dark urine

A symptom that many people experience in the morning is bitterness in the mouth and dark urine. This may indicate the progression of various chronic pathologies in the body. Unpleasant sensations appear when drinking alcohol, strong drugs, spicy or fatty foods.

Discomfort occurs with diseases of the gallbladder and liver, after increased physical activity. And also with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, hormonal disorders, parasitic invasions of the body, during pregnancy. In any case, bitterness in the mouth and dark urine should not be left without medical attention, especially if such symptoms persist for a long period of time.

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Dark urine after exercise

Normally, the fluid released during urination is light in color and has a slight ammonia smell. Dark urine after physical activity in most cases appears due to dehydration. Dehydration during exercise has a negative effect on overall well-being. Sudden headaches, fainting, weakness may occur. To restore normal well-being, it is enough to replenish the fluid balance.

Regular physical activity causes significant changes in the chemical composition of urine, which affects its physical and chemical properties. The color change is due to the appearance of chemicals that are absent at rest.

• Protein – a person who does not exercise excretes no more than 100 mg of protein per day. Athletes have a much higher figure.
• Glucose – this substance is practically absent in urine collected before physical activity. After training, the glucose content increases significantly.
• Ketone bodies (acetoacetic and β-hydroxybutyric acids, acetone) – are not detected at rest. But during muscular work or a decrease in the reabsorption function of the kidneys, their quantity increases.
• Lactate – lactic acid appears after training with submaximal power. When it appears, the amount of fluid excreted may decrease.

If darkening of urine after physical activity persists even when maintaining water balance, then you should consult a doctor. It is necessary to take a urine, feces and blood test. Based on the results of laboratory diagnostics, the doctor will draw up a treatment plan for the disease or prescribe additional tests.

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Dark blood in urine without pain

Very often, the presence of blood in the urine is associated with various disorders in the body and an increased content of red blood cells. A symptom such as dark blood in the urine without pain is hematuria. It indicates pathological processes in the urinary system and pelvic organs. Hematuria is observed in some gynecological diseases, blood diseases with hypercoagulation.

The presence of dark blood in the urine without pronounced pain may be associated with the following reasons:

• Endometriosis of the urinary system.
• Cystitis and urethritis.
• Mechanical trauma to the kidneys.
• Pregnancy.
• Long-term use of anticoagulants.
• Trauma to the urethra due to insertion of a catheter or endoscope.
• Infectious lesions of the genitourinary organs.

If the blood impurities completely dissolve in the urine, then the problem points to the kidneys. Most often, this is associated with renal bleeding. For diagnosis, a three-glass urine test is performed. If blood clots appear at the end of urination, then the problem is in the bladder.

Another possible variant of the pathological condition is glomerulonephritis. In this condition, urine acquires a dark bloody color, which resembles the color of meat slops. Against this background, edema, high blood pressure, and joint pain appear.

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Diagnostics dark-colored urine

Any changes in the functioning of organs or systems require careful monitoring, as they may indicate the development of a serious disease. Diagnosis of dark urine begins with collecting anamnesis. The doctor asks about possible causes of the disorder, products and medications consumed the day before, possible injuries, chronic pathologies. After this, the patient is prescribed a set of laboratory and instrumental studies.

Main diagnostic measures:

• General blood and urine analysis.
• Urinalysis according to Nechiporenko.
• Urine culture for infections.
• Biochemical blood test for coagulation.
• Ultrasound examination of the genitourinary system.
• Intravenous urography and cystoscopy.
• Three-glass urine sample.
• Examination by a gynecologist/proctologist/urologist.
• Intravenous urography and red blood cell count.

To obtain reliable diagnostic results, it is necessary to prepare for its implementation. The day before collecting urine for analysis, you should avoid fatty, spicy and salty foods. Buy sterile containers at the pharmacy in advance. It is better to carry out the procedure in the morning after sleep and shower. Take the collected urine immediately to the laboratory, the material cannot be left in a warm room, as this will lead to the appearance of sediment, which will affect the diagnostic results.

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Tests

To establish the causes of dark urine, a set of laboratory tests is indicated. Urine tests are of particular importance. The diagnostic process takes into account the results of blood tests (general and biochemical), stool tests and other studies.

Today, urine analysis is carried out very quickly, despite the large number of criteria and indicators. The properties and composition of the fluid can vary widely and depend on the condition of the kidneys and the body as a whole. That is why urine analysis has great diagnostic value.

