What causes a strong urine smell in babies. How can parents identify urinary tract infections in infants. When should you consult a doctor about your baby’s smelly urine. What are the potential complications of untreated UTIs in children.

Understanding the Significance of Smelly Urine in Babies

A strong urine smell in babies can be concerning for parents and may indicate underlying health issues. While occasional odor changes are normal, persistent strong smells could signal a problem. Let’s explore the potential causes and what parents should know.

Common Causes of Strong-Smelling Urine in Infants

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Dehydration
• Diet (including mother’s diet if breastfeeding)
• Diaper chemicals
• Lactose intolerance
• Changes in eating habits

Understanding these causes can help parents identify potential issues and seek appropriate care when necessary.

Urinary Tract Infections in Babies: A Common Culprit

Urinary tract infections are a frequent cause of strong-smelling urine in babies. Approximately 8% of girls and 2% of boys experience at least one UTI during childhood. These infections occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract, leading to infection and inflammation.

How Do UTIs Develop in Infants?

UTIs in babies typically develop when bacteria from the skin around the genitals or from the bloodstream enter the urinary tract. This can happen due to various factors, including improper diaper changing techniques or anatomical differences that make some infants more susceptible.

Recognizing the Signs of a UTI in Babies and Toddlers

Identifying a UTI in young children can be challenging, especially for those who cannot yet communicate their discomfort. Parents should be aware of the following symptoms:

Most Obvious Symptoms of UTIs in Infants

• Odd-smelling urine: A foul odor is often the most noticeable sign
• Cloudy or bloody urine: Hematuria (blood in urine) is common with UTIs
• Fever: Especially concerning if it reaches 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
• Crying or unexplained irritability: Particularly during urination
• Vomiting, loss of appetite, or diarrhea: May accompany a UTI

Is bloody urine always a cause for concern? While hematuria is common with UTIs, it doesn’t necessarily indicate a severe problem unless the infection has been left untreated for an extended period.

The Impact of Diet and Hydration on Urine Odor

A baby’s diet and hydration status can significantly influence urine odor. For breastfed infants, the mother’s diet plays a crucial role in determining the smell of the baby’s urine.

Dietary Factors Affecting Urine Odor

• Maternal consumption of pungent herbs and vegetables
• Insufficient fluid intake leading to dehydration
• Introduction of new foods during weaning
• Possible lactose intolerance

How can parents ensure proper hydration for their babies? Offering frequent feedings (breast milk or formula) and introducing water at appropriate ages can help maintain proper hydration and potentially reduce strong urine odors.

The Role of Diapers in Urine Odor

Diapers play a significant role in managing infant hygiene, but they can also contribute to urine odor. The chemicals used in diapers for absorption may react with urine, resulting in a strong smell.

Diaper-Related Factors Affecting Urine Odor

• Chemical composition of disposable diapers
• Frequency of diaper changes
• Proper cleaning during diaper changes
• Use of diaper creams or powders

How often should parents change their baby’s diaper to minimize odor? While it varies depending on the baby’s age and feeding habits, changing diapers every 2-3 hours or immediately after bowel movements can help reduce odor and prevent skin irritation.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Smelly Urine

While occasional changes in urine odor are normal, persistent strong smells or accompanying symptoms may warrant medical attention. Parents should consult a healthcare provider if they observe:

• Persistent foul-smelling urine lasting more than a day
• Fever accompanying the strong urine odor
• Signs of pain or discomfort during urination
• Visible blood in the urine
• Decreased urine output or signs of dehydration

Where should parents seek medical care for suspected UTIs in babies? While a pediatrician is typically the first point of contact, urgent care centers or emergency rooms can provide after-hours care if needed.

Diagnosing and Treating UTIs in Infants

Proper diagnosis and timely treatment of UTIs in infants are crucial to prevent complications. Healthcare providers typically follow these steps:

Diagnostic Procedures for Infant UTIs

1. Physical examination
2. Urine sample collection (often through catheterization for infants)
3. Urinalysis to check for signs of infection
4. Urine culture to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection

Treatment Options for Infant UTIs

Treatment for UTIs in babies usually involves:

• Antibiotics appropriate for the child’s age and the specific bacteria
• Increased fluid intake to help flush out the urinary system
• Follow-up testing to ensure the infection has cleared

How long does it take for antibiotics to clear a UTI in babies? While symptoms may improve within a few days, it’s crucial to complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed by the healthcare provider, typically lasting 7-14 days.

