Why does my urine smell like ammonia?

Answer by  Cali2307 (1337)

This can be attributed to a few different causes, some that can be serious. The most dangerous cause of ammonia smell in your urine could be that your liver is not adequately breaking down proteins. Conversely, it's possible that you are simply dehydrated. See your doctor for testing.

Answer by  BirdOnAWire (171)

All urine contains ammonia but if yours smells excessively and/or is dark yellow in color, it's a sign of dehydration. Ideally, urine should be pale or clear.

Answer by  hulmer (1067)

Urine that smells like ammonia generally indicates the body is not filtering out the nitrates that it should. This could be a problem with your liver. Please contact your doctors office as soon as possible and let them know what's going on.

Answer by  diane41 (309)

The smell of ammonia in your urine can come from several differnt things. One being a Urinary Tract Infection. If this is the case it will most likely sting when you urinate as well. Dehydration can sometimes cause urine to have a slight ammonia smell as well.

Answer by  eaglesfan (3)

My urine for the past several months has a very stong odor. I can only describe it as a medicine smell. I do NOT take any medications. It's usually first thing in the morning. It's also cloudy and yellow. I have no pain anyway.

Answer by  worriedgirl (1)

I have a problem. My urine doesn't smell like ammonia, but my pants do. I don't have a UTI but I have had them in the past. My pants are actually being bleached. It's not a strong smell, but it's worrying. I'veheardthat ifyouhave adiet high inprotien,yourpeemaysmelllikeammonia,butIdon'thaveadiet highinprotien. I'm not dehydrated.