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Why does urine turn brown? What could this mean for an elderly person? Is it related to lower back pain? For what reason does brown urine appear? The question is answered by the drug. Paweł Żmuda-Trzebiatowski.
What does brown urine mean in an elderly person?
Good day. I am a carer for the elderly in Germany. For over a year, I have been looking after a senior woman, whom I help in every basic life activity. I am writing because I have noticed some very disturbing concerns. Recently, while using the toilet, I noticed that my ward’s urine had completely changed its color. Suddenly it turned dark brown and even a bit brown. It felt as if a little blood had appeared in it as well.
My question is, of course, what it means brown urine? I know a man may develop mp. as a result of taking antibiotics. However, in the case of my mentee, an 85-year-old woman, I have no idea what that means. From the moment I started noticing this change, the patient began to complain more of lower back pain. At the moment I have no contact with her family, so I cannot make any particular moves. I am asking for a hint, what does brown urine mean and what is its cause. Thank you for your answer. Greetings from Hanover. Marta.
The doctor indicates possible causes of brown urine
Pani Marto, causes of brown urine there may be many. As you mentioned, the discoloration may be due to the medications you are taking, but it is one of the less common causes of this condition. Very often dark yellow or brown color of urine is due to dehydration. It is especially easy to dehydrate in the elderly, seriously ill or with mental dementia, as well as in people incapable of independent existence. Most often, dehydration occurs as a result of two situations, too little fluid intake during the day or as a result of prolonged vomiting or diarrhea. Such a condition, apart from the brown color of the urine, is manifested by weakness, hypotension and electrolyte disturbances.
Brown color of urine it can also be caused by the food you eat, especially aloe vera, beans, and rhubarb.
You mentioned that the patient is complaining of lower back pain and blood in the urine. Together with brown urine, these symptoms may indicate a urinary tract infection. Unfortunately, I am not able to determine via the Internet whether the infection affects the upper or lower urinary tract. It is a pity that you did not provide more information about the patient’s health, especially whether she experienced fever, abdominal pain, burning in the urethral area and frequent urination.
If there is a fever of 38 degrees Celsius, hematuria and pain in the loins, especially when shaking this area, acute pyelonephritis may be suspected. Of course, the mentee must be seen by a doctor and examined. It is definitely worth having blood laboratory tests, especially blood counts and CRP protein, as well as a general urine test with a possible culture.
I do not know exactly what it looks like in Germany, but if the contact with the patient is logical and she is not incapacitated, you can call the family doctor with the consent of the senior citizen. Antibiotic therapy will most likely be required. Now please give the mentee drinking fluids and painkillers.
– Lek. Paweł Żmuda-Trzebiatowski
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