Preventing UTIs and Maintaining Urinary Health in Infants

While not all UTIs can be prevented, parents can take steps to reduce their baby’s risk:

• Practice proper diaper hygiene, changing frequently and cleaning thoroughly
• Encourage adequate fluid intake
• For girls, wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria spread
• Consider probiotics, after consulting with a healthcare provider
• Avoid bubble baths and harsh soaps in the genital area

Can dietary changes help prevent UTIs in babies? While there’s limited evidence for dietary interventions in infants, maintaining good overall nutrition and hydration can support urinary tract health.

Long-Term Implications of Untreated UTIs in Children

Prompt treatment of UTIs is crucial to prevent potential long-term complications. Untreated or recurrent UTIs can lead to:

• Kidney scarring
• Chronic kidney disease
• High blood pressure
• Increased risk of future UTIs

How can parents monitor their child’s urinary health after a UTI? Regular check-ups with a pediatrician, staying alert to symptoms, and following preventive measures can help maintain urinary tract health and catch potential issues early.

Understanding Urinary System Development in Infants

The urinary system in infants is still developing, which can influence their susceptibility to UTIs and other urinary issues. Key points to understand include:

• Infant kidneys are more susceptible to damage from infections
• The shorter urethra in female infants increases UTI risk
• Some babies may have structural abnormalities that increase infection risk
• Bladder control develops gradually over the first few years of life

How does urinary system development affect UTI risk in babies? The immature urinary system, combined with factors like diaper use and limited mobility, can make infants more prone to UTIs compared to older children.

The Role of Breastfeeding in Infant Urinary Health

Breastfeeding can play a significant role in an infant’s urinary health. Research suggests that breastfed babies may have a lower risk of UTIs compared to formula-fed infants. This protective effect may be due to:

• Antibodies present in breast milk that boost the immune system
• Beneficial bacteria in breast milk that help prevent harmful bacterial growth
• The composition of breast milk, which may influence urine acidity

While breastfeeding offers many benefits, it’s important to note that breastfed babies can still develop UTIs. Maintaining good hygiene practices and staying alert to symptoms remains crucial for all infants, regardless of feeding method.

Differentiating UTIs from Other Conditions in Infants

Strong-smelling urine and associated symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for other conditions. It’s important for parents to be aware of potential alternative explanations:

Conditions That May Mimic UTI Symptoms

• Diaper rash: Can cause irritation and discomfort during urination
• Viral infections: May cause fever and irritability similar to UTIs
• Constipation: Can lead to abdominal pain and changes in urination
• Food sensitivities: May cause changes in urine odor and digestive symptoms

How can parents differentiate between a UTI and other conditions? While a definitive diagnosis requires medical evaluation, persistent symptoms, especially when combined with fever and changes in urine appearance or smell, warrant prompt medical attention.

The Impact of Antibiotics on Infant Gut Health

While antibiotics are crucial for treating UTIs, they can also affect an infant’s gut microbiome. Parents should be aware of potential side effects and ways to support their baby’s digestive health during and after antibiotic treatment:

Potential Effects of Antibiotics on Infant Gut Health

• Disruption of beneficial gut bacteria
• Increased risk of fungal infections (e.g., diaper rash)
• Potential for antibiotic-associated diarrhea

Supporting Gut Health During Antibiotic Treatment

• Consider probiotic supplementation (under medical guidance)
• Maintain a balanced diet for breastfeeding mothers
• Continue breastfeeding if possible, as it supports gut health

Is it safe to give probiotics to infants taking antibiotics? While probiotics can be beneficial, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before introducing any supplements to an infant’s diet, especially during antibiotic treatment.

Long-Term Follow-Up for Infants with UTIs

After a UTI diagnosis and treatment, ongoing monitoring may be necessary to ensure complete recovery and prevent recurrence. Long-term follow-up may include:

• Regular urine tests to check for lingering or recurring infections
• Imaging studies to assess kidney health and detect any structural abnormalities
• Monitoring of growth and development to ensure no long-term effects
• Education for parents on preventing future UTIs

How long should parents remain vigilant after their baby has had a UTI? While the immediate risk decreases after successful treatment, maintaining good hygiene practices and staying alert to symptoms is important throughout childhood, as some children may be prone to recurrent UTIs.

Emotional Support for Parents Dealing with Infant UTIs

Dealing with a baby’s health issues can be stressful for parents. It’s important to address the emotional aspects of managing infant UTIs:

Coping Strategies for Parents

• Seek information from reliable sources to understand the condition better
• Communicate openly with healthcare providers about concerns and questions
• Connect with support groups or other parents who have experienced similar situations
• Practice self-care and seek help when feeling overwhelmed

How can parents balance vigilance with maintaining a positive outlook? While it’s important to be attentive to your baby’s health, try to maintain perspective. Most UTIs in infants are treatable and do not lead to long-term complications when addressed promptly.

