The kidneys produce a liquid, called urine, to help excrete water-soluble chemicals out of the body. The urine leaves the kidneys and moves to the bladder through tubes called ureters. The bladder stores the urine, until the urge for urination occurs. Sterile urine is normally transparent and ranges in color from dark amber to a straw color. Medications, medical conditions, foods and the current hydration level all affect the color and odor of urine. Properly diluted urine has little odor associated with it. Under certain conditions, urine ranges anywhere from smelling sweet to smelling strongly of ammonia, according to the Mayo Clinic. A change in urine smells may be temporary or long-lasting, depending on the condition causing the odor.
Dehydration
When the urine is dark and concentrated, the odor is stronger. Urine is composed of mostly water. A decrease in fluid intake, which can lead to dehydration, increases the concentration of waste products in the urine and darkens the color. Concentrated urine often smells strongly of ammonia.
Liver Failure
Liver failure might cause a change in urine odor. A musty smell when urinating indicates liver disease. Urine that begins to smell musty needs evaluation by a physician to determine if the liver is failing or to determine the presence of metabolic disorders.
Infection
Bacteria in the urine causes a urinary tract infection. Infections involving the urinary system might cause the urine to have a strong odor. This pungent odor varies among affected individuals and depends on the bacteria.
Food and Vitamins
Food, drinks and vitamin supplements can change the smell of urine. Eating asparagus and drinking coffee are two ingestible items that can change the smell. Asparagus tends to leave a distinct smell, and urine frequently smells like coffee after drinking it. Vitamin B6 is the most common vitamin to alter the normal odor of urine, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Fistula
An abnormal opening or hole between the rectum and the bladder, called a fistula, causes urine to have an odor that is similar to stool.
Maple Syrup Urine Disease
A rare genetic disorder, called maple syrup urine disease, causes the urine to smell similar to maple syrup. Individuals affected by this condition lack the ability to break down some proteins in the body. Without a strict diet, the proteins build up and cause serious conditions, such as brain damage, coma and death.
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