Pee that smells like ammonia If you detect a hint of ammonia in your urine, it could be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI). The odor suggests that bacteria may be swimming around in your urinary system, most likely in your urethra, kidneys or bladder.
Multiple bacterial pathogens are known to be able to produce volatile metabolites leading to a specific smell, including trimethylamine (TMA) which is the metabolite to produce malodorous urine in the genetic disorder trimethylaminuria (fish odor syndrome) [7].
A pungent odor, due to the production of ammonia, is typical of most bacterial urinary tract infection, whereas there is often a sweet or fruity odor with ketones in the urine.
Medications like antibiotics can also cause your pee to smell, because those that contain penicillin are derived from mold. That can give your urine a yeasty or fungus-like funk, but it should dissipate once you run through your antibiotic course.
Urinary tract infection: Foul-smelling urine is a symptom of a urinary tract infection. Other symptoms are cloudy urine, an urgent need to urinate, or a burning sensation while urinating. The foul smell may be the only symptom of a urinary tract infection.
See a GP if: You have smelly pee and: you need to pee suddenly, more often than usual, or during the night. you have pain or a burning sensation when peeing.
In addition to bacteria, viruses or fungi can trigger an infection. The invading bacteria thrive in urine and multiply quickly and cause an infection, which can result in an unpleasant smell.
Bacterial vaginitis (BV) can produce a fishy odor that is also accompanied by increased vaginal discharge, irritation, burning and sometimes itching. It is caused by an overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria that disrupts the balance of healthy bacteria that live within the vagina.
A urine culture test can identify bacteria or yeast causing a urinary tract infection (UTI). If bacteria multiply, an antibiotic sensitivity test can identify the antibiotic most likely to kill those particular bacteria. Your healthcare provider may order a urine culture if you get chronic or hard-to-treat UTIs.
Bacteria growing in sink drains can make hydrogen sulfide gas (“gas”), which smells like rotten eggs.
Liver disease
Infections and diseases of the liver can produce high ammonia levels in the urine and the accompanying pungent odor. Ammonia levels in blood and urine will increase when the liver is not working as it should. Any continued ammonia odor in urine should be checked by a doctor.
Ketones smell like acetone – like pear drops, or like nail-polish remover. DKA usually occurs in people with Type 1 diabetes, and is a medical emergency. "If diabetes remains undiagnosed or poorly controlled, high levels of glucose in the urine may make the urine smell sweet."
some people find that their urine smells stronger and is darker first thing in the morning (this is when it's more concentrated, or generally when they're dehydrated) certain food and drinks, including asparagus, beer, garlic and coffee, may temporarily give urine a stronger smell.
Trimethylaminuria (TMAU) is an uncommon condition that causes an unpleasant, fishy smell. It's also called "fish odour syndrome". Sometimes it's caused by faulty genes that a person inherits from their parents, but this isn't always the case. There's currently no cure, but there are things that can help.
A smelly urine can very well indicate a yeast infection because of the proximity between the urethra and the vagina. The infections is accompanied by other symptoms that include redness, swelling and a thick white discharge.
What Does Diabetic Urine Smell Like? One warning sign of diabetes or high blood sugar is urine that smells sweet or fruity. The sweetness comes from sugar in your urine and is a sign your body is trying to get rid of extra sugar in your blood.
Another indicator that you could have a bladder infection is that your pee strongly smells when you urinate. While your pee may always smell differently if you drink a lot of coffee, you'll notice a particularly different smell if you have a bladder infection. It will have an off or funny smell that you aren't used to.
Signs and symptoms of cystitis
The main symptoms of cystitis include: pain, burning or stinging when you pee. needing to pee more often and urgently than normal. urine that's dark, cloudy or strong smelling.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
The odor is due to the parasites, fungi, or bacteria in your urine. The urinary tract includes your kidneys, bladder and urethra, and any of these organs can become infected and make your urine to smell like eggs.
Liver disease and certain metabolic disorders may cause musty-smelling urine.
Smelling of the breath is common after having certain food or in the morning, but with people suffering from fatty liver conditions, it remains throughout the day. The breath may have a distinct sulfur and musty smell throughout the day. It is an obvious sign of fatty liver disease and should not be ignored.