Advancements in Infant UTI Diagnosis and Treatment

Medical research continues to improve our understanding and management of UTIs in infants. Recent advancements include:

• More accurate and less invasive diagnostic techniques
• Targeted antibiotic therapies to reduce side effects and antibiotic resistance
• Improved understanding of risk factors and prevention strategies
• Development of probiotics specifically designed for infant urinary health

What future developments can parents expect in infant UTI care? Ongoing research focuses on developing rapid diagnostic tests, exploring non-antibiotic treatments, and improving long-term outcomes for children with recurrent UTIs.

In conclusion, while strong-smelling urine in babies can be alarming, it’s often a manageable issue. By staying informed, vigilant, and proactive, parents can effectively navigate the challenges of infant urinary health, ensuring their baby’s well-being and peace of mind for themselves.

UTIs in Children: How Can I Tell if My Child Has a Urinary Tract Infection?

According to Babycenter.com, about 8 percent of girls and 2 percent of boys will have at least one UTI, or urinary tract infection, during childhood. UTIs happen when bacteria gets in the urine by way of bloodstream or skin around the genitals. This can create an infection and inflammation of the urinary tract.

If your kids are older than 4-years old, they can probably describe what they are feeling when they’re in pain or uncomfortable. But for babies that cannot talk or toddlers who are just learning to put sentences together, how can you very well pinpoint what is wrong with them when it can be so many different things? And if you’ve never dealt with a urinary tract infection (UTI) before, you probably don’t know what signs to look out for.

So here’s what you should check for to determine if your child should see a doctor:

Most Obvious Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in Babies or Toddlers

1. Most Obvious Symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection in Babies or Toddlers
   1.   Odd-smelling Urine: The most obvious symptom of a UTI is odd-smelling urine. The foul odor comes from the bacteria that has entered into the urinary tract. For babies and toddlers, do a smell check of their diaper to see if the urine smells different than normal. Not all babies or children will have odd-smelling urine during a urinary tract infection but you can’t miss it if it happens to them.
   2.   Cloudy or Bloody Urine: Hematuria, or blood in the urine, is fairly common and UTIs and typically doesn’t signify anything serious unless an infection has gone untreated for an extended amount of time. Bloody urine will be a lot easier to spot on a diaper than cloudy urine but sometimes the blood is so microscopic that only a urine test will detect it.

   Other Telltale Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections

   4.   Fever: Not all babies with a UTI have a fever, and for some babies, fever is the only symptom they’ll show with a UTI. The rule of thumb is that if the fever reaches above 100. 4 for a baby under 3 months, 101 for a 3-6 month old, or 103 for babies and children 6 months or older, you should seek medical advice. Even if your baby or toddler has a low-grade fever that won’t go away, you should take them to see a doctor for testing. Vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhea may also accompany a UTI but these symptoms can be mistaken for a variety of illnesses.
   5.   Crying or Unexplained Irritability: Babies cry for many reasons so it’s hard to tell sometimes why they are crying especially for first time moms. Are they just wanting to be held? Or are they in pain from colic, constipation, or a urinary tract infection? When you’ve covered all the possibilities within your control – fed them, changed them, burped them, made sure they’re not too hot or cold – watch to see how often they have bouts of irritability.  The good news is that UTIs are usually easy to treat but can cause permanent kidney failure and damage if left untreated. So if your child has any of the above symptoms or other unusual symptoms, it’s best to have them seen and tested by a medical professional. You can take your child to an ER clinic for urgent care and attention, especially if it’s after hours, and you cannot see your pediatrician.A UTI is most painful during urination. If you notice sporadic fussiness and irritability, monitor your child while they urinate. Some toddlers can respond if you ask them if it hurts when they go potty. For babies, it’ll be a little harder and may take a little longer to assess. Take their diaper off, and watch for their next urination. If they cry or look like they are in pain, take them to the doctor immediately.

Related post

Baby’s Urine Smell – Causes And Treatment

1. Urinary Tract Infection

If your baby is passing foul-smelling urine, and also has a fever, it could be a strong indication of an underlying UTI.

2. Insufficient Water

If your baby is not drinking enough water and other liquids, it can strain the kidneys to function properly. Dehydration can result in a deep yellow urine along with a strong odor.

3. Feeding Habits

If the baby is exclusively breast-fed, then what the mother eats can influence the smell of the baby’s urine. Many vegetables and pungent herbs, when eaten by the mother, can cause the baby’s urine to have a strong smell.

4. Diaper

Diapers use different chemicals to help with absorption. Your baby’s urine can react with these chemicals and emanate a strong smell.

