Just as Donguibogam read the state of the body through urine, modern medicine also regards urine as providing information important enough to be called a liquid biomarker of our internal health. Urine that is clear, transparent, and light yellow is a healthy sign, but if its color changes, it develops abundant foam, or blood mixes in, this can be an important warning signal that must never be overlooked. In particular, it can be directly related to kidney health, warranting even closer attention.
First, hematuria literally refers to the symptom of blood being mixed into the urine. Red or pink urine visible to the naked eye is called gross hematuria, while trace amounts of blood detectable only under a microscope are called microscopic hematuria. Gross hematuria is alarming, prompting people to visit a hospital immediately, but microscopic hematuria presents no subjective symptoms and is frequently discovered by chance during a routine health checkup. The causes of hematuria are truly diverse: from relatively mild causes such as urinary tract infection, kidney stone, or cystitis, to prostate gland disorders, nephritis, or, in severe cases, early signs of serious conditions like bladder cancer or kidney cancer. It can appear temporarily after taking certain anticoagulants or engaging in strenuous exercise, but aside from such temporary instances, persistent hematuria requires consultation with a urologist to identify the exact cause. For diagnosis, urinalysis, imaging studies such as abdominal ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, as well as cystoscopy or kidney biopsy if necessary, may be considered.
Next, foamy urine is an important indicator of proteinuria. When protein mixes excessively into the urine, the surface tension of the urine drops, causing significant foam to form. Temporary foam may appear after strenuous exercise, after eating a high-protein meal, or during dehydration, which often does not require much concern. However, if the foam does not dissipate for a long time and appears fine, persistent, and white like beer foam, you may suspect kidney dysfunction. Our kidneys play the vital role of filtering blood to excrete waste and reabsorbing necessary proteins, but when the kidneys are damaged, needed proteins leak out into the urine. Those with long-standing hypertension or diabetes, or those living with chronic kidney disease, face a high risk of developing proteinuria. If proteinuria persists, symptoms such as edema, fatigue, and loss of appetite may accompany it. It is important to accurately measure the amount of protein through a 24-hour urine protein test and identify the cause to receive appropriate treatment.
Finally, abnormal urine color can indicate a wide range of causes, from dehydration to liver disease, urinary tract infection, or the intake of certain medications. Dark yellow may simply indicate dehydration, but red or brown suggests the possibility of liver disease with excess bilirubin, muscle damage such as rhabdomyolysis, or actual hematuria. Turbid and cloudy urine can be a sign of a urinary tract infection or a kidney stone. Blue or green urine can be due to specific medications, food dyes, or rarely, a genetic disorder. Changes in urine color are mostly temporary or have a clear cause, but if they persist or are accompanied by other symptoms such as pain or fever, you should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
In this way, abnormal urinary symptoms go beyond mere discomfort and can be early warning signs signaling serious problems in various systems, especially that crucial organ, the kidney. Just as Donguibogam sought bodily imbalances in urine, modern medicine helps detect hidden conditions through precise examinations and guides patients toward appropriate treatment. Please do not ignore the small signals sent by your body. The first step toward a healthy life begins with responding attentively to what your body is telling you.
