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What Causes Urine To Smell Of Smoked Bacon?
Question: Hello, I have noticed my urine smells of smoked bacon and over the last six months or so it has a tobacco like smell. I have high cholesterol and also have Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome for 12 years. I am worried about this recent smoky smell. I haven't been very good with water and drink a lot of coffee. Thank you!I'm constipated from medication (25mg analgesic methadone for the IC pain), I have 2 x anti depressants, propranolol for racing heart, anxiety, a bad marriage, poor sleep and nocturia, a very sore lower back esp in the morning, poor limited movement and extremely unfit. I get 3 day very painful headaches. I also have developed clusters of moles under the breast area on both sides and have approx 4 moles around the upper thigh. They keep on popping up and growing.
Brief Answer:
Sign of concentrated urine/coffee drinking/UTI
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
The urine smelling of smoked bacon/tobacco like smell is sign of :
- concentrated urine (less water consumption)
- drinking lots of coffee
- urinary tract infection (UTI)
I suggest to run:
- urine analysis
- urine culture and sensitivity testing
- abdominal ultrasound
- vaginal swab testing
to rule out infection and get properly treated with antibiotic of choice.
I advise to:
- drink more water
- avoid coffee/oily/fried/salty foods
- take OTC herbal tea for uro-genital problems containing uva-ursi, cranberry, fern stone, etc.
- take OTC urine pH alkalinizers (magnesium/zinc citrate salts)
Hope it helped! Let me know if you need further assistance!
Dr.Albana
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks for this. I can't take cranberry - while it's great for regular bacterial cystitis, Interstitial Cystitis is NOT bacterial - it's an inflammation of the GAG layer of the bladder wall. Anything acidic like cranberry, juices, spicy foods exacerbates the pain. Could the smoky smell be something to do with blood sugar, diabetes? May I ask what is fern stone? Is it safe for Interstitial Cystitis? I do not participate in ANY sexual intercourse with my husband so it would be unlikely to be a UTI. What else would create a bacon like smokey smell?
Brief Answer:
Following answer...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
Thank you for following up.
Interstitial cystitis is often associated with bacterial UTI. You have been diagnosed with interstitial cystitis since 12 years; while the bacon like smokey smell appeared only recently (6 months). So, most probably you might be having a UTI which is determined by urine analysis and urine culture.
Although you do not participate in any sexual intercourse with your husband, vaginal swab testing is suggested to rule out vaginal infection which is common among women.
The diabetic urine smells like sugar and not bacon like smell. You can run urine analysis (which will evaluate the sugar content in urine too) together blood sugar testing to exclude diabetes.
To my opinion, the changes in your urine smell is related to infection or concentrated urine and too much consumptions of coffee (as per your report: "I haven't been very good with water and drink a lot of coffee").
With regards to diet, patients with interstitial cystitis are advised to pay attention to foods and drinks they consume and how do they affect their symptoms.
Fern stone is a medicinal herb that can be taken as a tea. I always advise to my patients, even in those with interstitial cystitis as you and I have seen good results in them. You can find it at any drug store.
Dr.Albana
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks for your response. I have seen several urologists in UK, New Zealand and Los Angeles. I've had a flexible cystoscopy, I've had a bladder stretch with hydro-distention and I've spent months self-catheterising to try and get on top of the pain but nothing works apart from the special I.C. diet.
You mention that IC is often associated with bacterial UTI... but there is no bacterial present. As IC has no cure and there is never any bacteria present in the UA it can't be treated like your usual UTI. Do you have experience with bacteria and IC? Please elaborate as I would be very keen to know.
The medicinal herb sounds good thank you - I will research and try to find it in New Zealand.
What measurements would you use for baking soda in water for alkalise the urine?
Thank you
Brief Answer:
My main field of interest: UTI, IC, kidney problem
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
If the urine tests did not show any bacterial infection, then, all the symptoms you are experiencing are related to less water and coffee consumption.
The urine tests are necessary to be conducted to exclude bacterial infection.
When bacteria is absent, I usually prescribe:
- anti-inflammatory drugs and antidepressants as you are currently taking. If methadone is not doing enough effect, can ask to change to another painkiller
- antihystamines drugs to relieve inflammation. You can discuss about this option with your urologist
If no improvement, or the symptoms will become worse, I'd discuss with urologist if eligible for bladder instillation therapy.
My main field of interest is infectious diseases including UTI, genital and bowel infections. All the advice given to you is from my personal experience with my patients; they have succeeded to treat their uro-genital problems through such steps and drugs prescribed.
I have to admit that I have been dealing with rare cases of IC in my practice, which I keep encouraging to follow the right diet and lifestyle changes (including controlling stress).
I usually recommend my patients with urinary tract problems to use baking soda to alkalise the urine. At your case, I would be very careful and attentive as the prolonged use of baking soda would cause alteration in pH of your blood and stomach liquids, and might cause undesirable side effects.
So, I would not suggest to take it on daily basis as IC is chronic. You can take for 2 weeks on daily basis, then, stop for some days and re-take again. Or can take it 2 or 3 days/week or depending on the symptoms. Meanwhile, I highly suggest to monitor blood pH and electrolytes.
Hope it answered to your queries! Let me know if you need further assistance!
Dr.Albana
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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