5. Lactose Intolerance

If your baby is unable to digest all that milk due to intolerance towards the lactose content in the milk, it can cause the urine to smell. This is usually accompanied by a bloated stomach or crying out of discomfort or indigestion.

6. Eating Habits

If your baby has been introduced to solid foods, then what they are eating can influence the smell of their urine. Asparagus can cause a strong smell in the urine – for both babies and adults.

Why Does a Baby’s Urine Smell Like Ammonia?

Urine tends to have high ammonia content if the baby is dehydrated or is passing urine after a long gap – first urine in the morning after waking up. There is no need to worry here unless the urine tends to have a strong ammonia smell all the time. However, if it continues and the baby seems to be in distress every time they pass urine, you must consult your doctor immediately.

Why Does a Baby’s Urine Smell Like Vinegar?

Is your baby sick? Do they have a cold or are they suffering from reflux? These can cause the urine to carry a vinegar smell. The smell can also indicate your baby might catch a cold. The smell is the result of those viruses in the body.

Why Does a Baby’s Urine Smell Like Poop?

Now, if they pass stool and it smells, it’s understandable, but urine smelling like poop? Definitely a cause for concern! Such a strong odor in their urine is a strong indication of a UTI. If you have been wiping their bum from back to front after a poop session or during a diaper change, bacteria from the anus could have entered the urinary tract. This can result in an infection causing urine to smell like poop and pain or discomfort for the baby while peeing.

[Read : Why Is My Baby’s Poop Green?]

Does Sweet Smelling Urine Indicate Diabetes?

When the baby has high sugar content in their blood, the urine can smell sweet. This is caused by an accumulation of Ketones and sugar in the body can cause the urine to smell strong. Juvenile diabetes is not an uncommon occurrence anymore. In fact, doctors check the baby’s blood soon after birth to rule out juvenile diabetes.

However, if you notice your baby’s urine to carry a sweet smell despite being tested negative for diabetes, it is always better to get it confirmed by a doctor. High sugar content in the blood, if left unchecked, can cause serious damage to the organs, and also have a severe impact on the overall health of the baby.

What Does Smelly Urine Indicate?

Ok. So your baby’s urine smells different than it usually does and you are understandably concerned. What can such a strong odor in your baby’s urine indicate after all?

Strong odor in the urine can be a symptom of:

1. Urinary tract infection
2. Dehydration
3. Intestinal bacteria that might have entered the urinary tract
4. Juvenile diabetics or high sugar content in the urine can cause it to smell differently
5. Rare metabolic disorder (not a common occurrence)
6. Highly concentrated urine – first urine in the morning
7. Lactose Intolerance

There is no scientific backing for this claim by a few parents over the generations. Teething is usually expected to cause indigestion and loose stools as the baby might nibble on non-eatables or may not chew the food properly due to the pain and discomfort. If the food is not digested properly, it might cause the urine to smell different.

[Read : Stages of Teething in Babies]

When to Consult a Doctor?

When you feel something is off with your infant’s body, it is advisable to consult a doctor rather than panicking or self-diagnosing.

Some of the instances that require immediate medical attention are:

• Your baby’s urine smells very strong and has a very deep color – for more than one urine.
• Your baby is not drinking enough liquids and expresses discomfort while peeing and pooping.
• Baby cries every time they pass urine.
• You see spots or a little bit of blood mixed with the urine.
• The urine smells sweet.
• You see a lot of ants rushing to the soiled diaper or wet underpants (high sugar content in the urine can attract a lot of ants).
• If the urine later in the day is also highly concentrated and smells strongly of ammonia.
• If you notice some stool being passed along with the urine from the urinary tract.
• Discolored urine – any shade apart from pale yellow.

Always pay attention to your baby’s soiled diaper or underpants. They can tell you a lot about your baby’s health. When you feel something is not right, do consult a doctor right away before the issue can get serious. Most times it may not be something to worry about, but it is always better to rule out any possibilities.

[Read : Breastfed Baby Poop]

FAQ’s

1. Does Urine Smell Strong if Something is Wrong in the Body?

The kidneys are working all the time to help the body absorb essential nutrients and discard all that is not needed. If this urine smells strong, it is a strong indication that you need to check for the cause.

2. How to Handle Dehydration in Baby?

Try increasing your baby’s water intake. In the case of very young babies who are on an exclusive milk diet, increase their milk intake. Increasing the liquid content in their bodies can resolve the issue in no time.

3. How Will a Doctor Diagnose a UTI?

A doctor will prescribe some tests to be done on the baby’s urine to determine the actual cause for the smell and change in color.

