Dark urine is recognized in the medical field under the name "black urine", defined as "dark urine", the urine that appears very dark because of the presence of substances in the body such as melanin, bile, haemoglobin and myoglobin. In the urine of a healthy individual the color comes primarily from the presence of urobilin. Urobilin is a final waste product resulting from the breakdown of heme from hemoglobin during the destruction of aging blood cells.
The presence of dark urine may also be caused by the presence of waste substances of certain drugs. The urine may appear darker and have a stronger smell in the case of dehydration, or after sweating a lot: in this case fluid replacement will be sufficient to ensure that the urine returns to normal colour.
Dark urine is associated with different diseases that more or less directly affect the urinary tract, ranging from various infections and inflammations, to other pathologies that affect the functioning of the urinary tract (kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra) and neoplasms on the liver and kidneys. Moreover, dark urine can result from certain foods (fava beans, rhubarb or aloe), certain medications as well as extreme exercise and muscle injuries.
In addition to being characterized by a darker colour than usual, the dark urine may also appear murky and malodorous and its onset may be accompanied by a burning sensation during urination.
What diseases can be associated with dark urine?
The diseases that can be associated with dark urine are the following:
- Kidney stones
- Cystitis
- Dehydration
- Chlamydia
- Gallbladder calcifications
- Cholecystitis
- Biliary obstruction
- Hepatitis
- Hemolytic anemia
- Sickle cell anemia
- Gonorrhoea
- Kidney failure
- Kidney cancer
- Peritonitis
- Renal cell cancer
- Cirrhosis
- Liver cancer
- Jaundice
- Urethral stricture
- Urethritis
- Glomerulonephritis
- Nephritis
- Malaria
- Acute pancreatitis
- Porphyrias
It is important to note that the list is not exhaustive and it is always good to consult a doctor.
What are the remedies against dark urine?
In the presence of dark urine one should consult a doctor. In cases of dark urine a doctor may prescribe urinalysis and urine culture tests to identify the root cause of the disorder. One should not underestimate the presence of this condition: the timelier the diagnosis is, the more possible it will be to intervene with the right therapy and reduce the risk of serious complications. Moreover, dark urine can also be a sign of dehydration; therefore, a doctor may also recommend maintaining healthy hydration as a home remedy.
When to contact a doctor in cases of dark urine?
In case of dark urine it is always better to consult your doctor. Especially, if pale stools accompany the dark urine (dark or dark orange), along with yellow skin and eyes.
