Too Much Foam in Urine? Here’s What It Really Means. Well, you might constantly see small bubbles forming in the water when the toilet is flushed. And it’s pretty normal, mainly because urine hits the surface of the water with a lot of force and gets mixed with air bubbles. These little bubbles fade away in seconds.
Foamy urine , though, seems different. It forms a thick white foam like beer and stays at the surface above the water, even after the toilet is flushed. And if that’s the case, it has all chances of being a health problem, especially when urine looks like this often. The most common culprit is the leaking of protein in the urine.
Causes: Protein in urine (proteinuria)
Proteinuria causes a patient to have urine that appears foamy. Kidneys are natural filters. Their work is to rid the blood of excreta while retaining important components such as proteins.
When a kidney is damaged or not functioning properly, the main barrier becomes weak as well, developing small holes. Such protein, particularly albumin, is then found in urine. This makes urine foamy because it behaves like soap when mixed with water.
It’s called Proteinuria, which is an early indication of kidney damage.
Diabetes (High Blood Sugar)
Diabetes destroys the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys in the long term; hence protein leakage can become most common. This is the primary cause of foam-related urine in the kidneys the world over.
Hypertension
When your blood pressure is high continuously, the filters of the kidneys are stressed from pressure, which leads to small leaks over time through which protein can go into the urine.
Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis)
Severe urinary tract infection reaching the kidneys will result in swelling and a temporary injury; this also results in foamy urine.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Continued exposure of the kidneys to problems like diabetes, hypertension, or infection result in reduced kidney functioning, and foamy urine usually appears early in the decline of the CKD patient.
Other Conditions
Glomerulonephritis (inflammation of kidney filters)
Autoimmune diseases (such as lupus)
Multiple myeloma (a type of blood cancer)
Advanced heart failure
No Proof Temporary Reasons for Foamy Urine
Foamy urine isn’t always a symptom of kidney disease. Some causes can be simple and temporary, such as:
Urine strain; due to exertion
Dehydration (urine concentrates and bubbles)
Cleaning chemicals in the toilet reacting with urine
Eating a high-protein meal and then urinating
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If the foam in your urine is showing signs of more than a casual repeat or is associated with other symptoms like swelling or fatigue, or changes in urination, consider seeing a doctor. A simple urine test can check for protein and help identify any underlying problems of the kidneys or other health issues.