What Makes Urine Smell?

Written by Cheryl Whitten

Medically Reviewed by Jabeen Begum, MD on December 02, 2021

• Why Does My Pee Smell?
• What Causes a Bad Urine Smell?
• What Does Diabetic Urine Smell Like?
• What Else Causes Fruity-Smelling Urine?
• Why Does My Urine Smell Rotten?
• Why Does My Urine Smell Strong Like Ammonia?
• Outlook
• More

Urine normally has a slight smell, but some unusual and strong smells may also be noticed. Odd smells along with feeling sick, pain, or bloody urine are a sign you should see your doctor. 

Urine is mostly waste products and water and normally has a mild smell and a light yellow color. If you have more waste than water in your urine, it can smell more strongly. 

In most cases, a strong smell isn’t a sign of disease. It’s usually from your diet and medications, or it means you need to drink more water. Certain urine smells can be a sign of some conditions, but your doctor might not consider that to be the case unless you have other symptoms.

Your food, vitamins, and medications are the most common cause of a bad urine smell.

Foods. Some foods have compounds that naturally have a strong odor and can make your urine smell. These include:

• Asparagus
• Coffee
• Dried fruit
• Honey
• Alcohol
• Fennel
• Brussel sprouts
• Garlic
• Onion

Vitamins. B vitamins are water soluble, which means your body doesn’t store them, and whatever you don’t need is removed in your urine. B vitamins in your multivitamin are often the culprit of smelly urine.

Medications. Some medicines like antibiotics can make your urine stink. Some antibiotics are made from mold and can make your urine smell yeasty.

Drinking lots of water throughout the day can help with these smells and keep your urine clear.

One warning sign of diabetes or high blood sugar is urine that smells sweet or fruity. The sweetness comes from sugar in your urine and is a sign your body is trying to get rid of extra sugar in your blood. Some people say their pee smells like Cheerios, which might be a sweet smell that you should tell your doctor about. 

Fruity-smelling urine can be a sign of other diseases and complications.

Diabetic ketoacidosis. Ketoacidosis is a dangerous complication of diabetes that happens when ketones build up in your blood. It causes symptoms like fruity breath, sweet-smelling urine, excessive thirst, and tiredness.

Maple syrup urine disease. This rare, life-threatening genetic condition prevents the body from breaking down some amino acids. It affects babies and children. 

When these build up in your blood, a compound called a branched-chain alpha-keto acid shows up in your urine and makes it, along with your earwax, smell like maple syrup. The disease can cause other serious symptoms like seizures, sleepiness, irritability, and poor feeding.

Foods that convert to sulfur compounds in your body can make your urine smell rotten. This smell is commonly compared to rotten cabbage or rotten eggs and can come from eating asparagus, garlic, and onions. There are rare conditions that create a rotten smell, too.

Trimethylaminuria. In this condition, your body can’t break down a compound called trimethylamine. This chemical on its own smells like rotten eggs, rotting fish, or garbage. As trimethylamine collects in your body, your sweat, breath, and urine will smell rotten or fishy.

Tyrosinemia. There are 3 types of tyrosinemia, which cause problems breaking down the amino acid tyrosine. Byproducts build up and cause breath, sweat, and urine to smell like boiled cabbage.

Strong, ammonia-like urine is a sign that you’re a little dehydrated. Drinking more water can often help. Sometimes, ammonia is also a sign of:

Urinary tract infection. Also called a UTI, such an infection happens when you have bacteria in any part of your urinary system. It causes strong or sweet urine. Other UTI symptoms include:

• Burning when you urinate
• Needing to urinate a lot
• Bloody urine
• Cloudy urine
• Pelvis pain

Liver disease. A problem with your liver can make your skin and eyes yellow and your urine dark and smelly. It can also cause stomach pain, throwing up, and feeling sick. 

Kidney stones. Crystals made of waste products and minerals can build up in your kidneys and form hard stones, which can cause strong-smelling urine. You might also feel sick, have pain that comes and goes, and have bloody urine.

In most cases, a strong urine smell is caused by your food or is a sign that you need more fluids. If your urine smells sweet, you feel unwell, or you have other symptoms along with foul-smelling urine, though, talk to your doctor. Treatment for an unusual urine smell depends on the cause. 

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Causes, symptoms, and when to see a doctor

Urine may smell sweet if it contains extra glucose, a type of sugar. Sweet smelling urine often stems from diabetes, but dehydration, a yeast infection, or a genetic condition known as maple syrup urine disease can also cause it.

Urine can reveal a lot about someone’s health. So while it might feel strange to discuss the odor of urine with a doctor, it is important that a person talks to a health provider if they notice a sudden change in the appearance or odor of their urine.

In this article, we discuss the reasons for sweet- or fruity-smelling urine, symptoms, warning signs, and when to see a doctor.

