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Smelly urine in babies. Baby’s Smelly Urine: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Is strong-smelling urine in babies normal. What are the potential causes of foul-smelling urine in infants. How can parents identify and address urinary tract infections in babies. What preventive measures can reduce the risk of UTIs in infants.

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Understanding the Significance of Smelly Urine in Babies

As a parent, it’s natural to be concerned about your baby’s health, especially when you notice something unusual like strong-smelling urine. While urine typically has a distinct odor, a particularly foul smell may warrant attention. It’s essential to understand that not all cases of smelly urine indicate a problem, but it’s wise to be vigilant and consult a pediatrician if you have concerns.

Foul-smelling urine in babies can sometimes be a sign of underlying health issues, most notably urinary tract infections (UTIs). However, other factors can also contribute to changes in urine odor. Let’s explore this topic in more detail to help parents better understand when to seek medical advice and how to address potential issues.

Common Causes of Strong-Smelling Urine in Infants

Several factors can contribute to changes in a baby’s urine odor:

  • Dehydration
  • Diet changes (especially in older infants starting solid foods)
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Metabolic disorders
  • Certain medications

Is dehydration a common cause of strong-smelling urine in babies? Yes, when a baby is not getting enough fluids, their urine becomes more concentrated, leading to a stronger odor. This is often more noticeable during hot weather or when the baby is unwell.

Recognizing Signs of Urinary Tract Infections in Babies

Urinary tract infections are a significant concern when it comes to smelly urine in babies. UTIs affect about 1-2% of boys and 8% of girls before they reach the age of 5. The urinary tract, comprising the bladder, kidneys, urethra, and ureters, can become infected when bacteria enter the system.

What are the common symptoms of UTIs in infants? Look out for:

  • Foul-smelling urine
  • Fever
  • Irritability
  • Vomiting
  • Lethargy
  • Jaundice
  • Poor feeding
  • Blood in urine
  • Slow weight gain

In older children, frequent and painful urination may also be observed. It’s important to note that detecting UTIs in infants can be challenging due to the non-specific nature of symptoms. However, fever and foul-smelling urine are usually present in most cases.

Risk Factors for Urinary Tract Infections in Infants

Understanding the risk factors for UTIs can help parents be more vigilant. Some key factors include:

  1. Gender: Girls are more susceptible due to their shorter urethra and its proximity to the anus.
  2. Circumcision status: Uncircumcised boys under 1 year old have a higher risk.
  3. Use of bubble baths
  4. Abnormal urinary tract anatomy
  5. Family history of UTIs

Do anatomical differences play a significant role in UTI risk? Indeed, the shorter urethra in females and its closer proximity to the anus make it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract, increasing the likelihood of infections.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections in Babies

If you suspect your baby has a UTI, it’s crucial to consult a pediatrician promptly. The doctor may request a urine sample for analysis. In some cases, bringing a soiled diaper to the doctor’s office can be helpful for evaluation.

How are UTIs in infants typically treated? The standard treatment involves a course of antibiotics, usually lasting about three days. Most infections clear up within a couple of days, but it’s essential to complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms subside. For kidney infections, treatment may extend to 7-10 days.

In severe cases or for very young infants (under three months), hospitalization may be necessary. Parents should monitor their baby closely during treatment and report any worsening symptoms or new developments to the doctor immediately.

Preventive Measures to Reduce UTI Risk in Infants

While it’s not always possible to prevent UTIs, certain practices can help reduce the risk:

  • Proper wiping technique: Always wipe from front to back after diaper changes.
  • Prompt diaper changes: Change diapers immediately after bowel movements.
  • Adequate hydration: Ensure your baby gets enough fluids to help flush out bacteria.
  • Proper hygiene education: Teach potty-trained children to wipe from front to back.

Can proper hydration significantly reduce UTI risk in babies? Yes, ensuring your baby gets enough fluids helps maintain regular urination, which naturally flushes bacteria out of the urinary tract, reducing the risk of infections.

