CLEVELAND — How many times does your bladder call you to the bathroom in the middle of the night? As we get older, once is pretty typical.
But if you are in and out several times a night, that's a concern.
Your bathroom habits, as well as how your urine looks and smells, may be a clue.
In men, an enlarged prostate could be to blame for frequent urination, but it could also indicate diabetes.
"A sweet smell to the urine could be a consequence of diabetes, either if the blood sugars are controlled or too high, certain medications can actually increase the amount of sugar in the urine," says Cleveland Clinic Dr. Petar Bajic.
If that's not the case, you might want to ask your doctor for a sleep study to check for sleep apnea.
"It interferes with normal breathing, your oxygen levels and it also puts a strain on your heart which causes it to release a chemical that is a diuretic and makes you produce more urine," Dr. Bajic explains.
There's no need to concern yourself with those awful smells caused by your diet, such as the sulfur smell of asparagus. But if you want to clear the air, drink more water. If you are hydrated, your urine will be a very light yellow.
Your tinkle can also warn you of urinary tract infections.
"People might notice an ammonia type smell to the urine or a strong odor in general," says Dr. Bajic.
Dr. Bajic says there is one thing that is your number one reason to call your physician immediately. "The appearance of blood in the urine so I always encourage people to keep an eye out for that, it's never normal and it always needs medical attention."
Catch more with Monica Robins and Dr. Petar Bajic in Monica's latest Health Yeah! podcast below:
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