Share on PinterestThe look and odor of urine may be affected by a person’s diet.

Because urine helps the body get rid of waste, a person’s diet and fluid intake can affect the way their urine looks and smells.

If the odor of urine changes temporarily, this could be caused by something a person has eaten recently. For example, asparagus can give the urine an unusually strong odor.

Some disorders, medications, and supplements may also affect the way urine smells. A person who notices a change in the smell of their urine should monitor their symptoms, and if they continue, should talk to a doctor.

The most common reasons why urine may smell sweet include:

Diabetes

Share on PinterestTaking vitamin B6 supplements can change the smell of urine.

A person with uncontrolled diabetes may have blood glucose levels that are dangerously high. The body tries to get rid of the extra glucose in the urine, and this can cause a sweet smell.

People with sweet-smelling urine due to diabetes may notice other symptoms, including:

• exhaustion
• extreme thirst
• appetite changes
• unexplained weight loss

Diabetic ketoacidosis

This condition occurs when a person does not have enough insulin and usually, but not always, very high blood sugar levels.

Insulin helps the body break down glucose to use for fuel. When the body cannot produce enough insulin to use glucose, it begins breaking down fat. This causes acids called ketones to accumulate in the blood.

Diabetic ketoacidosis left untreated can be fatal and should be considered a medical emergency.

The condition is more common in people with type 1 diabetes, though people with type 2 diabetes can develop symptoms too.

Along with sweet-smelling urine, a person may have the following symptoms:

• sweet-smelling breath
• feelings of exhaustion
• confusion
• seizures

Maple syrup urine disease

Maple syrup urine disease is a genetic disorder where a person cannot process certain proteins. It is an inherited disorder, and a parent may notice their baby or child has sweet-smelling urine.

This disorder may be fatal if left untreated. It is possible for children to develop less severe forms of the disorder. Maple syrup urine disease is treatable. Parents should seek prompt medical care when a child has sweet-smelling urine.

Babies with this condition may also have the following symptoms:

• tiredness
• unusual movements
• delayed development
• poor eating
• vomiting

A person may need to follow a strict diet, regularly undergo blood testing, or take medications to prevent liver failure if they have maple syrup urine disease. Some people with maple syrup urine disease eventually need a liver transplant.

Medications and supplements

Some supplements, particularly vitamin B6 supplements, can change the smell of urine. Certain medications may also change the way urine looks or smells.

People who have recently begun a new medication should talk to their doctor if their urine looks or smells strange.

Dehydration

When someone is dehydrated, it makes their urine more concentrated. The urine may appear very yellow, or even brown and more concentrated urine smells stronger.

While the most common smell is a pungent ammonia odor, some people report that their urine smells sweet or fruity.

When a person’s urine is very dark, they should drink more water. If symptoms do not get better in a few hours, an individual should go and see their doctor within a few days.

Yeast infection

Yeast is a fungus that commonly affects the vagina. Less frequently, it can also infect men.

Yeast infections do not cause the urine to smell but can cause vaginal discharge to smell sweet, similar to honey, bread, or beer.

Symptoms of a yeast infection include:

• itching
• burning
• redness
• irritation
• a cottage cheese-like discharge
• painful urination in some cases

Some over-the-counter remedies or prescription antifungals can treat yeast infections. If a person has symptoms for the first time, however, they should see a doctor, because several other conditions can be mistaken for a yeast infection.

When urine smells unusual, but there are no other symptoms, it is normally safe to wait a day or two before contacting a doctor.

Some symptoms, however, warrant an immediate trip to the doctor. These include:

• Feeling very thirsty. Diabetic ketoacidosis can make people feel very thirsty, even when they drink lots of fluids.
• Abdominal pain or nausea. These are present in diabetic ketoacidosis.
• Intense pain in the back, abdomen, or genitals. These locations of pains could mean a kidney or urinary tract infection.
• Blood in the urine. This could be a sign that someone has an infection.
• Nausea, vomiting, and yellow skin or eyes. This might mean an individual is experiencing liver failure.
• Feeling tired, confused, or agitated. This could be a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis or a serious infection.
• Fever. A fever can be a sign of an infection. Some infections, such as urinary tract infections that spread to the kidneys or blood, can be life-threatening.

Share on PinterestMedical advice should be sought when sweet-smelling urine is accompanied by a frequent urge to urinate.

For some people, a change in urine odor or appearance is the first sign of a serious health problem. It is essential to heed this warning, so symptoms should not be ignored even if no other signs appear.

The National Health Service in the United Kingdom recommend seeing a doctor if smelly urine occurs along with:

• a frequent, urgent need to urinate
• pain or burning when urinating
• blood in urine
• lower abdomen pain
• general feelings of fatigue and unwellness
• confusion or agitation

When a person notices sweet-smelling urine, and they have a weakened immune system that is caused by disorders such as HIV or cancer, they should go to the emergency room.