Other Urine-Related Concerns in Infants

While strong-smelling urine is a common concern, parents should also be aware of other potential issues related to their baby’s urine:

Discolored Urine

Pinkish or reddish urine can be alarming for parents. In many cases, slightly darker urine without other symptoms isn’t cause for immediate concern, especially in hot weather when babies may perspire more. However, if the urine appears pinkish, it could indicate the presence of blood, which requires medical evaluation.

Changes in Urination Frequency

It’s normal for babies to urinate less frequently in hot weather due to increased perspiration. Generally, urinating every 3-4 hours is considered normal. However, if your baby doesn’t urinate for more than half a day, it could be a sign of dehydration, and you should seek medical advice.

Presence of Pus

While uncommon, the presence of pus in a baby’s urine is possible and requires medical attention. In baby boys, pus can sometimes be observed due to various conditions affecting the urinary tract or genitals.

How can parents differentiate between normal urine variations and potentially serious issues? The key is to observe overall patterns and accompanying symptoms. Isolated instances of darker urine or less frequent urination, especially during hot weather, are often normal. However, persistent changes, particularly when accompanied by other symptoms like fever, irritability, or poor feeding, warrant medical evaluation.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Baby’s Urine Issues

While not every instance of strong-smelling urine requires immediate medical attention, certain situations call for prompt consultation with a pediatrician:

  • Persistent foul odor in urine
  • Urine with a pinkish or reddish tint
  • No urination for more than 6-8 hours
  • Presence of pus in the urine
  • Accompanying symptoms such as fever, irritability, or poor feeding
  • Signs of pain or discomfort during urination (in older infants)

Should parents always consult a doctor for strong-smelling urine in babies? While not every instance requires medical attention, it’s better to err on the side of caution, especially if the smell persists or is accompanied by other symptoms. A pediatrician can provide a proper diagnosis and rule out any serious conditions.

The Importance of Proper Hydration

Adequate hydration plays a crucial role in maintaining urinary health in infants. Proper fluid intake helps dilute urine, reducing its concentration and odor. It also promotes regular urination, which helps flush out bacteria and other potential irritants from the urinary tract.

For breastfed babies, feeding on demand usually provides sufficient hydration. Formula-fed infants may need additional water, especially in hot weather or when they’re ill. As babies start solid foods, parents should ensure they’re getting enough fluids throughout the day.

The Role of Diet in Urine Odor

As infants begin to consume solid foods, their diet can influence urine odor. Certain foods and vitamins can cause temporary changes in urine smell. For instance, asparagus is known to cause a distinct odor in urine, even in infants who consume it through breast milk if the mother eats asparagus.

Parents should be aware that dietary changes can affect urine odor but shouldn’t be overly concerned unless the smell is persistently foul or accompanied by other symptoms.

Long-Term Considerations for Urinary Health in Infants

While most urinary issues in infants are temporary and resolve with proper care, some situations may require ongoing attention:

Recurrent UTIs

Some infants may be prone to recurrent urinary tract infections. In such cases, doctors might recommend prophylactic antibiotics or further investigations to rule out any anatomical abnormalities in the urinary tract.

Vesicoureteral Reflux

This condition, where urine flows backward from the bladder to the kidneys, can increase the risk of UTIs and kidney damage. If suspected, doctors may perform specialized tests to diagnose and manage this condition.

Ongoing Monitoring

For infants who have experienced UTIs or other urinary issues, pediatricians may recommend regular check-ups to monitor urinary health and development.

How can parents support their baby’s long-term urinary health? Maintaining good hygiene practices, ensuring proper hydration, and staying vigilant about potential symptoms are key. Regular check-ups with a pediatrician can help catch and address any issues early.

The Impact of Diapers on Urinary Health

The type and quality of diapers used can also play a role in a baby’s urinary health:

Diaper Materials

Some babies may be sensitive to certain materials used in diapers, which can lead to irritation and potentially increase the risk of infections. Parents should be observant of any signs of diaper rash or discomfort and consider switching brands if necessary.