Read Also: Black Poop in Babies – Causes and Intervention

Pungent smell of urine in a child

HomeChanges in urine

Contents of the article:

• Causes
• Type of smell
• Concomitant symptoms
• What to do?
• Prevention

A small child cannot report feeling unwell. Sensitive parents have to look for indirect signs by which to assess the state of health. They can be the slightest changes in behavior, appetite, the nature of the discharge. So, the unpleasant smell of urine in a child is the first signal that something is going wrong in the body.

Normally, the urine of a newborn up to 3 months has no smell, or it is barely distinguishable. With the introduction of complementary foods, the aroma changes, becomes more vivid. In breastfed babies, it is much softer than in children who are initially fed with mixtures. At 3 years or a little later, the discharge acquires a characteristic color and smell, like in an adult. In adolescence (after 12 – 13 years), it changes, becomes abrupt due to hormonal changes that accompany growth processes.

A sudden unpleasant, strong smell of urine in a child should alert parents. This is an occasion to understand the reasons and, possibly, to undergo an examination.

Causes

The reasons why urine smells unpleasant start from dietary errors and end with serious infections, hereditary diseases.

The following are physiological and pathological causes:

• Nutrition – its change or violation. The gentle “milky” smell of urine in infants changes with the introduction of complementary foods, transfer to another mixture, and may be a manifestation of intolerance to certain products. In a child 2 years and older, urine may change color and smell due to chemical dyes found in juices, factory-made sweets. The aroma also appears from the excessive consumption of carbonated drinks, foods high in protein (especially seafood), fatty and spicy.
• Changing maternal diet while breastfeeding. Products with a bright taste especially change the smell of secretions – horseradish, garlic, mustard, asparagus. Alcohol and smoking have a similar effect and dramatically negatively affect the health of the baby.
• Lack of fluid and important trace elements – dehydration, starvation. Children quickly lose water due to physical activity, in heat, in case of poisoning with diarrhea, vomiting and runny nose (due to the inability to breathe through the nose).
• Lack of vitamin D – rickets, unbalanced day regimen, little sunlight (in northern latitudes).
• Poor hygiene – low-quality or rarely changed diaper for a baby, dirty underwear and bed linen. Discharge from the genital and urinary organs contains a breeding ground for bacteria that multiply rapidly in such conditions.
• Increased physical and emotional stress — an easily excitable, hyperactive child consumes not only liquid, but also important body reserves (minerals, electrolytes, protein compounds). In a state of deficiency, metabolic processes are disturbed.
• Medications – antivirals, vitamins, antibiotics. Long-term drug therapy often leads to the fact that the child begins to smell like drugs.
• Infections of the respiratory system – runny nose, colds, SARS, bronchitis. The decay products of bacteria and viruses can be poorly filtered by the kidneys of a weakened child’s body, which causes a pungent smell of discharge.
• Liver pathology – insufficiency, mechanical and infectious hepatitis. It is in the liver that the primary filtration of blood takes place. If the function of the organ is impaired, “under-purified” fluid enters the urinary system.
• Diabetes. Urine changes odor due to glucose and ketone bodies, the content of which in the body deviates from the norm.
• Inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system – glomerulo- and pyelonephritis, cystitis, urethritis. The most common cause of smelly urine in a child. They arise from hypothermia, non-compliance with hygiene measures, transmission of infection from another organ (intestine, genital tract).
• Genetic disorders – this group includes hereditary pathologies of enzyme metabolism (ketonemia, phenylketonuria, leucinosis, tyrosinemia). Inhibition of metabolism leads to the appearance of atypical impurities, color, and aroma in the excreted liquid.

Type of odor

The smell of urine that comes on suddenly can indicate the root cause of the change. It is also evaluated during clinical trials.

What it smells like	Possible causes
Ammonia smell.	Infections, tumors of the urinary tract, kidney stones, severe bacterial intoxication. The smell of ammonia in the urine of a child occurs during starvation, the use of “harmful” foods, dehydration, overexcitation or heavy loads. Urine smells like ammonia in a child also with tuberculosis, hepatitis, poisoning with low-quality food.
Medicines, chemicals.	Poisoning by household chemicals, medicines. With long-term treatment with antibiotics, the body and secretions smell like medicine. Urine often smells like penicillin (similar to the smell of cat urine).
Burnt sugar.	Leucinosis is a hereditary disorder of amino acid metabolism. A sweet aroma appears with a sharp increase in glucose levels against the background of diabetes mellitus.
Musty, mousey.	Phenylketonuria is a genetic disease with a severe mental disorder.
Rot.	Infections of the urinary apparatus in the acute phase, decay of tumors and cysts of the urinary tract.
Rotten eggs (hydrogen sulfide).	Liver failure, inflammation of the genital organs (due to bathing in dirty water, common pool, lack of personal hygiene items, transmission of microbes from the mother during gestation).
Acetone, apple cider vinegar.	Insulin-dependent diabetes, heavy metal salt poisoning. Children’s urine smells like acetone after active activities, games, pronounced emotional upheavals.
Rotten fish.	Hereditary fishy odor syndrome with trimethylamine accumulation.
Beer, yeast.	Liver failure, hepatitis.
Sour cabbage.	Genetically determined disorders of tyrosine metabolism, diseases of the stomach and intestines, fungal infection of the genital tract.
Bow.	Gynecological diseases in girls, during puberty in boys with a lack of hygiene.
Calom.	Violation of the integrity of the wall between the rectum and the bladder – fistula.

