Foamy Urine: Is it a Symptom of a Kidney Disease?

call your primary care physician.

A simple urine test can confirm if you have protein in your urine, and how much.

Based on these test results, your medical history, and a thorough exam, your physician may send you to a specialist for further testing and care, she says.

It is important to note that foamy urine, when accompanied by swollen legs and swelling around the eyes, can indicate a serious medical condition, such as these below:

Kidney disease

Kidney disease may cause foamy urine. One vital function of the kidneys is to filter proteins in the blood. These proteins perform essential functions in the body, such as maintaining a balance of fluids. If a person has kidney damage or disease, proteins can leak from the kidneys into the urine. The result is known as proteinuria, which means “protein in the urine.” Extra proteins reduce the urine’s surface tension, causing it to foam. This is similar to the effect that soap has on water. Proteinuria can be an early sign of kidney disease. Other symptoms may include:

itchy skin
nausea
shortness of breath
swelling
unexplained fatigue
frequent urination
vomiting

READ: Most Overlooked Causes & Treatments For Frequent Urination

Diabetes

Diabetes and other causes of high blood sugar also commonly result in foamy urine. A person with uncontrolled diabetes will have more blood glucose molecules in their body. Glucose is a large molecule, like protein. If blood glucose levels are too high, the kidneys may have trouble filtering the molecules correctly.

As a result, the kidneys may allow excess glucose and proteins to escape in the urine.

In addition to foamy urine, people with uncontrolled diabetes can have symptoms such as:

blurred vision
dry mouth
a constant feeling of thirst
a frequent need to go to the bathroom
unexplained hunger
itchy skin
unexplained fatigue

One thing that may give a “false positive” for too much protein in your urine could be UTI medication. The only way to actually treat a urinary tract infection is to see your doctor and get on antibiotics, the Mayo Clinic explains. But there are medications meant to relieve UTI symptoms while the infection clears, such as Azo, which contains the active ingredient phenazopyridine hydrochloride. Although phenazopyridine hydrochloride is most famous for causing orange pee, some people also report foamy urine,

So the next time you go do “number 1” take a look back and see what your pee looks like. It can really give you a clue as to what is going on with and inside your body.