Frequency of Diaper Changes

Changing diapers promptly and regularly is crucial for maintaining good urinary health. Prolonged exposure to wet or soiled diapers can increase the risk of UTIs and other skin issues.

Diaper-Free Time

Allowing babies some diaper-free time can be beneficial for their skin and overall urinary health. This practice allows the skin to breathe and can help prevent irritation and infections.

Does the choice of diaper significantly affect a baby’s urinary health? While the primary factors in urinary health are hygiene and overall health, the right choice of diaper can contribute to comfort and reduce the risk of irritation, which indirectly supports urinary health.

The Role of Probiotics in Infant Urinary Health

Recent research has shown promising results regarding the use of probiotics in maintaining urinary health and preventing UTIs in infants:

Beneficial Bacteria

Probiotics help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the gut and urinary tract. This balance can help prevent harmful bacteria from colonizing and causing infections.

Immune Support

Probiotics can boost the immune system, potentially helping the body fight off infections more effectively.

Potential for UTI Prevention

Some studies suggest that certain probiotic strains may help reduce the recurrence of UTIs in children prone to these infections.

Should parents consider probiotic supplements for their infants? While research is ongoing, parents should consult with their pediatrician before starting any probiotic regimen. For some infants, especially those prone to recurrent UTIs, probiotics might be a beneficial addition to their care routine.

In conclusion, while smelly urine in babies can be concerning, it’s often not a serious issue. However, parents should remain vigilant and seek medical advice when necessary. By understanding the potential causes, recognizing symptoms, and implementing preventive measures, parents can effectively support their baby’s urinary health. Regular check-ups, proper hygiene practices, and adequate hydration form the foundation of maintaining good urinary health in infants. As always, when in doubt, consulting with a pediatrician is the best course of action to ensure your baby’s health and well-being.

Is It Normal If Baby Pee Smells Strong?

Raising an infant is never easy, as it is always difficult to decide whether a symptom will go away on its own or requires medical attention. Many new moms ask about what they should do if baby pee smells bad. Urine will always have a distinct smell, but sometimes, you notice a particular foul odor. If that is the case, you may want to talk to your child’s doctor.

Is It Normal If Baby Pee Smells Strong?

If your baby’s urine smells strong, it does not always mean that there is an infection. However, it is a good idea to talk to a pediatrician because a particularly foul-smelling pee may not be normal. There can be some underlying health problems, including a urinary tract infection (UTI). It is even more important to seek medical help if your baby also has a fever. You may consider bringing a soiled diaper to the doctor’s office for further evaluation.

UTI Is a Possibility

When your baby pee smells strong, there will always be a risk of a urinary tract infection. About 1-2% of boys and 8% of girls experience an episode of UTI before they are 5 years old. The urinary tract is made up of the bladder, kidneys, urethra, and ureters. Bacteria can enter the urinary tract and cause an infection, which may result in foul-smelling urine, fever, and other symptoms. There are bacteria on the skin around the anus, and they can easily enter the urinary tract to cause an infection.

Signs to Watch Out For

If your baby has a urinary tract infection, there will be many other symptoms along with bad-smelling urine. Some of the most common symptoms include irritability, vomiting, fever, lethargy, jaundice, not feeding well, blood in urine, and not gaining weight properly.

If your child is older, they may have to wee a lot, which can be painful. This often discourages them to empty the bladder, which may result in a tummy ache. It is actually a bit difficult to detect a UTI in infants and young children because the symptoms are not that specific. A fever is usually present in all the cases, and your child’s urine is likely to have a foul smell as well.

Risk Factors

UTIs are more likely to affect young girls as compared to young boys because the urethra is shorter in females – it is also closer to the anus, making it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract. Uncircumcised boys (under the age of 1) are at an increased risk of developing a urinary tract infection. The use of bubble baths, an abnormal urinary tract, and a family history of UTIs are other risk factors.

