Urine That Smells Like Ammonia

When a person is healthy, his urine is clear to straw yellow in color. There is no odor to the urine either. However, there are many people who do complain of urine odor. The odor can be in the range of sweet to foul. The most common complaint is urine that smells like ammonia. Volume and concentration of chemicals are the reasons, which cause urine odor. When sufficient quantities of water is consumed and bladder emptied at regular intervals, the urine is often clear and does not have any odor. In this write up, we will see the causes, symptoms and treatment for the ammonia smelling urine.

What Causes Strong Ammonia Smell in Urine

Consumption of Nitrogen Rich Food
One of the foremost reason of ammonia smell in urine is consumption of nitrogen rich food like meat, eggs, asparagus, etc. When the consumption of the nitrogen rich foods is cut down, it automatically helps in getting rid of ammonia smelling urine.

Dehydration
It is often seen, that people do not consume sufficient quantities of water, which leads to dehydration. Therefore, urine excreted out is concentrated in nature and has strong ammonia odor. Similarly, if sufficient water is not consumed before, during and after exercise, it can also lead to dehydration. Therefore, people who lead a physically active life need to be very careful, so that they are not dehydrated.

Kidney Infection
Urine that smells like ammonia can be caused due to a kidney infection. Along with the smell, the urine will also be discolored. In case of kidney infection the patient is expected to consume large quantities of water at regular intervals, so that the infection can be flushed out. In some cases, antibiotics may also be prescribed to the patient.

Liver Problem
Liver is assigned the task of eliminating toxins and poisons from the system. It is the liver, which helps in getting rid of ammonia using a complex process. If the urine does smell of ammonia, then it is not the best symptom and needs medical attention, as it can be caused, due to problem with the liver.

Bacterial Infection
One of the common causes of ammonia smelling urine is bacterial infection. Kidney infection, urinary tract infection or bladder infection are often caused due to bacteria. The bacterial infections are far more common in women as compared to men, due to the way women are structured. The urethral opening and bladder have very little distance between them and so is the case with vaginal and rectal opening. This leads to infections. It is said that women do suffer from at least one infection in their lifetime.

Menopause
Women who have reached menopause may suffer from ammonia smelling urine. There are different reasons for the same. Often dietary changes coupled with weight gain during the said period are attributed to the condition. Women may also not pay attention to the quantity of water consumed, which further adds up to the reasons.

Other Cases
Many people do not empty their bladder, at regular intervals. This leads to deposits in the bladder, which causes the problem. It is not uncommon to see urine that smells like ammonia being caused due to metabolic disorders. Sexually transmitted disease is also among the causes. Medications for certain ailments may also give rise to the condition.

Symptoms of Ammonia Smelling Urine

• Strong smell is one of the first symptom. When the urine is concentrated, the smell is more prevalent.
• If infection is the cause, then the urine will not only have odor, but it may have a cloudy appearance or may also contain blood in it.
• If the condition is caused due to an infection, some people may suffer from irritation while urinating.
• Burning sensation, itching may also be seen in some cases.

Treatment for Urine That Smells Like Ammonia

The treatment for the condition depends on the causes of the problem. The first change that one has to make is to the quantity of water consumed. At least 10 to 12 glasses of water should be consumed everyday, so that the urine is not as concentrated. In most cases, increasing the consumption of water, helps in getting rid of the condition. Similarly, you will also have to watch your diet. Reduce the quantity of nitrogen rich food from your diet. Often this also helps in getting rid of the condition. If both the remedies, do not work in a couple of day, it is important that you seek medical help. It is important to note all the symptoms, which will help in deciding the line of treatment.

It is best not to neglect urine that smells like ammonia. Treating the condition on time will help to arrest the problem in its nascent stage itself. If the problem persists for more than two or three days. It is best to consult your healthcare professional to assess the problem.