Recurring Episodes Of Dark Brown Urine. History Of Kidney Stones. Steps To Overcome This?

Posted on Thu, 2 May 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 2 May 2013 Answered on

Fri, 24 May 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : I have had two episodes of dark brown urine in two weeks. My right kidney does hurt, but it always does. It may hurt a little more than normal. I do have a history of kidney stones, but it has been years. I take medication for it. I also have like to try to overcome this on my own.

Answered by Dr. Pankaj Malhan (6 hours later)

Hi

Thanks for asking.

There are a number of factors that can cause dark urine and majority of them are diseases. They include; acute cystitis, acute tubular necrosis, endocarditis, renal cell carcinoma and hepatitis. Some dyes that are normally used in food colour can also change the urine and so can a variety of drugs that people take.

Dark brown urine along with pain in the right kidney area points towards the possible diagnosis of stone in kidney/ureteric area.

Although few other conditions like the urinary tract infections, inflammatory pathology of the kidneys etc. can cause this.

I think you need to go for the urine complete examination to rule out the infection, and if it is clear you may need to go for a ultrasound of the renal and ureteric area to find out the possible cause , i.e stone or inflammation of the kidneys.

Thanks.

Please let me know if you need any further clarification.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Mohammed Kappan