How Can It Be Treated and Prevented?

If your baby pee smells strong and UTI is the cause, your baby will have to take antibiotics. It will actually be a course of antibiotics, usually lasting three days. The infection usually clears up in a couple of days, but it is important to complete the course even if the symptoms are no longer there. Your baby will have to take antibiotics for 7-10 days in case the infection is in the kidneys.

Be sure to take your baby to your doctor in case the symptoms become worse or you notice any new symptoms, which could indicate sepsis, a condition in which the body attacks its own organs and tissues. In some cases, you need to hospitalize your baby, especially if he/she is very weak or under three months old.

In order to prevent UTI, you can take certain steps. For instance:

  • Always wipe your baby’s bottom moving from front to back and not the other way round.
  • Be sure to change their nappy immediately after they have done a poo.
  • Ensure that your baby gets enough fluids every day – this helps flush bacteria out of the body.
  • Teach your potty-trained child to move from front to back when wiping his/her bottom.

More Things about Baby’s Pee

It is certainly a good idea to see a pediatrician when baby pee smells strong, but there are other things to know about your baby’s pee. For instance:

1. Pinkish or Reddish Urine

If you notice slightly darker urine but without any other symptoms, you do not usually need to worry. Ensure that your baby is eating normally and is in a good mood. The change in color could be due to hot weather, which makes your baby to perspire more. However, you may want to talk to a pediatrician if your baby’s urine is pinkish, as it could indicate blood, which requires further evaluation.

2. Decrease in Frequency or Amount of Urine

In hot weather, it is natural for everyone to pee less because you have already lost enough water through perspiration. The same holds true for your little one. In most cases, there is nothing serious if your baby pees every 3-4 hours. You should seek medical attention if your baby does not urinate for more than half a day. This could be due to dehydration.

3. Pus in the Urine

While it is not that common, it is possible to see pus in your baby’s diapers. Baby boys can have pus due to balanoposthitis. You may notice that the tip of your baby’s penis is swollen. In this situation, it can be quite painful to pee. Seek medical attention if there is pus in your baby’s diapers and he cries loudly when peeing.

3 Reasons Why Your Child’s Urine Might Smell

What Causes Urine To Smell In Younger Children & Babies?

Strong smelling urine is not always a cause for alarm. If your child or newborn is relatively healthy and well, there is likely a simple explanation for the strong smell.

The smell of a child or newborn’s urine will change over time due to a variety of reasons including new foods, illness, medication, supplements and dehydration. A common and treatable reason especially in newborns is a Urinary tract infection (UTI).

Lifestyle, medical and genetic factors can cause problems for bladder health. In this article we will take a look at three of the main causes of strong-smelling urine in newborns and young children.

1. Lifestyle

Lifestyle factors play a large role in the well-being of a child or newborns bladder health.
Urine is typically clear or pale yellow in colour (healthy) and has a mild smell. If you notice persistently strong-smelling urine, medical evaluation may be required to determine the cause. There are numerous reasons why someone’s urine may have a strong smell:

  • Dehydration – not drinking enough fluids
  • Vitamin B6 supplements or Fenugreek can cause urine to smell strongly
  • Certain medications/antibiotics (infant/child)
  • Maternal medication (mother)
  • Concentrated urine – often noticeable first thing in the morning
  • Not getting enough breast milk
  • Diet – eating certain foods whilst breastfeeding (onion, garlic, asparagus)

2. Medical

In certain cases where lifestyle factors are not applicable, it is important to consider medical reasons for strong-smelling urine as listed below:

  • A Urinary Tract Infection – symptoms include discomfort, crying when passing urine, bloody urine and stomach pain
  • Diabetes – (increased blood sugar) strong-smelling urine, constantly thirsty, and fatigue are all possible indicators of Type 2 Diabetes
  • A genetic predisposition – certain genetic disorders can cause strong smelling urine, such as Trimethylaminuria
  • Imbalanced pH of the vagina – the acidity or alkalinity of the urine
  • Yeast infection – Candida infections
  • Maple Syrup Urine Disorder (MSUD)

MSUD is a very rare disorder (1 in 185,000 children worldwide) that causes a child’s urine to smell like brown sugar or maple syrup. This is where an individual has difficulty breaking down certain amino acids.

