Foamy urine is a sign of protein in the urine, which is not normal. “Kidneys filter the protein, but should keep it in the body,” explains Dr. Ghossein.
Passing foamy urine now and then is normal, for the speed of urination and other factors can influence this. But you should see your doctor if you have persistently foamy urine that becomes more noticeable over time. This can be a sign of protein in your urine (proteinuria), which requires further evaluation.
"After you urinate, a single layer of larger bubbles that disappears within a couple of minutes is considered normal, but foamy urine is multiple layers of tiny to medium-sized bubbles in the toilet bowl that do not go away after a few minutes,” explains Ana Claudia Onuchic-Whitford, MD, a nephrologist at Brigham and ...
Historically, persistent foamy urine noticed upon voiding is considered a warning sign of kidney disease. Foamy urine is characterized by the appearance and persistence of multiple layers of small to medium bubbles in urine voided into a container, such as a toilet bowl (see Figure 1).
Drinking water will not treat the cause of protein in your urine unless you are dehydrated. Drinking water will dilute your urine (water down the amount of protein and everything else in your urine), but will not stop the cause of your kidneys leaking protein.
When kidneys are failing, the increased concentration and accumulation of substances in urine lead to a darker color which may be brown, red or purple. The color change is due to abnormal protein or sugar, high levels of red and white blood cells, and high numbers of tube-shaped particles called cellular casts.
The treatment options for foamy urine depend on the underlying cause. If a person is dehydrated, they should drink more clear fluids until the urine is pale yellow or nearly transparent. If diabetes is the underlying cause, a doctor may prescribe oral medications or insulin injections to reduce blood sugar levels.
But sometimes, urine can appear more foamy than bubbly. Unlike bubbles in urine, foam is white-ish and will not flush. Foamy urine now and then is probably not a big deal, but if it's persistent, it may be a signal something serious is going on in your body.
Long-standing diabetes causes diabetes-related nephropathy. Symptoms don't appear until later stages, but they include swelling, peeing more often, foamy pee, nausea and fatigue. Treatment includes managing your diabetes and blood pressure.
Your treatment will depend on what caused your urine to be foamy. If you're dehydrated, drinking more water on a regular basis will help. If you have CKD, your treatment will depend on how advanced the disease is. Treating CKD can slow disease progression and make it less likely you'll end up with kidney failure.
Healthy people will see bubbles in the toilet when they urinate with “some applied force,” Su said, but “the frothy bubbles should recede in about 10 to 20 minutes. Urine, when collected in a sample tube, should be in clear liquid form.” “Abnormal frothy bubbles indicate the presence of excessive protein in the urine.
Excess Protein Due to Other Reasons
There are several other factors that may allow excess amount of protein to pass through your kidneys' filters and slip into your pee. These include high fever, stress, anxiety, and intense physical exercise. This effect may also arise even when you are exposed to extreme cold.
And some medicines can give urine vivid tones, such as orange or greenish-blue. An unusual urine color also can be a sign of a health problem. For instance, some urinary tract infections can turn urine milky white. Kidney stones, some cancers and other diseases sometimes make urine look red due to blood.
Stage 1 CKD means you have a normal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 90 or greater, but there is protein in your urine (i.e., your pee). The presence of protein alone means you are in Stage 1 CKD. At stage 1 CKD, you may not notice any effects on your health.
High levels of protein in your urine over a period of time may be the first sign that kidney disease or another condition has damaged the filters in your kidneys. A protein in urine test can help you find kidney damage early so you can make changes to protect your kidneys.
Normally, we shouldn't lose more than 150 mg of protein in 24 hours. While foamy urine is usually nothing to worry about, it could mean that you're spilling too much protein.
Whenever you are having foamy urine, every time you go to the bathroom, then it is a symptom of a kidney disease, not particularly stone, but a kidney disease.
Clear pee is most often a result of drinking a lot of water. But, in some cases, it can be a sign of an underlying health condition. In addition to overhydration, the most common causes of clear urine include kidney issues, diabetes, diabetes insipidus, medications, and pregnancy.
However, you should avoid foods that are high in potassium and magnesium, if you are have been diagnosed with Proteinuria. Foods that are high in potassium include most fresh fruits and vegetables. Some specific examples include: Oranges and orange juice.