Smelly urine: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911
   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek same-day medical advice if you have smelly urine with:

   • Fever, chills, or feeling significantly unwell
   • Pain in your side or back beneath the ribs
   • Vomiting or difficulty keeping fluids down
   • Visible blood in your urine
   • Urinary symptoms during pregnancy

   Get urgent medical help now if you become confused, are difficult to wake, have trouble breathing, or have symptoms suggesting diabetic ketoacidosis.

   If you have diabetes, follow your sick-day or ketone-testing plan while arranging help, if you have been given one.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Arrange a routine appointment if the odor lasts for several days despite drinking enough fluid and avoiding a suspected food trigger.

   You should also book an appointment if it keeps returning or occurs with burning, urgency, frequent urination, unusual discharge, or increased thirst.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Smelly urine. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.