If your child or baby has strong-smelling urine, it’s a good idea to get a doctor to examine the symptoms especially if a fever is present or if they seem to be behaving out of sorts. Other symptoms to watch out for include cloudy urine, edema, weakness, irritability, and dry mouth.

3. The Smell Of Ammonia

If you are changing your newborn’s nappy, you might wonder why it smells slightly of ammonia (strong chemical smell). This is actually the normal waste from the kidneys and is not an immediate cause for concern.

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The main causes of this strong smell are Bladder Stones, Dehydration, Food and UTI’s. Urine that smells of ammonia on occasion is not a reason to worry, especially if you notice it improves with daily fluid intake. However, if you notice your child or newborns urine continues to smell it could be a sign of infection.

Additionally, if your child is also experiencing leaks or bed-wetting, you can use the iD Comfy Junior range to manage these issues. The pants and slips in this range are breathable, discreet and approved by dermatologists, meaning you can be assured of your child’s comfort.

References:

https://www.momjunction.com/articles/strong-urine-smell-baby-infant-causes-treatment_00720893/

https://www.healthline.com/health/urine-ph

https://www.healthline.com/health/urine-smells-like-ammonia#see-adoctor

 

Pyelonephritis in children

Pyelonephritis is a microbial inflammatory disease of the kidneys. In this case, the cups, pelvis and directly renal tissue are affected. Pyelonephritis can occur in acute and chronic (longer than 1 year) form. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications over time, including severe kidney failure.

Why do children develop pyelonephritis?

The main cause of the disease is bacteria that are in the bladder and travel up the ureters. Sometimes pathogens enter the kidneys with lymph flow during acute or chronic infections in other organs, such as vulvovaginitis in girls, dental caries, chronic cholecystitis, tonsillitis, colitis.

In a very short and simplified explanation, bacteria enter the kidneys, cause inflammation in them, more urine begins to be produced, and there is a risk of dehydration. Outwardly, this is manifested by some symptoms. Over time, inflammation causes damage to kidney tissue and scarring. Kidney function is increasingly impaired, blood pressure rises. Serious disorders occur in the body, because the kidneys can no longer cope with the excretion of harmful metabolic products.

Some factors contribute to the development of pyelonephritis in children:

  • Violation of the outflow of urine and its reverse reflux: from the bladder – into the ureters, from the ureters – into the renal pelvis. More than a hundred different causes of this disorder are known. These can be various obstacles to the outflow of urine (improper location of the ureters and vessels, narrowing of the lumen of the ureters, stones, tumors), neurogenic bladder, etc.
  • Diseases in which the child has to install a catheter in the bladder. This increases the risk of infection.
  • Damage to kidney tissue as a result of metabolic disorders, the use of certain drugs (hypervitaminosis D), infections (including those that the expectant mother suffered during pregnancy).
  • Violation of the immune system.

Symptoms of pyelonephritis in a child

Typical manifestations of acute pyelonephritis are as follows:

  • Dull, reminiscent of a feeling of tension, tension, pain in the abdomen or lower back. They intensify when the child bends over, jumps, abruptly changes the position of the body, subsides if a warm heating pad is applied to the lower back.
  • Sudden strong urge to urinate. The child needs to urinate right now, his urine is starting to leak.
  • Frequent painful urination.
  • The child often wakes up to use the toilet at night.
  • Urinary incontinence.
  • Burning, itching during urination.
  • Chills, fever.
  • Weakness, lethargy.
  • Pale.
  • Headaches.
  • Decreased appetite.
  • Turbid urine with an unpleasant odor.

