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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffUrine odor refers to the scent of your urine as you excrete it from your body. Urine odor varies — ranging from sweet to foul.
Urine odor is related to the volume and concentration of a variety of chemicals excreted by the kidneys. Normally, diluted urine has little to no odor. If your urine becomes highly concentrated, urine odor may have a strong ammonia quality. Many foods and medications — such as asparagus or certain vitamins — also can affect the odor of urine.
Sometimes, unusual urine odor indicates an extremely rare condition, such as the inherited disorder called maple syrup urine disease.
References
- Simerville JA, et al. Urinalysis: A comprehensive review. American Family Physician. 2005;71:1153.
- McPherson RA, et al. Basic examination of urine. In: McPherson RA, et al. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 21st ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-6/0/1393/0.html. Accessed Dec. 8, 2010.
- Carter C, et al. Urinary tract disorders. In: Rakel RE. Textbook of Family Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/191205553-4/0/1481/0.html#. Accessed Dec. 8, 2010.
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