The analysis is deciphered based on the following indicators:

1. Color – depends on the concentration capacity of the kidneys and the amount of fluid consumed. Intense coloring is observed with significant extrarenal fluid loss (increased sweating, fever, diarrhea). Changes of pink-red or dark brown color with blood impurities occur with various tumor processes, renal infarction, urolithiasis, tuberculosis. Black color is characteristic of melanoma, melanosarcoma, alkaptonuria.
2. Transparency – urine is normally transparent, and this property should be maintained for 1-2 hours after collecting the sample. Turbidity may be due to the following reasons: a large number of leukocytes due to the inflammatory process, the presence of bacteria, increased protein, salt and epithelial cells, inclusions of erythrocytes.
3. Acidity, pH - the usual reaction is slightly acidic, and the permissible pH fluctuations are within 4.8-7.5. An increase in pH is possible with infectious diseases of the urinary system, renal failure, due to prolonged vomiting, hyperkalemia. A decrease in pH occurs with dehydration, fever, diabetes, tuberculosis.
4. Specific gravity - normally this indicator has a wide range of values from 1.012 to 1.025. Specific gravity is determined using the amount of substances dissolved in the liquid (salts, urea, creatine, uric acid). A condition in which the density increases to more than 1.026 is hypersthenuria. This is observed with increasing edema, diabetes mellitus, toxicosis during pregnancy, nephrotic syndrome, and the introduction of radiocontrast agents. A decrease in specific gravity to less than 1.018 is hyposthenuria. This condition is possible with diabetes insipidus, chronic renal failure, acute renal tubular damage, taking diuretics, a sharp increase in blood pressure, and drinking a lot of fluids.
5. Protein – in a healthy person, the concentration of this substance does not exceed 0.033 g/l. If this value is exceeded, it may indicate inflammatory processes in the body or nephrotic syndrome. Increased protein is observed in colds, kidney and urinary tract pathologies, cystitis, during pregnancy and with increased physical activity.
6. Glucose - normally, sugar is not detected in urine. At the same time, a concentration of no more than 0.8 mmol/l is not an abnormality. An increase in glucose levels most often indicates the following pathologies: pancreatitis, Cushing's syndrome, pregnancy, abuse of sweets, diabetes.
7. Ketone bodies are hydroxybutyric and acetoacetic acid, acetone. The presence of these substances indicates a violation of metabolic processes. Most often, ketone bodies indicate: diabetes mellitus, alcohol intoxication, acute pancreatitis, prolonged starvation, thyrotoxicosis, abuse of fatty and protein foods, CNS injuries.
8. Epithelium - epithelial cells are always present in urine analysis. They penetrate into urine by peeling off the mucous membrane of the urinary tract. Transitional, flat and renal epithelium are distinguished. An increase in the number of these cells in the urinary sediment is observed in case of poisoning with salts of heavy metals and inflammatory processes in the body.
9. Casts are protein coagulated in the lumen of the renal tubules. Normally, this indicator is absent in the general analysis. Its appearance is a sign of kidney pathology, scarlet fever, osteomyelitis, infectious hepatitis, systemic lupus erythematosus.
10. Hemoglobin is normally absent, but its presence may indicate muscle damage, heavy physical exertion, hemolytic anemia, intoxication with medications or other toxic substances, sepsis, burns.
11. Bilirubin - in a healthy person, this substance is excreted in bile with feces. Its presence in urine indicates hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, liver failure, gallstone disease, and destruction of red blood cells.
12. Erythrocytes are absent in the analyses of a healthy person. Their appearance is most often associated with taking medications, excessive physical activity, and diseases of internal organs.
13. Leukocytes - in a normal state of the body they are contained in small quantities. Their increase indicates inflammatory processes in the kidneys or urinary tract.
14. Bacteria are normal, urine in the kidneys and bladder is sterile. But during urination it receives microbes that penetrate from the urethra. The bacterial count increases significantly with urinary tract infections.
15. Fungi, mucus and salts – Candida fungi penetrate the bladder from the vagina, antifungal therapy is indicated to eliminate them. Normally, mucus is absent. Its presence indicates an acute or chronic inflammatory process of the genitourinary system. Salts are observed in metabolic disorders, anemia, vitamin deficiency.

A healthy person's urine analysis should not contain the following components: bilirubin, urobilinogen, salts (urates, phosphates, oxalates), glucose, ketone bodies.

