Chronic cloudy urine

Urine can look cloudy when it is concentrated, especially after not drinking enough fluid. It may also change appearance because of cells, mucus, crystals or infection. A urinary tract infection may cause burning, urgency, frequent trips to the toilet or an unusual smell, although symptoms vary. A kidney infection can bring pain in the side or back, fever and feeling unwell.

Cloudiness alone cannot identify the cause. A clinician may ask when it began, whether it is present every time, and whether there is pain, discharge, blood, fever or a change in urination. A urine sample can help guide treatment.

Arrange a medical review if the change persists, keeps returning or occurs with urinary symptoms. Record the colour and smell, fluid intake, pain, temperature and any medicines or supplements. Drink fluids normally unless a clinician has told you to restrict them; do not force large amounts to clear the appearance.

Do not use someone else’s antibiotics. If a urine test shows infection, take the prescribed treatment exactly as directed and seek review if symptoms do not improve.

Seek urgent care for fever with side or back pain, shaking chills, vomiting, confusion, severe weakness, visible blood in urine, or difficulty passing urine. These symptoms may indicate a kidney infection or another problem needing prompt treatment.

Ask whether you need a urine test or culture, whether the appearance could reflect dehydration, and which symptoms would suggest a kidney infection. Tell the clinician if you are pregnant, have kidney disease, or have had repeated urinary infections.