Sweet-smelling urine is often the result of a person’s recent diet or diabetes but can also signal a dangerous and even life-threatening medical condition. With prompt treatment, most causes of sweet-smelling urine are easily managed and treated.

This is a common medical symptom that doctors are accustomed to diagnosing and treating. No matter the cause, the outlook is better when a person seeks treatment early.

Sweet Urine Smell – Rambler/Female

Medical Insider

177471+03:00″> March 26, 2018, 13:15

Photo: Vistasol Medical GroupSweet Urine Smell Urine can tell you a lot about your health. Therefore, if you notice a change in the appearance or smell of urine, you should tell your doctor about it. Urine may have a sweet smell if it contains glucose, which can be caused by diabetes.

© Medical Insider

Urine helps the body get rid of waste, so diet and fluid intake can affect how urine looks and smells. If the smell of urine has changed temporarily, it may be due to a change in diet. For example, asparagus can give urine an unusually strong odor. Certain medical conditions, medications, and supplements can also affect the smell of urine. A person who notices a change in urine odor should monitor their symptoms.

Video of the day

Photo: Vistasol Medical Group

Causes of sweet urine odor

Diabetes raises blood sugar, which is very dangerous. The body is trying to get rid of excess glucose, and this can give urine a sweet smell. People with sweet-smelling urine due to diabetes may have other symptoms:

emaciation;

intense thirst;

changes in appetite;

unexplained weight loss.

Diabetic ketoacidosis

Diabetic ketoacidosis occurs when a person does not have enough insulin. Insulin helps the body break down glucose for use as fuel. When the body cannot produce enough insulin, it begins to break down fat. This results in acids called ketones that build up in the blood. If diabetic ketoacidosis is left untreated, it can be fatal to a person. The condition is more common in people with type 1 diabetes, although people with type 2 diabetes can also develop symptoms. Along with the sweet smell of urine, a person may experience the following symptoms:

sweet breath;

feeling tired;

seizures.

Leucinosis

Maple syrup urine disease is a genetic disorder in which a person’s metabolism of certain proteins is impaired. This is a hereditary condition, and a parent may notice that the child’s urine has a sweet smell. This disease can be fatal if left untreated. Children with this disease may also have the following symptoms:

fatigue;

involuntary movements;

developmental delay;

poor nutrition;

vomiting.

A person with leucinosis must follow a strict diet, have regular blood tests, or take drugs to prevent liver failure. Some people with maple syrup urine disease eventually need a liver transplant.

Food supplements and drugs

Supplements, especially vitamin B6, and some drugs can also change the appearance and smell of urine. A person who has recently started taking a new drug should talk to a doctor if they develop a strange smelling urine.

Dehydration

Dehydration makes urine more concentrated. Urine may be dark yellow or even brown and smell stronger. Urine that is dehydrated may have a pungent ammonia odor, but sometimes a sweet odor. When a person has very dark urine, he should drink more water.

Candidiasis

Yeast infections do not change the smell of urine, but can cause vaginal discharge that smells sweet. Yeast is a fungus that usually affects the vagina. Men are less likely to get yeast infections. Yeast infection symptoms include:

Itching;

Redness;

Irritation;

Curd extracts;

Painful urination in some cases.

If a person develops symptoms, they should see a doctor, as other illnesses can be mistaken for a yeast infection.

Sweet smelling urine – when to see a doctor

Photo: Getty Images/Nadine Hutton

Unusual smell of urine and the appearance of some symptoms require immediate medical attention. These include:

Extreme thirst

Diabetic ketoacidosis can cause extreme thirst even when a person is drinking a lot of fluids.

Abdominal pain or nausea

These are present in diabetic ketoacidosis.

Severe pain in the back, abdomen, or genitals

These symptoms may indicate a kidney or urinary tract infection.

Blood in urine

May be a sign of infection.

Nausea, vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes

This could mean that the person has liver failure.

Feeling tired or excited

May be a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis or severe infection.

Fever

May be a sign of infection. Some infections, such as urinary tract infections that spread to the kidneys or blood, can be life-threatening.

For some people, a change in the smell or appearance of urine is the first sign of a serious health problem. Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:

frequent urination;

pain or burning when urinating;

blood in urine;

lower abdominal pain;

general feeling of tiredness and malaise.

Sweet smelling urine is often the result of diet or diabetes, but can also mean a dangerous or even life-threatening illness. Regardless of the cause, it is best to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Literature

Seesaard T. et al. Self-screening for diabetes by sniffing urine samples based on a hand-held electronic nose //Biomedical Engineering International Conference (BMEiCON), 2016 9th. – IEEE, 2016. – P. 1-4.