In chronic pyelonephritis, problems with urination fade into the background and are often absent altogether. The child is lethargic, periodically complains of pain in the abdomen, but cannot indicate the exact place of their localization, eats poorly, gets tired quickly, he constantly has a slightly elevated temperature.

If we make an adjustment for different age groups, then in general the predominant symptoms of pyelonephritis will look like this:

In newborns

Usually the temperature is not elevated, but the child does not eat well, and he often vomits.

In children under 2 years old

As a rule, the temperature is increased (but not always), appetite is reduced, vomiting, loose stools.

In children older than 2 years

Pain in the abdomen or lower back, problems with urination, loss of appetite

Possible complications

Kidney function in pyelonephritis can be so severely affected that severe renal failure occurs. The child’s condition worsens because substances that should normally be excreted in the urine remain in his blood and poison the body. The blood pressure rises.

Sometimes apostematous nephritis develops – a lot of abscesses appear in the kidneys. At the same time, the body temperature rises greatly, the child’s condition worsens, he is worried about nausea, vomiting, convulsions occur, the skin becomes dry, pale.

Another possible complication is paranephritis , a condition in which inflammation spreads to the adipose tissue surrounding the kidney. Lower back pain intensifies, body temperature rises. In the general analysis of urine, many leukocytes are found.

If blood impurities appear in the urine, this indicates that part of the kidney tissue has died – necrosis of the renal papillae has developed .

All these complications require immediate medical attention.

If a child, especially younger than two years old, has signs of a urinary infection and body temperature has increased, you should immediately contact your pediatrician. Timely treatment will help prevent serious complications.

Diagnostic methods

In acute pyelonephritis, the correct diagnosis is relatively easy. A doctor may do this based on an assessment of symptoms and the results of a urinalysis. Additionally, diagnostic methods such as ultrasound of the kidneys, urine cultures, functional tests to assess the functioning of the kidneys, a biochemical blood test, x-ray studies, radioisotope scanning, and cystoscopy can be prescribed.

Treatment of pyelonephritis in children

In acute pyelonephritis and exacerbation of a chronic disease, the child must be hospitalized in a hospital. He must be on bed rest for the entire time that his body temperature is elevated. Assign plentiful drink, diuretics according to indications, antispasmodics to combat pain, antibiotics, herbal remedies.

Physiotherapy is used: ultrasound, microwave therapy, electrophoresis with drugs, sinusoidal modulated currents.

It is necessary to eliminate all foci of chronic inflammation in the body, which could lead to pyelonephritis.

After treatment in a hospital, the child should be registered with a dispensary: ​​with acute pyelonephritis for 3 years, with an exacerbation of a chronic one, until he moves to an adult clinic. Up to 6 months after the subsidence of an acute disease and up to 1 year after an exacerbation of a chronic disease, preventive treatment is carried out with uroseptics, herbal remedies. The child must follow a special diet. You can not eat sausage, marinades, canned food, smoked meats, food that has a lot of spices. Moderate physical activity is not contraindicated.

If your child has symptoms that resemble those of a urinary infection, make an appointment with an experienced pediatrician at SOVA Clinic. Our doctor will conduct an examination, prescribe an examination, effective treatment, and, if necessary, refer the child to a hospital. Do not delay a visit to a specialist: this threatens with complications.

CONTRAINDICATIONS. YOU NEED TO CONSULT WITH A SPECIALIST

The materials posted on this page are for informational purposes only and are intended for educational purposes. Site visitors should not use them as medical advice. Determining the diagnosis and choosing a treatment method remains the exclusive prerogative of your doctor!

Unpleasant smell of urine in a child: causes and what to do

Contents:

  1. What should alert
  2. Causes
  3. Diseases of internal organs and metabolic disorders
  4. Other causes

The urine of a child, especially a young child, is usually almost odorless. But from time to time we observe changes that are not encouraging: these secretions acquire an unpleasant, often pungent, smell. What does it signal and what needs to be done in order not to miss the symptoms of a serious illness, every parent needs to know.

