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 its 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 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 regulator of the protein levels is the glomeruli of the kidneys. The regulation of protein is accomplished by the renal tubules via protein reabsorption as proteins pass by the gromerular 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 where in there is the 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 important functions. These functions include protection from diseases, blood clotting, and fluid regulation.
Normally, 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’s 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 in filtration.
The presence of proteinuria is an indicative sign of chronic kidney disease which is associated to diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure or to inflammatory diseases involving the kidneys. Thus, albumin test in the urine is an essential part in the routine medical assessment for all patients.
Foamy Urine Causes
There are three main mechanisms involve which can lead to proteinuria namely, 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 the there is already a large amount of urine stored in the bladder. Once a person with full bladder urinates, the flow might be forceful in an effort 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 presence of foam. If it still persists, then the underlying cause must be something else and should be determined as soon as possible.
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Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
In urinary tract infection, microorganisms proliferate and attack the urinary tract. One of the symptoms of urinary tract infection is foamy urine which is typically accompanied by a burning sensation after urination. Foamy urine is produced by the bacteria which caused the infection.
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, 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
Frequently, there are no any symptoms related with this condition, particularly in the early stages or in milder cases. If large amount of protein is excreted, then urine appears to be foamy. If proteinuria is severe, general hypoproteinemia can develop resulting to 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 large protein loss which indicate progression of kidney disease. However, before any extensive kidney damages occur, the only way to determine whether protein is 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 supplement to blood sugar and blood pressure control, dietary salt and protein is restricted. A dietician may be consulted for a healthy eating plan.
Foamy Urine Pictures