Read also on the topic

Why does cloudy urine occur during pregnancy, how dangerous is it?

Important! In a teenage girl, the aroma of urine can change over the course of a month. This is due to the formation of the menstrual cycle.

Unusual smell of discharge may be the only warning sign or may be accompanied by other symptoms. They help clarify the clinical picture and determine why urine stinks.

Concomitant symptoms

A strong smell of urine in a child is often the first in a series of changes in the body during illness. If it is easily eliminated, there may not be other manifestations.

Below is the correspondence of symptoms to a particular disorder.

• Diabetes mellitus: increased feeling of thirst and hunger, body weight decreases sharply, the skin can become dry, covered with spots, sores, urination becomes more frequent and increases (polyuria), apathy appears.
• Trimethylaminuria: the patient may not notice this, but not only urine smells like fish, but also skin, hair, and exhaled air.
• Rickets: sweating of the feet and hands, sleep disturbance, appetite, defects in the development of teeth, hair, nails, bones. In very severe cases, seizures may occur.
• Poisoning: fever, diarrhea, vomiting, cold clammy sweat, confusion or loss of consciousness.
• Kidney diseases: weakness, fatigue, lower back pain, itching in the groin, the child’s urine smells of ammonia, sediment appears (flakes, sand, blood clots), it becomes painful to urinate, the frequency of urges increases or decreases.
• Diseases of the liver: yellow coloration of the skin, mucous membranes, sclera of the eyes, frequent bouts of nausea, vomiting, intolerance to strong odors, complaints of abdominal pain (it can be difficult for a child of 2 years and even older to clearly indicate the place where it hurts), the appearance of dark circles under the eyes, decreased appetite.
• Ketonemia: nausea, stool disorders (constipation, diarrhea), dysregulation of the nervous system (in such children, the mood changes quickly and suddenly, causeless tears are frequent), poor appetite, pallor of the skin, a feverish blush may appear.
• Dehydration: bad breath, tearless crying, sharp facial features, stool disorders, dry skin and mucous membranes, allergic rashes.
• Poor hygiene: the baby has diaper rash, itching and rash, older children complain of discomfort, redness, swelling of the genitals, rubbing of these places with clothes.

Important! If a child has a strange smell of urine only in the morning, this may be due to stagnation of fluid during a night’s sleep. When it smells bad during the day, from the pot immediately after urination, you need to be examined by a pediatrician.

What to do?

If a child has urine with an unusual aroma 1 time – nothing, just observe his condition. If an unpleasant smell of urine persists in a child for 3-5 days, complaints, anxiety, incontinence and other symptoms appear, a doctor’s examination and examination is necessary.

Read also on the topic

Why does green urine form, is it dangerous?

It is worth starting the examination with urine and blood tests. Their indicators reveal violations from the effects of a cold to endocrine problems. The values ​​of proteins, leukocytes, ketone bodies, uric acid, sugar are important. With urine, special tests are carried out – according to Sulkovich, Amburge, Nechiporenko, they are sown on antibiotics in a nutrient medium. So determine the sensitivity of microbes to the drug. They take smears from the genitals, do an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity and small pelvis.

The treatment tactics will depend on why the child’s urine smells strongly. If the urine began to smell because of the disease, it is necessary to achieve its cure or remission. Antimicrobial, hypoglycemic, enzyme and other medicines are taken strictly according to the established scheme.

Important! You should carefully read the instructions in all medicines that are used by children. If there is a change in the smell and other properties of the child’s urine, you can ask the local doctor to choose another drug.

In cases of serious diseases (oncological, severe poisoning, advanced form of rickets), when the child has a strong smell of urine and there are other pronounced symptoms, surgical intervention is used. Genetic disorders require lifelong drug correction.

A sick child needs dietary food without heavy and unhealthy foods (spicy, salty, fatty, canned meat and fish, bacon, sweet pastries, fast food, snacks, convenience foods, instant noodles), a sufficient amount of liquid. It will flush the urinary tract and reduce odor if the child’s urine stinks. An infant should be supplemented with boiled purified water.

