Abnormal Conditions of Bubbles in Urine

There are times when bubbles in urine are indicative of medical disorders such as kidney disease or urinary tract infections. Here are some conditions that can cause frothy urine.

Proteinuria

Proteinuria, or protein in the urine, can result in bubbles in urine that gives off a foamy appearance.Infrequent bubbles in urine can occur after ingesting large amounts of protein found in protein drinks, muscle protein gaining supplements, or a large meal of fish or other protein. When a normal amount of protein is consumed in excess the healthy body is able to gets rid of the extra by eliminating it through urine. But when protein is consumed in excess amounts, the kidneys can have a more difficult time getting rid of the excess waste.

However, frequent bubbles in urine could be a more serious condition where the kidneys fail to function properly or a medical condition interferes with the body's ability to metabolize protein.

Normally, when blood passes through healthy kidneys all waste products are removed, leaving only the materials the body needs. However, in individuals with kidney disease or damaged kidneys where the glomeruli, the part of the kidney that normally filters urine, are damaged,protein from the blood can enter in to the urine. The underlying cause of bubbles in the urine related to proteinuria must be diagnosed before the symptom can be treated. If the cause is related to excess protein intake then reducing the amount of protein in the diet will reduce or eliminate bubbles in the urine.

Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections can also cause urine to bubble. In this circumstance, the bubbles result from microorganisms entering into a sterile urinary tract that releases a gas, which results in bubbles. The bubbles found during urination are often accompanied by pain or a burning sensation. This condition needs to be assessed by a physician who can order a urinalysis to determine whether an infection is present. If a diagnosis of a urinary tract infection is made then the bubbles in urine should disappear after the infection is treated with a round of antibiotics.