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What Could Cause Dark Orange Or Brown Colored Urine Despite Drinking Plenty Of Water And Being Physically Active?
Question: Have been on retreat for three days in XXXXXXX with 3 and 5 year old grandchildren. During three days have noticed my urine becoming a dark orange brown color. I drank plenty of water. Had little or no appetite in spite of walking hills at Campus by the Sea. I am a relatively active 76 yr old woman. edress: YYYY@YYYY
Brief Answer:
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
Dark urine, particularly if it is a brown color, can be a sign of obstruction of bile from the liver. This can be due to a variety of reasons including gall stones, inflammation of the bile ducts or other inflammation of the liver or it's outflow. As you seem to be aware, dark urine can be from dehydration too, but as you are drinking a lot of water, that may not be the cause.
Some foods can cause a discoloration like you described, such as rhubarb, fava beans, and food coloring. Iron supplements can too. But given that you have decreased appetite, it doesn't sound as thought the problem is from staining from foods.
Bleeding in the urinary tract (such as from infection or stones) or a UTI can also cause urine discoloration. Also, intense exercise, particularly if you are not conditioned for it, can cause break down of muscles that releases myoglobin, which can discolor the urine.
I recommend that you go in to be seen where the doctor can do an exam, get a urinalysis, and blood tests for liver enzymes and an ultrasound of the liver, gall bladder, and pancreas (aka and abdominal ultrasound) if indicated.
If you are willing, please let me know how you are doing after you go in and are evaluated.
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
Dark urine, particularly if it is a brown color, can be a sign of obstruction of bile from the liver. This can be due to a variety of reasons including gall stones, inflammation of the bile ducts or other inflammation of the liver or it's outflow. As you seem to be aware, dark urine can be from dehydration too, but as you are drinking a lot of water, that may not be the cause.
Some foods can cause a discoloration like you described, such as rhubarb, fava beans, and food coloring. Iron supplements can too. But given that you have decreased appetite, it doesn't sound as thought the problem is from staining from foods.
Bleeding in the urinary tract (such as from infection or stones) or a UTI can also cause urine discoloration. Also, intense exercise, particularly if you are not conditioned for it, can cause break down of muscles that releases myoglobin, which can discolor the urine.
I recommend that you go in to be seen where the doctor can do an exam, get a urinalysis, and blood tests for liver enzymes and an ultrasound of the liver, gall bladder, and pancreas (aka and abdominal ultrasound) if indicated.
If you are willing, please let me know how you are doing after you go in and are evaluated.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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