‘Sediments in urine’ is a condition wherein particles are detected in the urine. This is completely normal condition if the concentration of particles is in insignificant amount. Most people have insignificant amount of particles in urine. Whether the condition is normal or is a concern would depend on the type of particles and degree of concentration. Sediments in urine can be particles of debris, cells and/or other solid material. The condition is determined through a urine specimen. The sample is spun in centrifuge and checked for present sediments under microscope.
Many patients affected with this condition may experience no pain but the issue can be an indication of a severe underlying medical irregularity such as UTI or Urinary Tract Infection, liver anomalies or bladder stones, etc. Under such situations when you suspect high amount of sediments in your urine, the only best way to treat it is by consulting a doctor.
Causes of Sediment In urine
Bladder stone
Overgrown prostate in aged individuals may press the urethra and cause obstruction to flow of urine. This retains the urine in bladder where its starts converting into crystals. Other circumstances that may retain urine in bladder include weak pressure on bladder, damages to nerves and weakened bladder regions resulted by diverticula of bladder, etc. Kidney stone migrated through ureter and settled into the bladder can also lead to condition called Bladder stone and sediments in urine. Sometimes patients exposed to radio therapy may develop bladder stone as the radiation to pelvic region can cause inflammation of bladder which may eventually cause stone development. Mineral crystals may form if the bladder comes in contact with catheters and similar devices such as contraceptive equipment.
Diabetes
In diabetic individuals excessive amount of blood glucose may sometimes be visible in patient’s urine. Diabetic patients are also prone to a condition called Ketonuria wherein excessive amount of Ketones are recorded in urine. Starvation may also sometimes cause ketones in urine. This substance is formed due to breaking down of fats. Ketones particles travel through the blood eventually in the urine. Ketone in urine is not a common condition. Healthy individuals without diabetes usually do not have ketones particles in urine.
Liver issues
Liver anomalies are also associated with sediments in urine. Liver produces a protein called Bilirubin. This protein often reaches the urine and may get ejected through it.
Infections
UTI or Urinary Tract Infection may cause people to have more sediment in urine than in healthy individuals. UTI associated urine sediments may include particles of leukocyte, proteins, bacteria and WBC (White Blood Cell). There are other disorders that can lead to protein in urine but presence of bacteria in urine is only recorded in case of infection.
Casts as urine Sediments
Casts are anomalously shaped cells, general crud or parts of cells that may be present in urine. Medical industry has recorded seven different cast types which are white cells, epithelial casts, granular casts, hyaline casts, red cells, fatty casts and waxy casts. Casts are said to be common in patients with kidney issues; Casts type may differ according to stage of the disease. For an instance patients with mild kidney issues may have hyaline casts.
Symptoms of sediment in urine
Sediment in urine can be possibly detected with naked eye if you see change in urine color or small particles in it. There are different types of sediments that may be seen in urine. For example ‘Cloudy Urine’ can also indicate presence of particles in it. Materials that are in high concentration in your urine may precipitate with alteration in temperature or composition of surrounding environment. This is in fact a common occurrence. If you experience no other symptoms apart from cloudy urine then the condition is normal and possible Precipitate salt. Cloudy urine often results of harmless urinary sediments. However, it can also be an indication of underlying infection, protein or blood in urine.
White Sediments in Urine
White sediments in urine are also sometimes called Cloudy urine but debates have that white particles are different from cloudy urine. Some condition such as precipitation of salt may lead to white sediment and cloudy urine. White discharge from urethra may indicate serious issues which also causes white sediments in urine and should be notified to your doctor. Phosphatic debris may also cause such sediments to appear in urine which is considered normal. In some cases yeast or fungus can be white and cause the condition.
Brownish or Red Sediments in Urine
Reddish or brownish sediments in urine may indicate possible irregularities associated with kidney or the bladder. This can be any serious health problem which should be diagnosed by a doctor. The doctor may suggest tests and check your urine for blood particles, infections or particles of proteins.
Treatment of Sediments in urine
Treatment for occurrence of sediments in urine greatly depends on the causing condition. The condition is often not a concern which is why treatment may not be necessary. Since, one cannot voluntarily determine whether the condition is serious or benign it is better to get diagnosed for the issue. If the condition is due to infection then doctors may prescribe antibiotics with other possible medicines. If it is due to more serious conditions such as kidney difficulties or gall stone then respective treatment will be suggested.
Even after treatment is completed the patient may have to go for follow-up. Routine urinalysis may be suggested at regular intervals between medical regimen to check whether the treatment is working and concentration of sediments in urine has reduced. This is extremely important in patients who have high amount of urine sediments.
