Mucus in Urine
Introduction
The colour of urine acts as an essential indicator to depict the health condition of an individual. Gastrointestinal tract, excretory and genital organs are lined with mucus membrane. Cloudy urine is passed when urine contains mucus. The appearance of mucus is yellowish in colour, viscous in nature and is a non crystalline semi-liquid substance.
Image 1: Possible cells in urine
Usually mucus is formed in the mucus membrane. Presence of mucus in urine provides indication about the presence of some abnormality in the above mentioned organs or even it could be possible due to immune system disorder. It is always suggested to consult with doctors who will provide the proper diagnosis of the underlying cause in case any abnormality in urine colour and appearance is noticed.
Mucus in Urine Causes
The possible causes which can be associated with mucus in the urine are discussed below:
Image 2: Causes of mucous in urine
Urinary tract infection
There is a high probability of mucus pass is due to urinary tract infection (UTI), caused by bacteria and can affect any part of the urinary system. The usual site of infection is initiated at the urinary bladder which may then extends to urethra, ureters and even kidneys. The transmission of infection is also possible from one part to another part of the body. Micturition, discomfort and increased strain in the urinary bladder which increased the production and presence of mucus in urine are usually associated with UTI.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome is associated with the ailments in the colon and small intestine. Usually small amount of mucus is present in the stool which is not considered as a big health issue as small intestine is covered with lining of mucus membrane. In IBS, large intestine produce excessive amount of mucus and which may cause cloudy urine.
Ulcerative Colitis
In this condition, ulceration is developed in the membrane of the colon and often leads to higher production of mucus which also transmit to urinary system and results mucus in urine.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)
Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia are the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and the causative organisms extends their effects up to urethra and increase the production of mucus in the execratory organs and produce cloudy urine due to the presence of mucus.
Calculi in kidney or urinary bladder
Formation of calculi or stone in the kidney may transmit to urinary bladder or block the urinary tract and obstruct the urine passage. It increases the strain at the wall of the excretory system and production of mucus increased which passed with urine. Research also supports that finding of cloudy urine due to presence of mucus with dark yellow colouration is more often in kidney stone cases.
Cyst or cancer in the Urinary Bladder
Cyst formation in urinary bladder may obstruct the urine flow and lead cancerous cell proliferation in the urinary bladder or urethra leading to different abnormalities in urine passage. This is a rare form of malignancy.
Associated Symptoms
The cloudy urine is a most prominent symptom of mucus in urine and other associated symptoms which are linked with mucus in urine are:
- Burning sensation during micturition
- Pain in external genital during urination
- Discomfort or pain during intercourse
- Lower abdominal pain
- Bad foul smell in urine
- Fever
Diagnosis
Normal urine is clear and amber or straw-coloured in nature. Urine analysis can be helpful to diagnose the mucus in urine. Two types of mucus found in urine: thread shaped and corpuscle shaped. The numbers of mucus threads or corpuscles are mainly measured in urine analysis and which can be denoted as “per low power field (LPF)” or “per high power field (HPF)”.
Image 3: Urine analysis
Treatment
The treatment is related with underlying disease condition and is always suggested to consult with doctor whenever urine appears cloudy.
Antibiotics
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the major reasons of mucus in urine and antibiotics are prescribed to kill or restrict the growth of the bacteria. Sexually transmitting diseases also developed due to bacterial infection. Penicillin group of antibiotics is the most preferable treatment. Currently novel combination of antibiotics also prescribed in the above mentioned condition.
Anti-inflammatory drugs
Steroidal drugs are prescribed in case of inflammation related diseases like colitis.
Sulfasalazine and Mesalamine
These two drugs are mainly prescribed for irritable bowel syndrome and in ulcerative colitis. It is found that some patient cannot tolerate Sulfasalazine and develop allergic reaction.
Dietary measures
Carbonated drink and spicy foods are strictly restricted for ulcer and IBS. Increased water intake and fresh fruit juice provide benefits to control the mucus in urine. 2-3 litre of water per day is preferable as it helps to wash out all the toxins from the body. Fruits rich in vitamin-C are beneficial for boosting immunity and protect from infections.
Life style management
Good personal hygiene is very important to prevent UTI and STDs. Smoking and alcohol consumption augments ulceration and IBS. It is advisable to restrict smoking and alcohol, if mucus is found in urine.
References
- Mucus in Urine – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment at http://symptomscausestreatment.com/mucus-in-urine-symptoms-causes-treatment.html
- http://symptomstreatment.org/mucus-in-urine/
- http://ic.steadyhealth.com/mucus-in-urine
- http://medicalhub.hubpages.com/hub/Mucus-in-Urine
- http://insidetheclinic.com/mucus-in-urine/
- http://www.ihealthblogger.com/2015/06/mucus-in-urine.html