To obtain reliable results of laboratory diagnostics, special attention should be paid to the correct collection of urine. Before collecting it, you should clean the genitourinary organs. This will prevent foreign contaminants from entering the urine. It is better to use sterile containers for collection, that is, containers for bioassays. A day before the analysis, you should stop taking medications and other substances that can affect the physicochemical parameters. The optimal material for the study is considered to be fluid collected in the morning immediately after sleep. That is, urine that physiologically accumulated at night.

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Instrumental diagnostics

In the process of determining the causes of urine color changes, various methods are used. Instrumental diagnostics are divided into invasive and non-invasive.

Non-invasive is carried out at both the diagnostic and differentiation stages and most often consists of the following procedures:

• Ultrasound examination – allows you to assess the condition of internal organs. Particular attention is paid to the pelvic organs, kidneys and liver. With the help of ultrasound, it is possible to detect stones, tumors, inflammatory processes or congenital pathologies.
• Urography (survey, excretory) – with its help it is possible to evaluate the anatomy and function of the kidneys, identify anomalies in the development of the ureters, stones and pathological structures in the urinary tract.
• Multispiral computed tomography – is prescribed to examine the anatomy of the kidneys and ureters. Provides information about the features of the blood supply to the organs and the presence of various disorders.

Invasive diagnostics are performed less frequently and, as a rule, are of a clarifying nature. It can be used as the first stage of surgical treatment. The main invasive methods include: ureteropyelography, ultrasonography, ureteropyeloscopy. Percutaneous kidney biopsy for diagnostic purposes or radioisotope research methods are also possible.

Differential diagnosis

Since urine color disorders can be caused by various reasons, special attention is paid to differential diagnostics. This type of research is aimed at identifying the true cause of the disorder from a variety of diseases and syndromes with similar symptoms.

Let's consider the main differentiation of changes in the urinary system depending on the color of urine:

Color	Cause	Disease
Dark yellow	Increased concentration of bile pigments	Vomit Diarrhea Fever Dehydration
Dark red	Erythrocyturia Hemoglobinuria Myoglobinuria Porphyrinuria Uraturia	Nephrolithiasis Injuries Kidney infections Glomerulonephritis
Meat slops	Increase in red blood cells	Glomerulonephritis
Dark brown	Urobilinogen	Hemolytic anemia
Black	Hemoglobinuria	Hemolytic anemia Alkaptopuria Melanosarcoma
Dark green	Bilirubinuria	Mechanical jaundice
Greenish-brown	Bilirubinuria Urobilinogenuria	Parenchymatous jaundice

In the process of differential diagnostics, the presence of clinical symptoms is taken into account. Against the background of darkening of urine, pain in the lower back (usually one-sided) and lower abdomen, various dysuric phenomena may appear. All this, in combination with the results of the conducted studies, is taken into account when making a final diagnosis.

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Treatment dark-colored urine

The treatment of dark urine depends entirely on the causes of the disorder. If the disorder is accompanied by severe pain, the patient is given a painkiller and a cooling bandage may be applied to the bladder. Treatment of the pathological condition may be as follows:

• Surgical intervention (emergency or planned) for injuries or tumors.
• The use of antibiotics in infectious or inflammatory processes.
• Removal of stones in urolithiasis and administration of antispasmodics that facilitate the movement and passage of stones.
• If there is blood in the urine, that is, hematuria or proteinuria is diagnosed, then corticosteroids are prescribed.
• If the disorder is associated with dehydration, then drinking plenty of fluids is recommended.
• If the problem is related to the use of food or medications, then they must be eliminated or replaced.

Some conditions do not require specific treatment. To eliminate them, it is enough to follow the rules of healthy eating, personal hygiene or strict bed rest.

Medicines

The choice of medication for the treatment of urine color changes and associated painful symptoms depends entirely on the etiology of the pathological process. Let's consider the main drugs used for the most common causes of urine darkening.

• Liver diseases (cirrhosis, hepatitis) – patients are prescribed hepatoprotectors, immunostimulants and other drugs. The most commonly used are Hepatosan, Geptral, Phosphogliv, Rezalut, LIV-52, Alloho, Hofitol, Festal, Eslidin, Essentiale, Livolin Forte and others.
• Gallbladder and bile duct damage (cholestasis, cholelithiasis, pancreatitis) - for complex treatment, they often resort to using drugs based on ursodeoxycholic acid - Ursosan, Choludexan, Ursofalk. Also indicated is the use of antispasmodics - Duspatalin, Mebeverdin, hepatoprotectors - Essentiale, LIV-52, Heptral, analgesics and antibiotics - Cefazolin, Nalfubin, Ketanov.
• Infectious diseases of the genitourinary system - various antibacterial drugs from the group of penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolides, fluoroquinolones - Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, Cefixime, Cefepime, Azithromycin and others. Antiviral, antifungal, antiprotozoal drugs may also be prescribed.
• Kidney diseases (polycystic kidney disease, nephrolithiasis, glomerulonephritis) – various antispasmodics, analgesics, antiseptics, diuretics and stone-dissolving drugs are used.
• Dehydration of the body - Regidron, Gastrolit, Citraglucosan. Treatment is aimed at restoring the water-salt balance in the body and consists of rehydration and a maintenance phase.

