Definition
Dark urine is urine that is
a deeper color rather than the usual straw to yellow color. Darker urine is
usually brown, deep yellow, or maroon.
Alternative Names
Urine looks dark.
Overview
Urine is produced in the
kidneys, which are important organs for the health of our body. When we take
fluid in, it passes from our digestive system into our circulatory system, where
it is filtered through the kidneys. The
kidneys get rid of waste products through the urine. The ureters are tubes that
connect the kidneys to the bladder. The bladder empties the urine via the
urethra, the tube through which we urinate.
Dark urine is most commonly
due to dehydration and concentrated urine. However, it may be an indicator that
excess, unusual, or potentially dangerous waste products are circulating in the
body. For example, dark brown urine may indicate liver disease due to the
presence of bile products. Bloody (reddened) urine is an indication of many
other potential problems, including direct injury to the kidneys.
Associated Diagnoses
Associated conditions and diagnoses include:
hepatitisrhabdomyolysiscirrhosisglomerulonephritisdehydrationtraumabiliary obstructiongallstonesbladder stonesbladder cancerjaundiceliver diseasekidney cancerpancreatic cancermalariathalassemiaporphyriasside effects of blood-thinning
medicationsbladder or kidney stones
Diagnosis and Treatments
A comprehensive evaluation
by your doctor, including a detailed history, physical examination, and
urinalysis will be necessary when dark urine is present. Treatment will depend
on your medical history, symptoms, and the results of any laboratory studies
and other diagnostic tests.
When to Call Your Doctor
Any change in the color of
the urine not due to eating certain foods or taking certain medications should
be reported to your doctor. Report blood in the urine to your doctor
immediately.
Source: http://www.healthline.com
