Not having enough fluid circulating in the body means the kidneys are more likely to hold onto water, yet release waste products. They may also ask for a urine test. 2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK. It is necessary to ensure that your cleaning products are safe and non-hazardous to the environment and the health of people in the areas of your home where the cleaning product is used or stored. Urine mainly consists of water and usually doesnt have a strong odor to it. All rights reserved. Still, a few colors suggest the possibility of an underlying condition. Learn more about UTIs. Use a dehumidifier during the hot, humid summer also keeps humidity levels at normal range. Prolonged exposure to the odor can also cause skin and eye irritations like skin burns, permanent eye damage, and even blindness! Overheating electrical components. A urinary tract infection (UTI) happens when harmful bacteria proliferate in the urethra, bladder, or kidneys. a . Also, vitamin B-6 or foods containing large amounts of vitamin B-6 can also make your urine have a strong odor. UTIs are more common in people with vulvas because the urethra is short. Dehydration occurs when someone doesnt drink enough fluids or has a significant fluid loss due to vomiting or diarrhea. But recurring ammonia odor in pregnancy should still be brought to a doctors attention. Here are the different types and how theyre treated. According to one 2012 study, some people with kidney failure, for example, notice a bad body odor or foul-smelling urine. Smelly urine can also be a sign of an infection, however, so if the smell does not go away on its own, or if additional symptoms develop, see a doctor. familydoctor.org/condition/bladder-stones/, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/basics/symptoms/con-20037892, mayoclinic.org/symptoms/urine-odor/basics/causes/sym-20050704, nhs.uk/conditions/smelly-urine/Pages/Introduction.aspx, health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/urine-color-and-odor-changes. Listen for running or soft footstep sounds primarily at night. General Home Safety What Could Cause a Smell of Ammonia in a Home? Accessed Aug. 11, 2016. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. If a cat keeps peeing on carpet, it could be because there's a lingering urine odor in that spot. In the absence of other symptoms, such as pain with urination, cloudy or dark urine color, or unusual frequency of urination, there is usually little reason for concern. The Scholars Journal of Applied Medical Sciences reports that: The biological alterations of pregnancy can influence women to UTI.17. If a person who has any chronic condition finds that the smell of their urine changes significantly, it may be a good idea to flag it with a doctor. Ammonia in its pure form, is known as anhydrous ammonia. 4 Ways to Get Rid of Dog Urine Smell - wikiHow Life We avoid using tertiary references. Usually, there is nothing to worry about if your urine smells of ammonia after eating certain foods. Some foods and medications, such as asparagus or certain vitamins, can cause a noticeable urine odor, even in low concentrations. Anyone who consumes a lot of triggering foods can stop ammonia-smelling urine by cutting those foods out of their diet. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Treatment Takeaway Urine does not usually have a strong odor to it, but a person may notice an ammonia odor at times. What Urine Smells Mean for Your Health - Cleveland Clinic You dont have to avoid these foods forever. Asparagus can also give your pee a green tinge to it. In the case of large amounts of urine, your lungs could feel like they are burning. For example, a person with diabetes may need to switch medications or make certain lifestyle changes. Changes in urine smell and color offer insight into a persons health, diet, and lifestyle choices. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Since rats need a reliable water source, make sure you have no leaks in your pipes or faucets. Asparagus can also give your pee a green tinge to it. Ideally, your urine should be pale yellow to straw-colored. If you suspect one or more foods may be causing your urine to smell, try giving them a break. Listen for squeaking or scurrying sounds in the walls. Are there times when your urine smells especially strong? (n.d.). Possible causes include certain foods, supplement use, a urinary tract. 2 Researchers from the Mayo Clinic also say that foods high in protein can also increase the acid properties of urine causing it to have an ammonia . Ammonia smell may indicate a health problem and should not be ignored. Most people have symptoms beyond smelly urine, including: pain when urinating. Mix 1 to 2 teaspoons of baking soda in a glass of water. PubMed Health explains that ammonia is produced as the liver breaks down carbohydrates and fats. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. CFLs (compact fluorescent lamp) light bulbs are the most common type of energy-saving bulb. Everything you need to know about clear urine, back pain, if the infection has spread to the kidneys, going to the bathroom frequently, especially at night. Pregnancy vitamins can also create a smell of ammonia in the urine. It is worth noting that pregnant people with UTIs may not have any more noticeable symptoms a change in the odor of urine may be the only warning. Markt SC, et al. Smelling Urine when None Is Around Scary Symptoms Some of the symptoms of a serious urinary infection are:16. Ammonia-smelling urine is common and mostly harmless. That smell may mean that your plumbing system or vent pipe is clogged, or that you have a broken sewer pipe. The 8 Home Smells That Could Be Signs of Danger Urine that smells like ammonia isn't always cause for concern, but there are some instances where it can be. Urine may smell like ammonia when it becomes concentrated with waste products. (2017). Other health issues that can cause this odor require ongoing treatment. Accessed Aug. 10, 2016. Other symptoms associated with a UTI include: In most cases UTIs are caused by bacteria. Walls with water stains often have mold growth, because moisture is necessary for mold spores to germinate. A lack of water will also turn your pee a dark honey or brown color.1. While its an unpleasant condition, it isnt especially dangerous. Mar 29 2021 - King Of Clean - Cleaning Tips How to Get Rid of Ammonia Smell Your house is exposed to various chemicals and pollutants that release different odors. 2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK. Should you see a doctor about urine that smells like ammonia? Vegetarian dietary patterns may reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Certain foods, medications, and vitamins can cause changes in urine smell and color. According to doctors from the National Health Service in the United Kingdom, kidney stones can also block the tubes that urine passes through. The reason is that pregnant women are at increased risk of contracting a urinary tract infection (UTI) which can cause the urine to have a foul smell with ammonia-like odor. You should also take steps to practice good bladder health, which can reduce the incidence of dehydration and the likelihood that you will get a UTI. Poor Ventilation. The doctor will start by asking questions about your symptoms. It will also help to ensure your rabbit continues to use the litter box and doesn't decide to pee in another spot because the box is too messy. While sewer gas isnt dangerous in small amounts, these compounds contribute to sewer gas toxicity at high levels. Garlic and onions have sulfur-containing chemicals, and as they break down, they can taint your pee. When stones pass through the urinary tract, the risk for UTIs increases, and they can cause urine to have an ammonia smell. Metabolites are any substances that form during digestion. But I knew none was around because anyone in my home would (like most humans do) use the toilet to relieve themselves. Most of the time, you go to the restroom and the pee that comes out is well, hardly notable. Check all floor drains, toilets, and vents to make sure nothing is cracked, blocked, clogged, or loose. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. 1. He is currently completing his doctorate in science and is passionate about all earth processes, especially isotope geochemistry and paleohydrology. Certain foods can cause your pee to become smelly and give off an ammonia odor. If youve not had enough water, you may notice the urine changes to a darker yellow and gives off a stronger smell. Urine that smells like ammonia may be more concentrated. What are the signs and symptoms of diabetes? Why Does My Dog's Urine Smell Like Ammonia? Purchasing an ammonia detector to determine how much ammonia is present in your refrigerator, and if the coolant numbers are down you have a leak. Not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration which can cause a smell of ammonia to come from your urine. Because your urine can tell a lot about your health, any changes in the color or smell of your urine should be checked out by a doctor. Lets learn how to sniff out the clues with urologistPetar Bajic, MD. McPherson RA, et al., eds. The most common causes of an ammonia smell in a persons urine are diet, UTIs, dehydration, and hormones. There are many ways to get rid of the ammonia smell from urine. Why Do They Prick Your Newborn Babys Heel? information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Wash the area with a hose, and leave the doors open until the ground is dry. Urinalysis. Most of these issues can be addressed quickly. If the tip of your urethra is burning but you're positive you don't have an STD, you could be experiencing a UTI, inflammation from an irritant, or, You may occasionally notice your urine smells stronger than normal. When asparagus, for example, is broken down during digestion, its metabolites give urine a foul smell. - Barkzine If you're wondering - why does my dog's urine smell like ammonia? Kidney disease causes chemicals in urine to become concentrated and to cause a smell resembling ammonia. Some ammonia odors can mean there are hidden dangers in your home, so its essential that these types of odors are found and fixed fast. While urine that smells like ammonia isnt always cause for concern, there are some instances where it can be. They are not usually present in the urine, so when they are present, it can, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. Learn more about the causes and