Ask An Expert: Foul-smelling Urine
Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School
Ask An Expert: Foul-smelling Urine
Question:
What are some possible causes of foul-smelling urine?
Answer:
Usually, smells in the urine come from foods (such as asparagus or coffee) or medicines. Concentrated urine in a healthy person can also smell strongly. It is possible for urine to have a bad odor from a urine infection. Fruity or sweet odors in the urine can come from a complication of diabetes called ketoacidosis. Urine that has been held in the bladder for longer than normal may ferment, so that it smells strongly of ammonia (this may happen if a person does not empty the bladder efficiently due to a large prostate or other reason).
Mary Pickett, M.D., is a lecturer for Harvard Medical School and an assistant professor of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University in Portland, OR. At OHSU, she practices general internal medicine and teaches medical residents and students.
| Last updated: | January 24, 2007 |
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Medical content reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School. Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.
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