Cloudy, foul-smelling pee: what to know

A strong smell can follow dehydration, certain foods, or supplements, while cloudiness may come from crystals, mucus, or cells. See Dehydration if you have been drinking less, sweating heavily, or losing fluids.

A urinary tract infection can present with cloudy, unpleasant-smelling urine alongside burning, urgency, frequency, or lower abdominal discomfort. A kidney infection may present with fever, chills, nausea, or pain at the side or back. Urine appearance alone cannot distinguish these causes.

Drink fluids steadily if you have no fluid restriction, and notice whether the smell or cloudiness improves. Do not douche or take leftover antibiotics to treat a urine change without testing.

Contact a clinician when the change lasts, returns, or is accompanied by burning, urgency, pain, blood, or discharge. The assessment may include questions about hydration, diet, medicines, recent sexual activity, and a urine test.

Get prompt care for fever, shaking chills, side or back pain, vomiting, confusion, or visible blood. Seek advice sooner during pregnancy or if you have kidney problems or reduced immunity, because infection may need timely treatment.

Ask whether a urine culture or other test is needed, whether dehydration or a medicine could explain the smell, and what changes should prompt reassessment. Bring a list of supplements and medicines and describe the urine at different times of day.