The following recommendations will help prevent a fetid odor in the urine of a child and improve his well-being during an exacerbation of the disease.

Prevention

Preventive measures are considered as part of the treatment regimen for urinary disorders. Parents should monitor the smell of children’s urine in order to identify the problem in a timely manner. Sometimes, prevention and normalization of lifestyle may be enough if the child’s urine smells.

• Ensure plenty of fluids (2-3 liters per day). A child up to a year must be supplemented with water; at an older age, homemade compotes, fruit drinks, and rosehip broth are suitable.
• In case of severe dehydration, the liquid should be enriched with salts and minerals. The pharmacy sells special rehydrating powders (Rehydron, Humana Electrolyte, Trihydrosol), which must be diluted in water. If the child is very ill, there is no way to go to the pharmacy, first aid can be provided with home remedies. Dr. Komarovsky in his program recommends mixing boiled water, table salt and sugar. This prescription is approved by WHO and is acceptable for use in the smallest.
• Reduce the amount of sweets, fast food and carbonated drinks in children’s diet. So that the urine of the baby does not change its aroma during the introduction of complementary foods, new products should be given little by little.
• Mothers should also avoid spicy, fatty foods, smoking and alcohol while breastfeeding. If a woman smells a strange smell of baby urine, she should go on a diet for a few days to rule out the relationship.
• Monitor the cleanliness of the child’s skin – timely change of diapers, teaching the rules of self-washing, the importance of personal hygiene, teenagers should be told about the means and the obligation of contraception.
• Try to reduce the amount of stress, emotional stress, especially during the school period.
• Choose extracurricular activities that avoid hypothermia – not swimming or hockey. Encourage your child to wear seasonal clothing.
• Monitor the regularity of stool and urination, the smell of secretions. It is important for children of conscious age to explain that it is harmful to endure for a long time (at night, in class, during the game), if you want to go to the toilet.

When parents feel that the child’s urine has become smelly, you need to pay attention to what and how much he eats and drinks. It is especially dangerous when there is a fetid smell of urine in infants. In this case, do not postpone a visit to the pediatrician.

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why does it smell, what research should be done?

The color, quantity and smell of urine can tell a lot about the processes taking place in the body. What to do if the baby’s urine starts to smell bad? This may indicate severe hereditary pathologies, infections, endocrine disorders. However, an unpleasant odor does not always indicate an illness. Perhaps the child just needs to change the diet and drink more water. Consider what the unpleasant smell of urine in a child says.

Contents

• 1. What should the normal smell of urine be?
• 2. Factors affecting the change in the smell of urine
• 3. What does an unpleasant pungent odor indicate?
  • 3. 1. Ammonia smell
  • 3.2. Urine smells like acetone
  • 3.3. Smell of rotten fish
  • 3.4. Mouse smell
  • 3.5. The smell of burnt sugar
• 4. What should parents do?
• 5. Related video
• 6. Comments of visitors on the topic of the article

What should be the smell of urine normally?

What does a normal child’s urine smell like? In newborns who were born a few weeks ago, the urine is almost colorless and odorless. It looks more like clear water.

As the diet changes, so does the urine. Complementary foods affect its color, and with its introduction, the liquid begins to smell differently. A slight smell that cannot be called unpleasant is the norm for a one-year-old child.

Slight odor is normal. Urine is a waste product, along with it, substances formed as a result of metabolism are excreted. Like all bodily secretions, it smells. A pungent and strong smell should alert you – it may indicate violations in the body.

Factors affecting the change in the smell of urine

Why does urine smell strange? There may be several reasons, and not all of them are a symptom of the disease:

READ ALSO: Why can a child’s urine contain a lot of leukocytes?

1. Hormonal changes. With the onset of puberty in the body of a teenager, hormones begin to be produced that affect all vital processes, including the urinary system. Excessive secretion of the glands provokes an unpleasant odor from the genitals. From the age of 10-12, the child should devote more time to personal hygiene.
2. Dehydration. A characteristic feature is the rich orange color of urine and its sharp, strong smell. This is due to the high concentration of metabolic products in the urine and the low fluid content. The baby needs to be given more to drink, and the condition is normalized.
3. Change in diet. Certain foods can affect how urine smells. These include onions, garlic, cabbage. If the baby is breastfed, then the mother’s diet affects the smell of urine.

What does an unpleasant pungent odor indicate?

What does the strong smell of urine in a child indicate? It can be a symptom of a disease of the genitourinary tract or the endocrine system. By the way the urine of the baby smells, an experienced doctor can detect the presence of a specific disease. Feeling the changes, parents can suspect problems in the work of the child’s body in time and seek help from a pediatrician.