The medications are selected by the doctor, individually for each patient and for each specific case.

Vitamins

In the treatment of any disease it is necessary to use a comprehensive approach. Vitamins are used as a supplement to the main therapy.

If it is established that changes in the fluid excreted during urination are associated with kidney pathologies, then patients are recommended to take the following vitamins: retinol, tocopherol, omega-3, B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B12), ascorbic acid, pectins, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium.

To maintain normal liver function, the following vitamins are used: A, E, C, omega-3, B2, lipoic acid and various microelements. Vitamins A, C, E, group B, and folic acid are useful for the gallbladder and bile ducts.

Physiotherapy treatment

Such a symptom as dark urine can be caused by various diseases. Various methods are used to eliminate them. Physiotherapeutic treatment is in most cases included in the complex of treatment procedures. Let's consider the main physiotherapy procedures, the action of which is aimed at restoring the normal functioning of the body.

Kidney diseases:

• Diathermy to the kidney area to restore blood circulation.
• Drinking mineral waters.
• Microwave, ultrasound and UHF therapy.
• Sodium chloride and carbon dioxide baths.
• Amplipulse therapy.
• Direct current treatment.

Physiotherapy is contraindicated in polycystic kidney disease, decompressed hydronephrosis, thermal stages of pyelonephritis, and acute primary or secondary pyelonephritis.

Cystitis:

• Irradiation of the bladder area with an infrared lamp.
• UHF therapy.
• Paraffin applications to the lumbar region or locally.
• Sodium chloride or sitz baths in running water.

Contraindications: stage 3 prostate adenoma, urethral stricture and pathologies requiring surgical intervention, stones and foreign bodies in the bladder, ulcerative cystitis, leukoplakia.

Urolithiasis:

• Inductothermy.
• Drinking mineral waters.
• Amplipulse therapy.

Treatment is not carried out for stones larger than 10 mm in diameter, acute pyelonephritis, pathological changes in the ureter and kidneys, cicatricial changes in the ureter.

Prostatitis:

• Mud therapy.
• Hydrogen sulphide and turpentine baths.
• Microclysters.
• Amplipulse therapy.
• Ultrasound, UHF and microwave.

Physiotherapy is contraindicated in cases of rectal polyposis, anal fissures, acute inflammatory diseases of the prostate gland, and adenoma.

Folk remedies

There are many folk remedies for eliminating various pathologies, including such a symptom as dark urine. Folk treatment is recommended after consultation with the attending physician.

• Take fresh spinach, squeeze the juice out of it and mix it with coconut milk in equal proportions. Take 2-3 spoons before each meal. Boiled spinach can be added to side dishes.
• Pour a glass of boiling water over a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds and let it brew until it cools completely. Take ½ glass of the remedy during the day. Mix ground fenugreek seeds with goutweed seeds and ground ginger. Dissolve the herbal mixture in 50 mg of honey or brew with a glass of boiling water. Take the medicine 2-3 times a day.
• Grind the pomegranate peel and mix it with water until it becomes a paste. Take ½ teaspoon of the paste twice a day for 5 days.
• Pour 250 ml of boiling water over a teaspoon of caraway and let it brew for 5-7 minutes. Strain the infusion and after cooling, add 1 spoon of honey. Take the remedy in the morning and evening until the condition is normalized.
• Pour boiling water over a handful of horsetail and let it brew until it cools completely. Strain and take 1/3 cup 2-3 times a day.

Do not forget that before using traditional medicine methods, it is necessary to establish the true cause of the pathological condition.

