Dark Urine

Urine colour usually ranges from clear to light yellow colour. The yellow pigment, also known as urobilin or urochrome, is naturally present in urine. However, when its concentration becomes excessive, it causes dark yellow urine. 

The darker the urine becomes, the more concentrated it is. Dehydration is the most common cause of dark yellow urine. Sometimes, it could be a sign of something unusual or harmful such as jaundice, infections, or other health problems. 

What is Dark Urine?

Dark urine is characterised by its dark colouration, which is primarily caused by dehydration. When a person does not consume enough water, their urine contains a higher concentration of waste materials such as toxic substances, proteins, dead blood cells, and other substances that the body needs to eliminate. These waste materials are the primary culprits behind the dark yellow colour of the urine. Changes in hue can also occur due to the intake of certain medications or the consumption of specific foods, such as vitamins, beets, blackberries, asparagus, or food colouring. However, it is important to note that additional symptoms should be observed, as significant medical conditions such as hepatitis, jaundice, gallstones, and others can also lead to dark yellow urine.

The main indicator of dark urine is a shift in colour from the usual, lighter shade to a darker shade. The colour of urine can vary depending on the underlying cause and may include the following:

• Deep brown
• Milky or cloudy
• Red, pink, or a lighter brown
• Dark orange or yellow
• Blue or green

Causes of dark urine

Dehydration is one of the most common reasons for dark yellow urine. However, there are numerous other factors that can cause dark or unusually coloured urine, including illnesses, infections, medications, or even certain meals. The main dark urine causes are as follows:

• Severe dehydration.
• Urine that contains menstrual blood may appear dark or brown in colour.
• Urine might appear green or blue due to bilirubin, certain drugs, food dyes, or urinary tract infections (UTIs).
• Liver conditions such as liver cirrhosis or acute viral hepatitis can cause the buildup of bilirubin, resulting in dark brown urine.
• People with rhabdomyolysis may experience dark urine due to the breakdown of muscular tissue.
• Eating meals like beets, blackberries, or other highly coloured foods can cause dark brown urine.
• Light pink urine can be caused by conditions such as hemolytic anaemia, porphyria, bladder or kidney tumours, urinary tract injuries, or hematuria (blood in the urine).
• Urine may appear orange or dark yellow if a person has been using laxatives, vitamins, or carotene supplements.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can lead to murky, milky, and foul-smelling urine. If blood is present, the urine may turn pink or dark red.
• Certain drugs, such as pain relievers, can cause urine to become dark orange or yellow.

Additionally, starting any new medication can also result in a darkening of urine colour.

Symptoms of dark urine

The primary indication of darkened urine is a deviation in color from the typical lighter shade. This alteration in urine color can present itself in various ways, including:

• Dark brown
• Cloudy or milky
• Pink, red, or lighter brown
• Dark yellow or orange
• Green or blue

It is crucial to seek guidance from your healthcare provider if you observe any changes in urine color that fall outside the usual range of your typical urine appearance. This can be indicative of an underlying health issue, and discussing these variations with your healthcare professional will allow for a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate guidance on potential causes and necessary steps.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Dark yellow urine can be a symptom of several medical conditions. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention if urine appears abnormal in colour. The doctor will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if the dark urine is a result of dehydration or a side effect of medication. This evaluation typically includes reviewing the patient's medical history, performing a physical examination, and conducting a urinalysis. In addition, the doctor may order the following tests:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): A complete blood count helps the doctor assess liver or kidney function and identify any potential impairments.
• Urinalysis: A simple urine test, known as a urinalysis, examines a small sample of urine. The urine is typically collected in a transparent container to facilitate the testing process.

A urinalysis comprises three components: A visual inspection to assess clarity and colour, a microscopic examination to identify any abnormal elements in healthy urine, such as bacteria or red and white blood cells, and a dipstick test to determine the presence of substances like blood, protein, bilirubin, glucose, or white blood cells at elevated levels.

The treatment approach for black urine depends on its underlying cause. For instance, increasing water intake to maintain hydration and consuming electrolyte-rich fluids may help alleviate dark urine caused by severe dehydration. It is advisable to consult a healthcare practitioner if a medication is suspected of causing symptoms like dark-coloured urine to confirm whether it is a common side effect. If an individual notices dark coloured urine or unusually coloured urine, it is always important to inform their doctor.

When to visit a Doctor?

If a person is experiencing dark yellow urine even after drinking a lot of water, it is advisable for them to consult a doctor. Understanding the underlying cause of the dark urine symptoms is crucial, as it can be a potential symptom of various chronic conditions. For example, if an individual passes urine colour dark yellow and experiences severe pain, particularly in the back, it could indicate the presence of kidney stones or a urinary tract infection (UTI). If the pain or any other symptoms associated with dark yellow urine worsen or are accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or a high temperature, it is important to seek immediate medical assistance.

Conclusion

Simple dietary changes or side effects of medications can also lead to dark yellow urine. However, it can also be a sign of a more serious illness. The colour of urine can vary, ranging from dark brown, red, dark yellow, murky or milky, pink, orange, to even green and blue, depending on the underlying cause, which may include various medical conditions.

While dehydration is one of the most common reasons for dark yellow urine, dark urine can also be attributed to a wide range of other conditions, infections, dietary factors, and medications. Experiencing dark yellow urine symptoms can be concerning. The good news is that a visit to the doctor can help identify the problem. It is important to consult a doctor to rule out any underlying medical disorders that may be the root cause of the dark urine symptoms.

FAQ's

1. Is dark urine a cause for concern? 

In general, dark yellow urine causes are often attributed to factors such as dehydration or the consumption of foods with natural colouring agents like beetroot or pomegranate. This can usually be resolved by increasing water intake and is not a major concern. However, if an individual continues to pass dark urine despite adequate hydration, it is advisable for them to seek immediate medical attention as it may indicate an underlying issue.

2. What colours of urine are considered abnormal? 

Any colour other than transparent urine is considered abnormal. This includes shades of red, orange, green, blue, or brown. Even a reddish-brown colour of urine is considered abnormal.