Sore throat and dark urine: what to know

Urine often becomes darker when you drink less because swallowing hurts, you have been sweating, or an illness has reduced your fluid intake. Dark brown, tea-coloured or red-tinged urine is different from mildly concentrated urine and can have causes involving blood, the liver, muscles or the kidneys. Strep Throat can occasionally be followed by kidney inflammation, while Glandular Fever and Influenza can cause marked tiredness and reduced intake. A sore throat may also occur with Common Cold or COVID-19, but dark urine should not be dismissed if it does not clear with hydration.

Take small, frequent sips of water or an oral rehydration drink if swallowing is uncomfortable. Notice whether urine becomes lighter, whether you are passing urine normally and whether there is pain, swelling or a rash. Avoid alcohol and strenuous exercise until the cause is clearer. Arrange medical advice promptly if dark urine continues, returns, or appears despite drinking; a clinician may check urine, blood pressure and blood tests. Do not stop prescribed medicines without advice.

Seek urgent help for very little or no urine, severe weakness, confusion, fainting, breathlessness, chest pain, facial swelling, severe flank pain, yellow skin or eyes, or inability to swallow fluids. Blood visible in urine, cola-coloured urine after heavy exertion, or rapidly worsening illness also needs prompt assessment. People with kidney disease, pregnancy or a weakened immune system should seek advice early.

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