treatment. Last medically reviewed on January 20, 2022. Review/update the It is important to find out the main cause, especially if it is medical. Urine is examined for blood, bacteria, and kidney or bladder stone pieces. Get the smell of urine out of carpet | The Humane Society of the United Urine isn't exactly a sweet-smelling substance in the first place. While the foul smell may be alarming to your nostrils, its rarely a cause for concern. And a cat smelling the scent of another cat, particularly one from a different household, may develop behavioral issues such as aggression, agitation or urinating in inappropriate places, such as peeing outside the litter box. Leukocytes in the urine could be a sign that you have an infection or an obstruction in the urinary tract or bladder. The underlying issue may be a kidney infection. If the scent of your pee is giving you pause, you can take a few steps at home to sort out why theres an odor. Its important to keep your kidneys in good health, avoid common habits that damage your kidneys and be aware of the first signs of kidney disease. There are few things more off-putting than walking into someone's home and being hit with that unmistakable odor: cat urine. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? If your urine is darker in color and youre passing only small amounts of urine, you may be dehydrated. A urinary tract infection (UTI) happens when harmful bacteria proliferate in the urethra, bladder, or kidneys. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Urinary tract infection. Black mould. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. 4th ed. Additionally, people who are pregnant are prone to developing UTIs, and in pregnant people, strong-smelling pee may be the only symptom of the infection. To check for this, doctors will perform a blood test to check for levels of ammonia.11. The bacteria make urine smell unpleasant and cause it to be cloudy or bloody. All Rights Reserved. What Might Causes Ammonia Smells in the House? - Nimvo Install ventilation fans in your bathrooms and kitchens, mold, can be caused by excessive humidity. Dehydration - When you fail to take in sufficient amounts of water, chemicals in urine tend to be very concentrated . Causes By Mayo Clinic Staff Urine consists mainly of water. Most people have symptoms beyond smelly urine, including: Infections with certain bacteria, notably Aerococcus urinae, may cause very bad-smelling urine, with or without other symptoms. CPAP machines use pressure to make sure you receive a continuous flow of air while you sleep. However, if the ammonia odor is accompanied by pain or symptoms of infection, including fever, it is time to see a doctor. Can Beetroot Powder Improve Athletic Performance? In addition to an ammonia-like odor, another telltale sign of dehydration is bubbles in a persons urine. Some medications and supplements that can lead to a change in the odor of urine include: Some health issues that lead to smelly urine require short courses of treatment, while others require more lasting attention. These extra chemicals and vitamins can change your urines smell. That can make the urine smell fishy or foul, and it can even cause a strong body odor. But sometimes, that malodorous stream serves as a warning sign of an underlying health issue that deserves attention, notes Dr. Bajic. This content does not have an Arabic version. Other symptoms include: Learn about treating bacterial vaginosis at home here. Diabetes can cause your urine to smell like ammonia because of a high number of ketones in the bloodstream. Not holding in urine will minimize ammonia odor and infections. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. While some household odors are only annoying, others can be indications of hazardous conditions in your home. Often, drinking more water will clear the odor. The scent of disease: Volatile organic compounds of the human body related to disease and disorder. Drinking between 913 cups of water daily can reduce the chances of dehydration. How to Neutralize Ammonia Smell in a Home - Odorklenz Kidney stones are small mineral deposits that can cause a lot of pain if they move. A bad smell in the urine often goes away on its own, especially when dehydration or something in the diet causes it. However, if left untreated, issues like UTIs and STIs may become more serious. Could eating strawberries daily improve heart and brain health? Whole house Smells Like Dog Urine? Do This Now! There are times, however, when ammonia-smelling urine indicates a health problem. This is not usually cause for concern unless its accompanied by other uncomfortable symptoms. It is important that ammonia-smelling urine is not ignored, especially if it continues after attempting to resolve it. You may need to drink more water to dilute your urine. Learn more about white blood. If your cat or dog has an incontinence problem or behavioral problem it may urinate in other areas of your home besides the litter tray or garden, especially if your cat has an undiagnosed urinary tract infection (UTI). A bladder infection or other infection impacting the urinary tract can lead to urine that smells like ammonia. With early treatment, a person should feel better in a few days. Research from 2016 