Ammonia smell

A small amount of ammonia in the urine is normal for humans. It is formed when urea is broken down by aerobic bacteria. However, ammonia should evaporate almost instantly after urination, so when urine retains a persistent, pungent smell of ammonia, this indicates diseases of the internal organs. The first thing to do if it is available is to donate blood for sugar. Diabetes mellitus is accompanied by just such symptoms.

Intense physical activity, emotional stress also affect the urine of the child, because of which the urine smells like ammonia. To eliminate an unpleasant problem, it is enough to give the child a rest, review the daily routine, and, if necessary, give sedatives.

A similar symptom is also formed when the diet is changed, when new products are introduced into food at 1-2 years of age. It appears if the food is too saturated with proteins, and not enough carbohydrates and fats are supplied. He also talks about dehydration. The baby needs to change the diet and drink more fluids.

Urine smells like acetone

If urine smells like acetone, this indicates the presence of acetonemic syndrome, which is characterized by an increase in the concentration of ketones in the blood plasma. With a sharp drop in the amount of glucose, ketone bodies are synthesized, which are an alternative source of energy for the body. When the rate of synthesis of ketones prevails over the rate of their utilization, they are excreted through the genitourinary and respiratory systems unchanged. Hence the characteristic smell of acetone in the urine and human breath.

The cause of the development of acetonemic syndrome can be prolonged starvation, improper diet or infection. However, the smell of acetone is also present in diabetes mellitus, therefore, if there is a similar symptom, the parent needs to urgently take the baby to the doctor.

Diabetic ketoacidosis occurs due to a lack of insulin, resulting in the accumulation of excess amounts of glucose and ketone bodies in the blood, which should normally be broken down by the kidneys. Ketoacidosis is usually accompanied by severe vomiting, abdominal cramps, dehydration, and intoxication.

Smell of rotten fish

If a child’s urine smells of rotten fish, this indicates the accumulation of trimethylamine in the body. Trimethylaminuria is a genetic disorder in which trimethylamine is not broken down by the liver.

Normally, the enzyme flavin monooxygenase-3 breaks down trimethylamine into odorless components. However, in a genetic disorder, the gene that should code for the enzyme is missing. As a result, the liver cannot utilize this substance and it accumulates in the body. Not only urine, but also breath, skin, sweat begin to exude the aroma of fish. Unfortunately, this subsequently affects the social life of a person. It is especially difficult for a child who is beginning to be avoided by peers.

The smell of rotten fish from newborns may indicate the presence of STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) such as chlamydia. An infant can become infected during the passage of the birth canal from the mother, so a woman needs to be tested for STDs before conceiving a child or during pregnancy.

Mouse smell

Phenylketonuria is a genetic pathology in which the body lacks the enzyme phenylalanine-4-hydroxylase. This liver enzyme promotes the conversion of phenylalanine to tyrosine. With phenylketonuria, mutations occur in the gene encoding this enzyme, which contributes to the accumulation of phenylalanine.

One of the symptoms of phenylketonuria is the mousy smell of urine in infants. If parents feel that the urine in a baby’s diaper smells like mice, they should immediately consult a doctor. Phenylketonuria is a dangerous pathology in which severe damage to the central nervous system occurs, mental and mental retardation occurs.

Is it possible to prevent the severe consequences of pathology? Yes, if you put the baby on a low-protein diet from birth. To do this, it is necessary to diagnose the disease as early as possible and begin treatment.

Smell of burnt sugar

Baby has a distinct smell of burnt sugar in urine – what does this mean? This is a sign of a dangerous hereditary pathology called leucinosis. Another name for pathology is maple syrup disease. There is a disease in 1 infant per 120-300 thousand newborns.

Normally, enzymes carry out oxidative decarboxylation of amino acids – valine, leucine and isoleucine. With leucinosis, decarboxylation does not occur due to inhibition of the enzymatic process, amino acids accumulate in the body.

Pathology leads to severe lesions of the central nervous system. The course of the disease is accompanied by hypoglycemia, hypotension, vomiting. Often the disease ends in death. The life of the baby depends on how quickly the parents have time to react and consult a doctor. In some regions, screening for leucinosis is part of the newborn screening program.

What should parents do?

What should parents do if their child’s urine smells bad? If this is a one-time phenomenon that appeared and disappeared the next day, then you should not worry. Many factors influence smell, including food and the amount of liquid.

If urine begins to smell bad after the introduction of complementary foods, then you should change the diet and give another product. Some vegetables, protein foods change the smell of urine. Your baby may be dehydrated and need to be given more water to drink.

If there is a suspicion of acetonemic syndrome, parents can determine the amount of ketone bodies in the baby’s blood.