5. Foul Smelling Urine
Urine with a strong odor may be an indication of dehydration or, in some cases, a urinary tract infection. However, some foods and medicines have the potential to alter the odor of urine without signifying an underlying pathological cause.
Urine has a characteristic pungent odor, reminiscent of ammonia, which is caused by the presence of a chemical called urea. Thus, the higher the concentration of urea, the stronger the natural smell of the urine. In healthy individuals, strong-smelling urine likely indicates dehydration. Therefore, the first step for individuals whose urine has a stronger smell is to increase fluid intake.
If the patient is not dehydrated and their urine still has a malodorous quality, the most likely explanation is the presence of a urinary tract infection, in which case antibiotic treatment is the most appropriate treatment.
