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Warning-sign checks

Urine odor: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Go to an emergency department or call emergency services if you have confusion, fainting, severe difficulty breathing, or extreme drowsiness.

    If you have diabetes, fruity-smelling breath or urine together with vomiting, abdominal pain, or deep, rapid breathing can be a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious buildup of acids called ketones.

    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
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    If you are pregnant and develop possible urinary infection symptoms, contact your maternity team or clinician promptly.

    Urinary infections during pregnancy need timely assessment.

    Seek same-day medical care for fever with pain in your side or back, chills, or repeated vomiting.

    These symptoms can occur when an infection involves a kidney.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if the odor keeps returning, does not improve after hydration and avoiding likely food triggers, or occurs with:

    • Burning, pain, urgency, or frequent urination
    • Vaginal or penile discharge
    • Blood in the urine
    • Unexplained thirst, frequent urination, or weight loss
    • Difficulty emptying your bladder

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