Health

Sweet-smelling urine – Drink-Drink

07/14/2022 DrinkDrinkAdmin

Contents

• 5 causes of sweet-smelling urine 9014 0
• 1. UTI
• 2. Hyperglycemia and diabetes
• 3. Diabetic ketoacidosis
• 4. Fetid liver odor
• 5. Maple syrup urinary disease

Why does my urine smell sweet?

If you notice a sweet or fruity odor after urinating, this may be a sign of a more serious condition. There are many reasons why your urine smells sweet. The smell is affected by your body excreting chemicals in your urine. It can be bacteria, glucose or amino acids.

If you notice the sudden appearance of sweet-smelling urine, you should contact your doctor immediately.

5 causes of sweet smelling urine

1.

UTI

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very common urinary tract infections. For an infection to occur, the bacteria must travel up the urethra. The urethra is the tube through which urine flows out of the bladder. Due to female anatomy, women are more likely to develop UTIs.

One of the first signs of a UTI is a strong or sweet smell of urine. This is because the bacteria are dispersed in the urine. Other symptoms are a constant urge to urinate and a burning sensation when you walk.

Your doctor can diagnose a UTI with a urine test. You can buy over-the-counter pain relievers to help relieve the pain, but only a doctor can prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.

2. Hyperglycemia and diabetes

Hyperglycemia occurs when your blood sugar is abnormally high. High blood sugar is a clear sign of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

If you have diabetes, you may notice that your urine smells sweet or fruity. This is because the body is trying to get rid of excess blood sugar and is getting rid of glucose in the urine.

For people who have not been diagnosed with diabetes, this symptom may be one of the first signs of the disease. Diabetes can be diagnosed with a urine and blood test. For those who have a diagnosis, this may be a sign that they are not managing their condition properly.

Treatment of diabetes depends on its type. You may need to monitor your blood glucose throughout the day and take insulin injections.

3. Diabetic ketoacidosis

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a fatal disease caused by improperly treated diabetes. In many cases, the development of DKA is how a person learns they have diabetes.

DKA occurs when the body lacks glucose and has to burn fat for energy. In the process of burning fat, ketones are released, which accumulate in the blood and increase its acidity. It is essentially a blood poisoning that can lead to coma and death if not immediately treated in the emergency room with insulin therapy.

Diabetic ketoacidosis is most common in patients with type 1 diabetes. The condition can be diagnosed with a urine test and ketone strips.

4. Fetid liver odor

Foetor hepaticus is a condition in which your breath smells sweet or musty. This odor most often affects the breath, but it can also affect the urine. The condition has been nicknamed “dead man’s breath”.

Foetor hepaticus is a side effect of portal hypertension and liver disease. Treatment varies depending on what is causing bad liver odor and may include medication and surgery.

5. Maple Syrup Urinary Disease

Clinically known as branched chain ketoaciduria, maple syrup urine disease is a rare genetic disease. You must inherit the mutated gene from each of your parents in order to get sick.

MSUD interferes with the breakdown of amino acids in the body, which are essential for maintaining bodily functions.

This disorder is diagnosed in infancy through urinalysis, genetic testing, and newborn screening methods. Common symptoms:

• sweet smelling urine like caramel or maple syrup
• poor feeding
• seizures
• delayed drilling

Untreated MSUD can lead to brain damage and coma. Short-term treatment for MSUD is amino acid supplementation using an intravenous (IV) catheter. Long-term treatment plans often include a diet plan supervised by a nutritionist.

Diagnosing why urine smells sweet

Although the causes of bad smelling urine vary, all conditions can be diagnosed with a urinalysis or urinalysis. Depending on what your doctor thinks is causing the smell, they may check for different things.

You can also take a urine test yourself. For example, urine ketone test strips are available from most pharmacies and can diagnose diabetic ketoacidosis. Medications to relieve the symptoms of UTIs are available without a prescription. However, even if you try to take it and the smell goes away, you should still see a doctor to confirm the diagnosis and get a prescription for an antibiotic.

Treatment of possible conditions

Treatments for sweet-smelling urine depend on the cause of the symptom.

Antibiotics and other prescription drugs may be the best course of treatment for urinary tract infections and dead man’s breath.

Insulin therapy is the best treatment for diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis.

Dietary management and amino acid intake is a successful treatment for maple syrup urinary disease.

Prevention of sweet-smelling urine

There are many ways to prevent sweet-smelling urine.

To prevent UTIs, be sure to:

• urinate before and after sex
• wipe from front to back after going to the toilet
• avoid douching and vaginal sprays
• read the list of side effects of your birth control before taking it 90 144

Diabetes 1 type is genetic and cannot be prevented. However, type 2 diabetes can be. Both can be managed with the following tips:

• exercise and eat a whole food diet to maintain a healthy weight for your height
• control your blood glucose
• avoid foods such as desserts, bread, and beer that can raise your blood glucose

Consistent treating diabetes can prevent diabetic ketoacidosis.