Urine is a waste product that contains a substance called urea as well as excess fluid pulled from the body. The structures that make up the urinary system are responsible for the production of urine as well as proper excretion from the body. These structures include the kidneys, bladder, ureters and urethra. Any condition that causes infection in any of these structures or causes fluid imbalances can result in a strong urine odor.
Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when the body cells do not contain enough water to allow for normal body functioning. In someone who is properly hydrated, the kidneys pull excess water from the blood and cells and deposit it into the bladder, where it will be excreted with urine. Those who are dehydrated do not have excess water to be excreted. As a result, the urine that leaves the body is extremely dark and concentrated and carries a strong odor. In addition to a strong urine odor, other symptoms of dehydration include dry mouth, decrease in tear production, fatigue and lightheadedness. In most cases, dehydration can be easily treated with increased intake of water. Some people experience severe dehydration and must receive intravenous fluids and electrolytes.
Acute Cystitis
The bladder is the organ stores urine until it is ready to be expelled from the body through the urethra. Acute cystitis is the sudden inflammation of the lower urinary tract due to a bacterial infection. Most cases of acute cystitis are caused by the bacteria E. coli, which is normally found in the intestines, according to MedlinePlus. Most of the time, the bacteria is removed from the bladder during urination. In some cases, the bacteria multiply so quickly that all of them cannot be expelled in the urine. This results in the infection that causes cystitis. Symptoms of cystitis include strong urine odor, cloudy urine, frequent need to urinate, painful urination and pressure in the pelvis. Acute cystitis can usually be successfully treated with a series of antibiotics. MedlinePlus notes that it is important to complete the cycle of antibiotics even if symptoms go away before the medication is finished.
Pyelonephritis
Pyelonephritis is a kidney infection that involves the kidneys as well as the ureters, the tubes that bring urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Pyelonephritis usually develops when bacteria enter the body through the urethra and travel into the kidneys, where they multiply. The infection can also develop as a result of a bacterial infection that spreads to the kidneys through the bloodstream, according to MayoClinic.com. Symptoms of pyelonephritis include strong urine odor, pain or burning during urination, frequent urge to urinate, fever, groin pain, abdominal pain and blood in the urine. Pyelonephritis can cause permanent damage to the kidneys, so prompt treatment is recommended. Treatment usually consists of oral antibiotics. Severe cases may require intravenous antibiotics.
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