What Causes A Person To Have Bilirubin In Their Urine?

Posted on Sat, 30 May 2020

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

Sat, 30 May 2020 Answered on

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : what causes a person to have bilirubin in their urine?

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Increased bilirubin production could be the cause

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for using the Ask a Doctor service.

Bilirubin is produced by the liver during the process of breakdown of blood cells. If there is excess of bilirubin in blood, it can show up in urine.

If you can provide details of the specific scenario I would be happy to guide you further.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (1 hour later)

I took a urine test today and was just told I had a Urinary Tract Infection and when she showed me the results she stated I had bilirubin in the urine. I just wanted to know why that was in my urine.

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Not a cause for concern

Detailed Answer:
Presence of some bilirubin in urine might not be a cause for concern. Unless you have a yellowish discoloration on your skin and the white of your eyes, you need not worry. As of now, drink plenty of water as reduced water intake can result in concentrated urine leading to detection of bilirubin there. That is because, a portion of the soluble form of urine is naturally excreted through urine.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana