What should you know about cloudy and frothy urine?

Froth may appear when the stream is fast, the urine is concentrated, or residue is present in the toilet. Cloudiness can come from crystals, mucus, cells, or infection. Dehydration can make urine more concentrated. A urinary tract infection may present with cloudy urine, burning, urgency, or frequent trips to the toilet. A kidney infection may cause those urinary symptoms with fever, chills, nausea, or pain in the side or back. Repeated froth can be checked with urine testing, including a check for protein.

Pay attention to whether the froth happens only with a strong stream and whether it clears after a short time. Drink normally and avoid deliberately overhydrating. Make a medical appointment if the appearance persists, returns often, or is accompanied by swelling, fatigue, burning, urgency, or changes in how much you urinate. Describe the timing and any recent illness or heat exposure.

Seek prompt care if the change comes with fever, back or side pain, blood in the urine, vomiting, new swelling, very little urine, or significant weakness. Severe pain, confusion, or difficulty keeping fluids down requires urgent attention.

Ask whether you need urine testing for infection or protein and whether any medicine, supplement, or fluid restriction affects the picture. Tell the clinician whether the froth appears every time or only in particular situations.