Understanding Abnormal Urine Colors

Urine color abnormalities can result from various factors such as illnesses, infections, medications, and foods. Milky urine may indicate a urinary tract infection, often accompanied by a foul odor. Presence of mucus, white or red blood cells, fat, bacteria, crystals, and abnormal levels of red or white blood cells can also cause urine to appear milky.

Normally, urine ranges from light yellow to deep gold. However, abnormal urine colors can include shades of red, orange, blue, green, or brown.

Several conditions can lead to abnormal urine color. Factors like specific food consumption, medication use, certain medical conditions, or dehydration can contribute to these changes.

Secure your health with a second opinion. Make informed decisions and book your appointment today!

Get A Second Opinion

Dehydration and Dark Yellow Urine

If your urine appears dark yellow, it likely indicates dehydration. When your body lacks sufficient water intake, urine becomes more concentrated, causing it to appear darker than usual.

Pink or Red Urine

Urine that appears red or pink can be caused by various factors:

Dietary Foods

Consumption of foods like beets, blackberries, and rhubarb.

Medications for UTI

Certain drugs such as phenazopyridine (Pyridium), rifampin (Rifadin), and laxatives.

Health Conditions

Serious conditions such as infections, kidney disease, or even cancer can lead to blood in the urine.


Blood in Urine

The presence of blood in urine, indicated by red or pink coloration, is a significant concern. It may signal underlying health issues, necessitating immediate medical attention.


Orange Urine

Urine with an orange hue can be attributed to:

Medications for Orange Urine

Drugs like phenazopyridine, rifampin, sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), and certain chemotherapy medications.

Dehydration

In cases of severe dehydration, urine color may also appear orange.

Green or Blue Urine

Urine with a green or blue tint can be caused by several factors:

Food Coloring and Medications

Pigments used in specific kidney and bladder examinations, as well as certain drugs and supplements like multivitamins, amitriptyline, propofol, and indomethacin.

Infections of UTI

In rare cases, urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Genetic Condition

A rare genetic condition known as familial benign hypercalcemia.


Brown Urine

Brown-coloured urine may result from various reasons:

Dietary Food for Brown Urine

Consumption of foods such as fava beans, aloe, or rhubarb.

Medications for Brown Urine

  • Severe damage to muscles can also cause urine to turn brown.
  • Certain drugs like nitrofurantoin (Macrobid), metronidazole (Flagyl), methocarbamol (Robaxin), and laxatives containing cascara or senna.

When to Consult a Doctor for Abnormal urine Color?

Get in touch with your doctor if the color of your urine appears to be unrelated to anything you've eaten, taken, or dehydrated. So below are the points to be noted:

Unusual Urine Color

If your urine color seems unusual and is not related to diet, medications, or hydration, contact your doctor.

Underlying Causes

Unusual urine color can stem from benign reasons but may also indicate serious conditions requiring medical attention.

Blood in Urine

It's crucial to see your doctor if you suspect blood in your urine or experience pale stools, dark brown urine, or yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Ready to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!

Book an Appointment
Book Doctor Appointment
Book Free Appointment
Make an appointment just in few minutes - Call Us Now

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes green or blue pee?

It can be caused by food coloring used in medical tests, certain drugs like multivitamins, amitriptyline, propofol, and indomethacin.

What causes brown urine?

Brown urine may result from foods such as fava beans, aloe as well as kidney, liver, or urinary tract infections, and muscle damage.

When should I contact my doctor about unusual urine color?

Contact your doctor if your urine color seems unrelated to diet, medications, or hydration. Unusually pigmented urine can indicate benign or severe conditions requiring medical attention.

How will my physician diagnose the cause of unusual urine color?

Your doctor will inquire about the duration and any associated symptoms of the unusual color, including pain during urination. They will ask about medications you're taking and may conduct urine and blood tests, ultrasound imaging of kidneys or bladder, and CT scans if urinary tract stones are suspected.

What will my treatment plan involve?

The treatment varies by cause of the unusual urine color. Your doctor will discuss the diagnosis, treatment options, and long-term prognosis.

Whats app Health Packages Book an Appointment Second Opinion