The Mayo Clinic states that urine odor refers to the scent of urine as it is excreted from the body, which can range from sweet to foul. The normal odor of urine is called urinoid, states the American Academy of Family Physicians. Urine odor is related to the concentration and amount of a variety of chemicals excreted by the kidneys. Many foods and medications can affect the odor of urine, as well as some physical conditions.
Infection
A infection can happen anywhere along the urinary tract, according to Medline Plus. This can occur in the bladder, kidneys, ureter or urethra. One symptom of such an infection is foul, pungent or strong smelling urine, due to the bacteria present. A urinalysis will determine the presence of an infection if the urine contains white or red blood cells or bacteria.
Maple Syrup Urine Disease
Maple Syrup Urine Disease is described by the University of Maryland Medical Center as a hereditary metabolism disorder in which the body cannot break down certain parts of proteins. The urine in people with this condition can smell like maple syrup due to the amino acids leucine, isoleucine and valine built up in the blood. An amino acid urine test is done to determine this condition.
Asparagus
Asparagus stalks are commonly eaten as a vegetable and can cause a characteristic pungent odor in the urine within a few hours of ingesting. Drugs.com states that this may be due to the production of sulfur-containing alkaline compounds from chemical compounds found in the asparagus. Some researchers suggest that there is a genetic tendency to producing or sensing this odor. Roots, seeds and extracts from asparagus have been used as a treatment for various illnesses and as a diuretic.
Phenylketonuria
The University of Maryland Medical Center describes phenylketonuria, or PKU, as a rare condition in which a baby is born without an enzyme to properly break down the amino acid phenylaline. Without this enzyme, levels of three substances build up in the body, harming the nervous system and causing brain damage. If untreated, a "mousy" or musty odor may be detected in the urine, due to these substances.
Other Causes
The American Academy of Family Physicians lists other causes of abnormal urine odor. Diabetic ketoacidosis can cause it to have a fruity or sweet scent; prolonged bladder retention can cause an ammonia odor; gastrointestinal-bladder fistulas are associated with a fecal smell and cystine decomposition can cause a sulfur-like odor.
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