suggests that about 60% of people have one of several genetic variants that either decreases their ability to smell asparagus in urine or eliminates it entirely. If urine that smells like ammonia is caused by an underlying infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. While a UTI is relatively harmless, it can progress and cause serious health issues, including kidney infections. Tips To Get Rid of The Dog Smell in Your House | Angry Orange You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Johnson-Arbor, K. (n.d.). When the diet is responsible for the smell, the doctor may be able to diagnose the problem based on symptoms alone. Dog or cat urine smells strongly of ammonia, which is an irritant to the lungs. Several causes relate to diet and lifestyle, such as eating certain foods or becoming, Leukocytes are white blood cells that help protect people from infection. Your cat's diet can also be the cause of strong ammonia smell in your cat's urine. Some diets and pregnancy can also cause this symptom. Blood work can also help your doctor find other health issues, like STIs, liver or kidney problems, and chemical imbalances. Look for yellow stains in and around your fridge. Stress. privacy practices. Video of the Day Diagnosis Examine your walls to determine if you have mold growth. Urine odor Causes - Mayo Clinic B vitamins, like thiamine and choline, may impact the balance of chemicals in your urine. Soon after, you may begin to experience pain when you urinate. Orrton Pty Ltd also participates in affiliate programs with ShareASale, and other sites. Smelly urine does not always stem from a health condition. If you are worried about regular exposure to ammonia in your home or workplace, Plentiful Air has a complete guide to air purifiers that can remove ammonia available here. In some cases, the doctor may order imaging scans of the urinary tract or kidneys. Visit the bathroom as soon as the urge strikes. When ammonia is found in moderate levels in the environment it can produce a distinctive odor. Dehydration, some vitamins, and some medications can give urine an unpleasant odor. Dr. Melinda Ratini on WebMD explains that urine is made from water, salt, and chemicals. Dr. Melinda Ratini on WebMD recommends visiting your doctor if you think that your pee isnt normal and there is a strong smell to it. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Don't use ammonia (or ammonia-based products). Use a UV light to identify areas where your cat is urinating. Also, having an overall healthy lifestyle and reducing or eliminating alcohol intake can protect the liver and may help get rid of the smell. You may also like: How to Keep Cats from Pooping in your Garden How long does dog pee smell last? Similarly, foods high in protein can increase urines acidic properties and cause it to have an ammonia smell. Apple cider vinegar is a great home remedy to get rid of kidney stones naturally and help prevent urinary tract infections. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Does Your Home Smell Funny? 12 Odors That Could Mean Big Trouble @betty_boom, I agree that the smell of cat urine specifically is probably not a problem, but if the place is overall unsanitary then it might not be such a great environment. By treating fresh urine promptly, removing old odors and preventing accidents in the first place, you can eliminate dog odors and make your home smell fresh again. In: Fundamentals of Urine and Body Fluid Analysis. Of course, if that healthy lifestyle includes more dinners with asparagus and Brussels sprouts, you may be inviting the smell back in. Waste products in urine often have an odor, but urine is usually diluted enough that the waste products dont smell. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Staying hydrated will help dilute the chemicals in your waste so the odor is more typical. Exposure to high concentrations of ammonia in the air causes immediate burning of the eyes, nose, throat and respiratory tract. As the decomposition speeds up, you may detect an odor similar to soil or rotten food. By Tallulah Philange Updated Sep 27, 2021 Image Credit: Lightspruch/iStock/GettyImages In This Article Cat Urine Problems Certain Leaking Refrigerants External Smell Seeping In Leaking Household Cleaners Urine tends to be more concentrated when a person is dehydrated. The major sources of ammonia emissions in a home comes from the following 3 sources: cat urine, household cleaners and leaking refrigerant. What is making my pee smell like ammonia? Lenherr N, et al. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. The liver then converts ammonia into urea which eventually passes out through the urine. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. A kidney disease can affect the concentration of chemicals in your urine and cause it to smell like ammonia. Reducing the intake of offending vitamins and medications can also reduce urine odor. Urine does not usually have a strong odor to it, but a person may notice an ammonia odor at times. These liquids increase your chances of becoming dehydrated. But if the smell does not go away, it may be time to contact a doctor. There may be other symptoms that could accompany this ammonia-like smell such as cloudy appearance of urine. However, if your symptoms are accompanied by pain or potential signs of infection, such as a fever, then you should see a doctor. Here, well explore why your urines smell can change without accompanying pain. If it lingers, though, get checked by a medical professional. The research found that taking 1 to 2 teaspoons of baking soda in water 3 to 4 times a day was an effective remedy for urinary stones.15. Last medically reviewed on August 24, 2017. Personal hygiene of the genital area is vital when experiencing a strong ammonia-smelling odor. Wilkinson JM (expert opinion). Why Your House Smells Like Ammonia (Or Urine) - Plentiful Air Aerococcus urinae: A possible reason for malodorous urine in otherwise healthy children. Check for stains around your home where your cat may have urinated. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Both these changes may cause ammonia-smelling urine. New research suggests a link between loss of smell and the later development of Alzheimer's disease for people with an increased genetic risk. Several sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including chlamydia and trichomoniasis, can cause vaginal discharge. Treatments depend on the contributing cause. One such example is a sweet smell to the urine, which can indicate excess glucose (blood sugar) in the urine. Urine is laden with urea, a byproduct of protein metabolism. Brussels sprouts, fish like salmon, and certain spices can change your urines scent, too. This will help keep the amount of pee to a minimum. The Cleveland Clinic reports that asparagus can cause an ammonia smell in urine. However, if there is not a clear cause such as asparagus, supplements, or dehydration it is a good idea to consult a healthcare provider. This happens when there is too much sugar in the urine. Check all of your light fixtures, lamps and ceiling, unscrew every bulb and smell it. Infections and diseases of the liver can produce high ammonia levels in the urine and the accompanying pungent odor. Bacteria can affect the bladder and urinary tract, causing an infection that will cause pain when you pee. Vinegar is a temporary fix for a permanent problem Traditional household cleaning products such as vinegar, baking soda, soap, and the like seem to work at first because they eliminate some of the components of your pet's urine. If you suspect foods are responsible for the odor, try cutting them out of your diet for a few days to see if the smell goes away. Try to locate where the leak is coming from. Ammonia odor is detectable in the air when it reaches a level of 5 ppm or higher. Place mats down near the fertilizer to soften the blow if any of the bag fall onto the floor. Other symptoms, like painful urination and soreness, may develop after the foul-smelling pee appears. Call a plumber to come and inspect you home as soon as possible to fix the leak. Smelly urine home remedies and over-the-counter treatment, cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/stdfact-chlamydia.htm, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4457377/, link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00431-014-2348-9, cdc.gov/std/trichomonas/stdfact-trichomoniasis.htm, rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/6447/trimethylaminuria, niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/urinary-tract-imaging, diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-the-basics/diabetes-symptoms, Crystals in the Urine: What You Need to Know, 6 Causes of Non-STI Burning at the Tip of the Urethra, Everything You Need to Know About Urinary Hesitancy, Why Researchers Are Looking at Espresso as a Way to Fight Alzheimer's Disease, Loss of Smell May be an Early Sign of Alzheimers Disease. Diet - When large amounts of nitrogen-rich foods, such as proteins and leafy greens, are ingested, the excess nitrogen is released in the urine, thus contributing to its ammonia smell. Shirasu M, et al. The odor is produced by chemicals in your urine which become very concentrated due to a lack of water. UTIs are pretty common, sending approximately 10 million Americans to the doctor every year for antibiotic treatment, says Dr. Bajic. In this article, we explore what causes smelly urine and offer strategies to reduce the smell. A doctor may also request imaging studies to test for kidney, bladder, or liver abnormalities. Urine Smells Like Ammonia - What Is, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment - here are the most common causes, plus how to remove smelly urine odor and prevent the ammonia smell. As with ovulation, hormonal changes may make your nose more sensitive to smells if youre pregnant. Check-in with your doctor. So, if the smell pops up and disappears quickly, theres little reason for concern. The liver also plays a role in removing toxins from the body and helping digest food properly. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You've probably heard about those before. Ammonia levels in blood and urine will increase when the liver is not working as it should. Its just the way your body functions, according to Dr. Bajic. Your House Smells Musty "It's just an old house," you say.
San Diego Imperial Youth Track And Field,
Things To Do Near Farmington, Mo This Weekend,
Cheap Hotels Gulf Shores, Alabama,
Articles U