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Herbal treatment

Another alternative medicine option is herbal treatment. If changes in urine color are associated with problems with the genitourinary system, then the following recipes can be used to normalize the condition:

• Pour 1 liter of wine over 4 tablespoons of yarrow and boil over medium heat for 5 minutes. Let it brew for 10-15 minutes and strain. Take the infusion 150 mg 3 times a day. This remedy can also be used for jaundice.
• Mix equal parts nettle, rose hips, and celery. Pour a couple of tablespoons of the mixture into 500 ml of water and bring to a boil. Let the decoction sit until it cools completely. Then strain it and take 1-2 tablespoons every hour.
• Take 500 ml of red wine and 20 g of blackberry roots. Boil the mixture over low heat until it evaporates by half. Take the medicine 2 tablespoons 2-3 times a day.
• Grind 20 g of barley seeds and mix them with 15 g of peony roots, 5 g of centaury herb, 5 g of juniper berries. Pour 1 liter of red wine over the herbal mixture and let it brew for 12 hours. Then boil for 15 minutes. After cooling, strain and add 3-4 spoons of honey. Take the remedy 1 spoon every hour for 3-5 days.

Before using the above methods, make sure that you are not allergic to the herbal ingredients used.

Homeopathy

An alternative method of treatment that is used for many diseases is homeopathy. Let's consider the main homeopathic remedies for the treatment of dark urine and urine with blood impurities.

• Terebenthine 3.6 – hematuria, oliguria.
• Phosphorus 6, 12 is a disorder caused by severe degenerative processes in the kidneys.
• Hamamelis 3X, 3 - changes due to profuse venous bleeding.
• Ferrum aceticum 3.6 and Arnica 3X.3 – urinary tract injuries, urolithiasis.
• Crotalus 6, 12 is a pathology associated with blood clotting disorders.
• Millifolium 3X, 3 – physical activity, increased sweating.
• Hina 3X, 3 – anemia, exhaustion of the body.

The above-mentioned medications can only be taken as prescribed by a homeopathic physician, who selects the dosage and determines the duration of therapy for each patient individually.

Surgical treatment

If urine discoloration is associated with various injuries, then surgical treatment is indicated. This type of therapy is used for stones in the ureter, kidneys, urinary or gall bladder. Surgery is combined with drug treatment and various physical procedures.

For example, in case of stones in the urethra or ureter, thermal procedures are prescribed in combination with antispasmodics, which facilitate the exit of stones. If the stone cannot exit on its own, it is removed using cystoscopic or surgical intervention.

Emergency surgical treatment is performed in cases of renal trauma and damage to other internal organs that cause hematomas and tissue rupture. In other cases, conservative therapy is indicated.

Complications and consequences

A symptom such as dark urine occurs in many diseases and pathological conditions. The consequences and complications of this disorder depend entirely on the cause that provoked it. Let's consider the most common problems that can be caused by dark urine left without medical assistance:

• Cirrhosis.
• Diseases of the urinary tract.
• Hepatitis.
• Liver and pancreatic cancer.
• Diseases of the genital organs.
• Intrauterine changes.
• Inflammation of the prostate gland.
• Jaundice.
• Stones in the kidneys or bladder.
• Dehydration of the body.

Failure to seek medical attention in a timely manner leads to a sharp deterioration in the condition, increasing pain symptoms, intoxication of the body, obstruction of the urinary tract, and anemia.

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Prevention

The easiest and most accessible way to prevent changes in urine color is to avoid foods, drinks, vitamin supplements, and medications that color the excreted fluid. Prevention of more serious causes of the disorder can reduce the risk of their occurrence. Let's consider the main preventive measures for different pathological conditions.

• Urinary tract infections - drink more fluids, urinate at the first urge to urinate, wipe after using the toilet from front to back.
• Kidney stones – minimize salt and protein intake. Drink more fluids.
• Tumor lesions of the bladder and kidneys - give up bad habits, avoid exposure to chemicals, maintain normal weight, eat right, maintain water balance, maintain physical health.

In addition to the above recommendations, it is necessary to avoid hypothermia in the cold season and not allow your feet to freeze. The issue of personal hygiene deserves special attention. It is necessary to wash yourself in the morning and in the evening. Avoid promiscuous sexual relations and promptly treat any diseases.

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Forecast

Dark urine in most cases is a temporary symptom that goes away on its own. The prognosis of this disorder depends entirely on the causes that provoked it. If it is a bacterial infection, then treatment is carried out with antibiotics. If the changes are caused by food or medications, then you can refuse the products and replace the medications with analogues. But if the disorder persists for a long period of time and occurs with progressive painful symptoms, then you should immediately consult a doctor. Timely medical attention is a guarantee of a positive prognosis and rapid restoration of the normal functioning of all body systems.