The presence of foam in the urine is a common situation and is not necessarily associated with a health problem. The formation of the foam can in fact be the consequence of a very rapid emission of urine, of a mild dehydration that increases its concentration , of small quantities of sperm left in the urethra of men after sexual intercourse or, more simply, of the presence of a detergent in the water of the toilet.
However, the foam in the urine can be linked to the presence of proteins which, if abundant, can be the result of physical trauma, of drug intake, infections of the kidneys or urinary tract, diseases that damage the kidneys or diseases such as multiple myeloma or amyloidosis. Proteinuria is more common after 65 years of age, in obese people and during pregnancy.
What kind of diseases can be associated with foam in the urine?
The following diseases may be associated with foam in the urine:
- Amyloidosis
- Vesico-colic fistula
- Glomerulonephritis
- Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
- Urinary tract infections
- Multiple myeloma
- Lupus nephritis
- Pre-eclampsia
- Nephrotic syndrome
Remember that this is not an exhaustive list and it is highly recommended to consult your doctor, in case of symptom’s persistence.
What is the therapy for foam in the urine?
Often the presence of foam in the urine does not require any treatment. In other cases it may be necessary to change the dose of some medications taken, or resort to therapies that are dependent on the specific underlying cause of the problem. Sometimes you may need to treat your high pressure, other times take antibiotics to deal with the infection. In the case of fistulas vesicoureteral colic you may instead be required to undergo a surgery.
When is most likely to contact your doctor in case of foam in the urine?
In the case of foam in the urine, it is advisable to contact a doctor if the problem persists or tends to worsen over time. In particular, concomitant symptoms such as swelling of the legs, fatigue, nausea, anorexia, back pain, weakness, blood in the urine, a color or a strange smell of the urine could indicate a kidney problem that requires the consultation of a doctor.
Pregnant women should go to the emergency room if: the foam present in the urine is associated with severe headaches, blurred vision, abdominal pain or increased blood pressure.
