Like your stool, your urine can tell you quite a bit about the condition of your body.
Naturally, your urine will have an odour and there are times when it may seem stronger than usual. If this is the case, there is not always an issue. However, there are instances when strong and persistent smelling urine and discolouration of your urine is a cause for concern.
Do you pay attention to your urine?
If you haven’t, now is the time to start doing so! Try to pay keen attention to what your body is telling you.
Let’s focus on what message your body is sending you when you experience a change in urine odour.
Ammonia Odour
If you your urine smells like ammonia, it is highly likely that you are suffering from dehydration, which happens when there isn’t enough water intake. If you increase your fluid intake, with water especially, your urine should revert to its normal odour.
Sweet Smelling/Fruity Smelling Odour
Sweet-smelling urine is usually an indication that one has diabetes, as this is a symptom of the disease. If left untreated, the blood sugar level will be extremely high, contributing the odour of the urine. If the sweet smelling odour persists, see your doctor as it could be life threatening.
Strong Urine Odour
This type of odour can be a sign of liver disease. Se your doctor immediately if the smell persists as it could be life threatening.
Musky or Mousy Odour
If you are experiencing an odour like this when you urinate, chances are you may have Phenylketonuria (FENNEL-KEY –TON-U-E-AH) . This is a genetic condition that is usually present at birth and prevents one from breaking down amino acids called phenylalanine (FEE-NILE-A-LUH-NEEN).
Maple Syrup Odour
If your urine smells like maple syrup, see your doctor immediately as this a genetic and incurable disease that if left untreated, can lead to brain damage and death. This is known as the maple syrup urine disease. This rare phenomenon means that one isn’t able to break down the amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine.
Foul Smelling Odour
A foul smelling odour usually means that you have contracted a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Once you notice the foul smell of your urine, see a doctor immediately.
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