Foamy Urine

What is Foamy Urine?

Urine is a waste product which is formed in the kidneys and excreted out of the body through the urethra. Metabolic wastes, which are regularly toxic, are filtered from the plasma and are present in urine. By urine formation in the kidneys, the body is essentially eliminating all the toxic waste materials, whose retention in the system could prove unfavorable to the individual.

Normally, urine is pale yellow to amber in color. It contains urea, uric acid, water, ammonia, inorganic salts and worn-out blood pigments. In a normal situation, after urination, one cannot find any foam or bubbles in the urine, but in some individuals, foamy urine can be seen in the toilet bowl.

One of the most common causes of foamy urine is proteinuria. Naturally, small amounts of protein are excreted in the urine, up to 150 mg/d. Proteinuria is a condition characterized by the presence of considerable amounts of protein in the urine. Plasma proteins are necessary constituents. The Glomerulus is a part which regulates the levels of protein in our kidneys. The renal tubules accomplish the regulation of protein via protein reabsorption as proteins pass by the glomerular filtration barrier. When the glomeruli get damaged, injured or is infected, protein excretion is uncontrolled leading to proteinuria.

Proteinuria

Proteinuria, alternatively known as albuminuria is a medical condition wherein there is a presence of an above-normal amount of protein in the urine. Proteins are known as the building blocks of all body parts including muscles, bones, skin, and nails. The main protein in the blood is albumin. These proteins come in different characteristics and perform a number of diverse, vital functions. These functions include protection from diseases, blood clotting, and fluid regulation.

Typically, blood passes through the kidneys for filtration of waste products, and retention of substances which the body still needs such as albumin and other proteins. Generally, protein molecules are too large to pass through the filters, however, if the kidney filters which are called as the glomeruli are damaged, proteins in the blood can leak into the urine. The presence of protein in the urine only indicates one of the following reasons, insufficiency of absorption or impairment infiltration.

The presence of proteinuria is an indicative sign of chronic kidney disease which is associated with diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure or to inflammatory conditions involving the kidneys. Thus, albumin test in the urine is an essential part of the routine medical assessment for all patients.

Foamy Urine Causes

Three primary mechanisms involved in the cause of proteinuria namely, the disease in the glomerulus, increased levels of serum protein and finally, the low reabsorption at the proximal tubules.

Other Causes of Foamy urine

Rapid Urination

Foamy urine can also be due to hurried urination. There are times when there is already a significant amount of urine stored in the bladder. Once a person with full bladder urinates, the flow might be forceful to let it all out as fast as possible. When it becomes forceful, the urine stream hit the bowl rapidly, therefore producing bubbles to form. Associated with this problem is when a person has low amounts of oral fluid intake, thus, increasing the concentration of urine. Fortunately, foamy urine caused by this reasons is not harmful. But still, it is important to empty the bladder as necessary and drink lots of water to prevent dehydration. Observe the urine for the presence of foam. If it still persists, then the underlying cause must be something else and should be determined as soon as possible.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

In urinary tract infections, microorganisms reproduce and attack the urinary tract. One of the main symptoms of urinary tract infection is foamy urine which is typically accompanied by a burning sensation after urination. The bacteria which caused the infection produces foamy urine.

Vesicocolic Fistula

If there is a presence of an abnormal connection, such as vesicocolic fistula between the colon and the urinary tract, the result would be edema which can be seen at the bass of the urinary bladder. The urine accumulates under the skin and foam is created. When the person with the fistula urinates, the foam is released. Still, foamy urine brought by vesicocolic fistula indicates a grave medical condition such as tumors.

Others

Some other causes of foamy urine include bilirubin in the urine, retrograde ejaculation, air bubbles present in the urine and medication such as pyridium.

Foamy Urine Signs and Symptoms

In most cases, there are no any symptoms related to this condition, particularly in the early stages or in milder cases. If a significant amount of protein is excreted, then urine appears to be foamy. If proteinuria is severe, general hypoproteinemia can develop resulting in decreased oncotic pressure. If the protein loss from the blood is greatly significant, then the body’s ability to regulate fluids will be impaired leading to swelling or edema in the face, hands, and feet, ascites, and hydrothorax. When signs and symptoms are manifested, these are more related to the underlying condition itself which has caused proteinuria, and not proteinuria itself. There are associated signs and symptoms of considerable protein loss which indicate progression of kidney disease. However, before any extensive kidney damages occur, the only way to determine whether there are proteins present in the urine is by undergoing laboratory tests.

Foamy Urine Treatment

Before treating proteinuria, a proper diagnosis must be established to determine the primary cause. Commonly, proteinuria is a symptom of diabetic nephropathy; therefore, proper glycemic control must be observed to slow the progression of the condition. Typically, medical management involves angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors as the first-line medication for proteinuria. In some instances when ACE inhibitors cannot control proteinuria, the patient is given angiotensin receptor blocker or aldosterone antagonist such as spironolactone to help in protein retention. If ACE inhibitor therapy is combined with these agents, caution must be observed as there is a risk of developing hyperkalemia. If proteinuria has an autoimmune origin, steroids and steroid-sparing agent in combination with the use of ACE inhibitors are used. In addition to blood sugar and blood pressure control, dietary salt and protein are restricted. A dietician may be consulted for a healthy eating plan.

Foamy Urine Pictures