What Causes Night Sweats And Strong Smelling Urine When Suffering From Flu?

Posted on Wed, 7 Jan 2015

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

Wed, 7 Jan 2015 Answered on

Wed, 4 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have had flu-like symptoms for about 10 days and appear to be a little better. However am having very severe night sweats and urine smells strongly of ammonia. No temperature, but generally weak feeling. Aged 83 and in good health before this flu. Email YYYY@YYYY . (Had breast cancer about 13 years ago - no subsequent problem to my knowledge - local hosp ... Cheltenham General - overloaded, plus ditto for 111 system).

Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Due to dehydration.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.

Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:

1. Night sweating is due to paracetamol. Try to sleep in cool atmosphere.
2. This has led to dehydration and weakness. Not to worry. Take good amount of fluids. Dehydration can cause severe weakness and dizziness.
3. Urine has become concentrated secondary to dehydration. Concentrated urine would have ammoniacal odor.

Continue paracetamol as necessary. Need to take fluids. Try at least 5-6 liters. If necessary more.
Continue your regular diet. At times of illness, energy requirements will be high. Mild intake of food is necessary.

Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.

Dr. Prakash HM

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar