by Carol Noble

Created on: April 25, 2007   Last Updated: April 26, 2007

Cloudy urine can mean several things and it is always important to check with a medical practitioner before proscribing yourself medication. However there are one or two things you can learn from the state of the urine which are worth mentioning to the practitioner.

Firstly, if it is cloudy, it may be that you are dehydrating. If it is a dark yellow it usually means you need more water in your body.

Secondly, it could be the early signs of a urinary infection, especially if linked with pain whilst passing the urine. Apart from an infection, if this is not treated early kidney problems could arise so it is important you contact a doctor quickly to be on the safe side. I am sure the doctor would rather you did contact immediately for reassurance rather than leave it and end up with a more serious problem later, just because you felt it wasn't serious enough to bother the professional.

Thirdly, it could be linked to Thrush. This is a common problem which can be eased by a prescription cream or pessary but it needs to be confirmed by an expert. Of course, you may have been one of those people who has had Thrush in the past and so will be familiar with the problem, however, this is something that can recur, so a further check by the Doctor, who may subscribe medication, should alleviate the problem.

Fourthly, it is also important to keep a check on your urine if you are diabetic, as sometimes certain ketone's are excreted in the urine and this shows your adrenal glands (kidney glands) are not working properly. As diabetic people are more prone to kidney failure, it is vital that you ensure your urine is not showing signs of ketones.

Whatever the reason for the cloudiness of the urine, it does no harm to drink water at various times during the day. Not too much at once as this can be just as detrimental to your health, but regular small amounts keep the body fluids moving freely and will reduce the cloudiness/signs of dehydration in the urine.

I hope this advice has been of some help. Cloudiness of the urine may appear to be a very minor change which you may not think is worth bothering a professional with, however, it can be an early sign of something more serious. It is best to have this checked - just to be on the safe side.

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