Print this page
 Email this page

 Connect with UMMC on:
 Twitter
 Facebook
 YouTube
iPhone

 Share this page:

Bookmark and Share

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

Toggle: English / Spanish

 

Video details

[ Flash player icon ] Please install flash player to see this video.

Robotic Surgery Virtual Tour

Click to take a virtual tour

Related Content


 

Urine - abnormal color - Treatment

Alternative Names

Discoloration of urine

Call your health care provider if:

Make an appointment with your health care provider if you have:

  • Clear, dark-brown urine, particularly if accompanied by pale stools and yellow skin and eyes
  • Pink, red, or smoky-brown urine, and the color change was not expected (due to a medication)
  • Abnormal urine color that persists without explanation

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The doctor will perform a physical exam, which may include a rectal or pelvic exam. You will be asked questions about your medical history and symptoms, including:

  • Time pattern
    • When did this begin?
    • Did this begin suddenly?
  • Quality
    • What color is the urine?
    • Is it consistently the same color throughout the day?
    • Do you have increased or decreased urination?
    • Can you see blood in the urine?
    • Is there an unusual odor?
  • Aggravating factors
    • What medicines do you take?
    • Have you eaten foods such as colored candy, beets, berries, or rhubarb?
  • Other
    • What other symptoms do you have? (For example,pain when urinating, abdominal pain,back pain or fever)
    • Are you drinking fewer fluids or have decreased thirst?
    • Do you have a decreased appetite?
    • Have you had any previous urinary problems or kidney problems?
    • Do you have any allergies?

Tests that may be done include:

  • Reviewed last on: 7/23/2007
  • Marc Greenstein, DO, Urologist, North Jersey Center for Urologic Care, Denville, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

References

Patel HP. The abnormal urinalysis. Pediatr Clin North Am. Jun 2006; 53(3): 325-37, v.

Wein AJ. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2007.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com