What should alert

One-time changes in the color and smell of urine, as a rule, do not frighten anyone. These are more often manifestations of some natural changes in the diet, or minor malfunctions in the functioning of the genitourinary organs. But if an unpleasant smell of urine in a child is observed for several days, and even accompanied by other signs of trouble, this is a reason to consult a doctor and do the necessary research.

Babies grow, the functionality of their internal organs develops, with age, the secretions become more and more “adult”, which leads to a change in their smell. But if it is persistent putrefactive “ambre” or the presence of sulfur, sweat, mold, ammonia, and other not very pleasant substances begins to be felt in the fumes, it is better not to be careless and find out the reasons for the alarming changes.

Causes

Babies under one year old in our latitudes often lack vitamin D . And then, in addition to the appearance of new shades of the smell of secretions, they have a loss of appetite, growth retardation, the child often sweats, this is especially noticeable in the limbs, and bald patches form on the head.

Respiratory diseases accompanied by a rise in temperature, especially when dehydration is added to them, also give a reaction of a sharp smell of urine in a child, and then drinking plenty of water becomes the first aid. Sometimes this alone stops the problem, although the need to treat the underlying disease does not cancel. But here’s the paradox: busting with drugs (primarily antibiotics) can again provoke a change in the smell of urine, not for the better.

Abrupt changes in the diet lead to the same consequences, even when it comes to babies: their ventricles and intestines react in this way to the “liberties” in the mother’s diet. Overeating, like starvation, is equally harmful to our children, these extremes lead to disturbances in the activity of internal organs, manifested, in particular, in the unpleasant smell of urine in a child of different ages.

Even not very clean linen or diapers that are not very hygienic in terms of hygiene can give a similar reaction: in this way, urine droplets react to the presence of bacteria on underwear or diapers, entering into a chemical reaction with them.

Diseases of the internal organs and failures of metabolic processes

The causes of smell are not always as local and “harmless” as in the examples described above. Sometimes the situation is much more serious, and these symptoms are manifestations of dangerous diseases of the genitourinary or immune system, or signs of other ailments. To identify the specific source of problems and establish the correct diagnosis, the doctor prescribes a series of examinations: for the content of sugar and acetone, other impurities, for culture.

If a child has a strong smell of urine reeking of ammonia, there is a possibility of cystitis, pyelonephritis, urethritis and other disorders of the genitourinary sphere, in which the waste products of pathogenic bacteria and these microorganisms themselves enter the urine. The child is also disturbed by prolonged pain: both in the lower abdomen and in the lumbar region, urination becomes painful, sometimes a burning sensation appears during this process.

Not always the inflammatory process in the bladder (cystitis) has an infectious origin. Sometimes it occurs as a result of irritation of the mucous membrane with drugs in the treatment of a variety of diseases. Then a “pharmacy” shade or an indefinite “chemical” shade appears in the smell of urine.

The smell of acetone is a reason to suspect the presence of diabetes mellitus , especially if it appears in combination with other abnormalities: lack of appetite, weight loss, strong constant thirst, dry skin.

Dehydration, infectious diseases and diseases associated with metabolic disorders are also accompanied by changes in the color, turbidity of urine and its smell. For example, already in the first week of a baby’s life, maple syrup disease (leucinosis) may appear – a hereditary disease, the presence of which is indicated by the smell of burnt sugar or maple syrup, in which the baby’s urine “stains”. Genetic is such a rare disease as phenylketonuria, which gives the urine a “mouse” smell. And trimethylamine accumulates in tissues with dysfunction such as trimethylaminuria, which adds an unpleasant smell of stale fish to the urine of a child. Fortunately, these diagnoses are rare.

Other causes

Not only does diabetes give an acetone reaction in urine, it may also indicate the presence of acetonemia – an increased content of acetone in the body with the likelihood of deep damage to the gastrointestinal tract and other internal organs.

In practice, small and short-term deviations in analyzes are more often observed, the causes of which are not pathological: a change in food priorities, stress, severe overwork, allergic manifestations.