Bubbles in Urine: 9 Possible Causes and Treatment Options
Some people may observe bubbles in their urine. But what do bubbles in urine mean? Is it normal or should it concern you?
Bubbly or foamy urine can be harmless, but there can be cases when the bubbles in the pee indicate some major ailment.
It can be a symptom of a serious condition such as a kidney disease caused due to the presence of too much protein.
Other causes of bubbles in urine include stress, dehydration, and diabetes. Let us see the causes of bubbly urine in detail.
Common Causes of Bubbles in Urine
Usually, bubbles in the urine shouldn’t concern you much. Formation of the bubbles can be just because of the trapped air during urination.
There can be other simple reasons why bubbles stay on the surface and do not disappear. The common causes of bubbles in urine include:
1. Dehydration
Dehydration makes the urine more concentrated. The accumulation of various chemicals in the urine can result in bubbly pee.
If you are dehydrated, your urine may appear deep yellow or brownish. Since people with diabetes are at high risk for dehydration, they may notice bubbles in urine more often than non-diabetics.
2. Stress
If a person is suffering from anxiety or is under psychological stress, he might notice more bubbles in the urine.
According to a research published in The Indian Journal of Medical Research, it was found that patients suffering from stress had more protein albumin present in their urine.
This extra protein leaked into the urine resulted in bubbles.
3. Chemical reaction
The toilet contains various chemicals left out by toilet cleaners or the deodorizers.
These chemicals can react with the elements present in the urine and can produce gasses that form the bubbles. These bubbles may disappear almost instantly.
4. Pregnancy
A woman’s body undergoes a series of changes during pregnancy. One of the effects includes swelling of the kidneys and the filters and passages.
Pregnancy exerts high pressure on the kidneys which leads to leakage of protein in the urine. This creates bubbles in urine during pregnancy.
5. Rapid urination
If you urinate after a long wait, there is more pressure on the bladder.
The sudden release of this pressure will cause your urine to be released with more force than normal. This will result in the formation of bubbles in the urine.
Related Reading: How to Get Rid of Trapped Gas? 15 Effective Home Remedies to Try
Severe Causes of Bubbles in Urine
There are times when bubbles in urine can be an indication of a serious condition like a kidney disorder or urinary tract infection.
These severe causes of bubbles in urine require urgent medical attention.
1. Proteinuria
Excess of protein in the urine can result in bubbly urine. This happens when there is an intake of large amount of proteins through protein drinks and other supplements.
Frequent bubbles in urine can be a sign of a more serious condition indicating kidneys disorder.
In individuals with damaged kidneys where the glomerulus, the part that filters urine is damaged, protein from the blood enters the urine and causes bubbles.
If the cause of the bubbles in the urine is the excess intake of protein, changes in your diet will help in reducing the formation of the bubbles.
2. Urinary tract infections (UTI)
If microorganisms enter the urinary tract system, one can get an infection. This results in burning sensation while urinating, higher frequency of urination, and bubbles in urine.
UTI can be diagnosed by a urinalysis and requires proper treatment with a round of antibiotics.
3. Vesicocolic Fistula
A fistula is an abnormal connection between two organs or blood vessels. A vesicocolic fistula can get formed between the bladder and colon.
This condition is more commonly found in men than women. The formation of this fistula allows air, gas, and bacteria to travel into the bladder causing bubbles in the urine.
Along with the formation of bubbles in the urine, an individual with vesicocolic fistula may also have frequent infections.
4. Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic health condition that can cause bubbles in the urine.
Tim Kenny says that high blood sugar levels can damage the kidneys and allow the leakage of protein or albumin into the urine.
The presence of an excess of protein in the urine causes bubbles in the pee. Overweight and high blood pressure can also increase the risk of diabetic kidney disorder.
Protein Levels in Urine can cause Bubbles
Under normal circumstances, there is always a little amount of protein in the urine. But if its levels are high then it could be a sign of underlying serious ailment.
The appropriate amount of protein in the urine is less than three mg/mmol.
If the test readings are between three and 30mg/mmol, it suggests significant leakage of albumin or protein and further tests are required to evaluate the health of your kidney.
It is advisable to get your urine sample analyzed to check the protein levels in the urine.
Treatment Options for Bubbles in Urine
- One of the easiest ways to reduce the formation of bubbles in the urine is to stay hydrated throughout the day. Also use the toilet quickly once you get the urge to urinate. This will prevent the foamy urine.
- In case you are suffering from a urinary tract infection, it is very important to drink lots of water and take antibiotics. This will flush out the bacteria from the urinary tract system.
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle. Exercise regularly, reduce weight and stay away from stress. This will help in preventing the formation of bubbles in the urine.
- Try to limit the intake of protein through protein drinks and other supplements.
- A vesicocolic fistula might require a surgery to get resolved. But it may also disappear on its own. Consult your doctor to get a better opinion.
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Sources:
“What Causes Bubbles in Urine?” Better Health Tips web site; http://www.betterhealthtips.org/what-causes-bubbles-in-urine/, last accessed Nov 09, 2017.
Hills, J., “Here’s Why You Have Bubbles in Your Urine,” Health and Natural World web site; http://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/bubbles-in-urine”, last accessed Nov 09, 2017.
Kessler M., “What it Means When You Have Bubbles in Your Urine,” Doctors Health Press web site, May 30, 2016; https://www.doctorshealthpress.com/general-health-articles/bubbles-in-urine.
“Bubbles in the Urine: Normal or Not?” MD Health web site; http://www.md-health.com/Bubbles-In-Urine.html, last accessed Nov 09, 2017.
Marchione, V., “Bubbles in urine: Causes, symptoms, and treatment tips,” Bel Marra Health web site, December 14, 2016; https://www.belmarrahealth.com/bubbles-urine-causes-symptoms-treatment-tips.
