Urine color depends on circumstances

Q: I know that urine is supposed to be straw or wheat colored. But what would make it white or clear?

L.T.

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Dr. Mitchell Hecht

Ask Doctor H

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Macon, Ga.

A: Actually, urine that’s light yellow, bright yellow, clear, reddish, light orange, amber or green can all be normal — depending upon the circumstances. In general, the more diluted your urine is, the lighter in color it’ll be. However, certain foods, vitamins or medications will affect the color. If your urine remains an odd color or it becomes cloudy — especially in the presence of symptoms like burning, flank pain, fever or increased urinary frequency — it’s wise to let your doctor know and request a urinalysis.

Q: My bloodwork consistently shows that my “creatinine” level is high. The normal range is between 0.5 and 1.2; mine ranges from 1.7 to 2.0. Both nurses and doctors advise me to drink more water, but lots of water has no effect. Any advice?

W. D.

Lima, Ohio

A: You’re describing one of several markers doctors use to figure out how well your kidneys are working. The serum BUN (blood urea nitrogen) level is another important blood level that goes hand in hand with a blood creatinine level. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine are simply breakdown products of blood and muscle. If either too much blood or muscle breakdown occurs, or the kidneys can’t properly get rid of these waste products, the blood levels of BUN and creatinine will rise.

Your rise in serum creatinine can mean several things: It could mean that you’re dehydrated, but I don’t have enough information to be sure. Another possibility is that it’s a side effect from a medication you’re taking (e.g., a water pill). Review your medication list with your doctor. If no offending medication is found, I’d suggest seeing a kidney specialist.

• Dr. Mitchell Hecht is a Roswell physician specializing in internal medicine. Send questions to “Ask Dr. H,” P.O. Box 767787, Roswell, GA 30076.