Specific gravity in urine. Reduced urine density: what it means, causes and what to do. Low urine density
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Without exception, all diagnostic procedures carried out on a person cannot be done without testing. One of the most informative and simplest is a general urine test, which helps the doctor assess not only kidney function, but also tells about the condition of the entire body. One of the fundamental indicators of this analysis is the specific gravity of urine, the norm of which will be discussed below. This indicator determines the ability of the kidneys to filter and remove secondary urine.
Various types of abnormalities in the examination will help to detect various pathologies and begin prompt treatment.
The essence of the analysis
The specific gravity of urine is normally a determining factor in assessing the ability of the kidneys to produce urine of greater or lesser concentration. This biological substance is formed in several stages.
- Filtration of blood in glomerular structures with the formation of primary urine, very similar to plasma. The difference is that plasma protein and carbohydrate particles are much larger. Up to 160 liters of such liquid are formed per day.
- Sedimentation of urine into the kidney tubules, where all necessary substances are reabsorbed.
- Formation of secondary urine from the remaining fluid containing waste.
This produces urine that is released out. It has a liquid part and a dry residue, which contains a number of components determined in OAM.
- Urea.
- Salt crystals of uric acid.
- Sulfate salts.
- Chlorides.
- Ammonia ions.
It doesn’t matter how many fluids enter the body during the day, all metabolic products are eliminated. If a person drinks little, the urine will simply be more concentrated. If the patient drinks a lot, then there will be little dry residue, and the urine will be diluted, since the kidneys remove not only by-products, but also excess water.
Carrying out analysis
Determination of density is carried out using a urometer apparatus. Urine along the wall is placed in a special cylinder; if the process is accompanied by the appearance of foam, then it must be removed. The entire cylinder is placed in the device. It should be noted that if the patient cannot go to the toilet himself, then urine must be collected with a catheter.
The density is determined by the level of the underlying meniscus of the apparatus scale; therefore, the cylinder and the apparatus should not be in contact.
There are situations when the volume of urine obtained is too small, then it is diluted with distilled water and all calculations are made taking into account the degree of dilution.
And so, when diagnosing using this method, qualitative and quantitative indicators are taken into account. A mixture of chloroform and benzene is placed in a cylinder, and a drop of the test liquid is dropped into it. If she drowned, then the urine density is too high, if she floated, then it is low. By adding each of the components in parts, they ensure that the material under study is in the middle of the liquids. The density of the urine will be equal to the density of the resulting solution.
It is worth remembering that the urometer was calibrated at 15 C, which means that it is necessary to make an adjustment for the ambient temperature. At high temperatures, a person always drinks more and loses more fluid, and at low temperatures, he consumes very little fluid. All this, of course, influences, and daily changes in density.
Normal Specific Gravity Values
As mentioned above, this indicator determines the activity of the kidneys to dilute or concentrate urine. It depends on the amount drunk, spent and on the ambient temperature. There are even a number of factors that predispose to changes in specific gravity.
- The patient's consumption of salt, fatty and fried foods.
- Change in the amount you drink.
- Strong sweating due to various reasons.
- Separation of fluid during breathing.
Urine analysis, the specific gravity of which varies from 1.010 to 1.025, is normal for an adult. In children, the density differs somewhat from that in adults and is related to age. As soon as the child is born, its indicator has the lowest value and is 0.010. As the baby grows, the density of his urine increases. It is worth noting that the time of day is also reflected in the indicator. For example, in the morning the density is highest, since there is the greatest amount of dry sediment at the moment.
Deviation from normal indicators
There are two types of changes in this indicator.
1. Specific gravity exceeds the norm
An increase in urine concentration is a consequence of certain pathological processes.
- Increasing edema occurs, which is caused by glomerulonephritis or insufficient renal function.
- Various pathologies of hormonal origin.
- Excessive loss of fluid from the body due to burns, vomiting, diarrhea, and blood loss.
- Damage to abdominal organs and intestinal obstruction.
- Vomiting in pregnant women.
- High doses of antibiotics.
- Kidney pathologies of an acute or chronic nature.
There are many factors that increase the density of urine. These may be metabolic disorders or diseases of the reproductive and urinary apparatus. This phenomenon can also be observed with physiological changes - increased sweating and thirst after eating salt.
Oddly enough, the increased specific gravity of urine has its own clear manifestations
- The volume of urine is reduced.
- Urine has a darker color.
- The smell of urine is quite unpleasant.
- The appearance of edema is noted.
- The patient begins to experience swelling.
- The patient is weak, drowsy and prone to getting tired quickly.
- Pain in the lower back and abdomen is common.
In children, increased density may occur due to the presence of pathologies that are congenital or acquired. Very often, children are affected by intestinal infections due to weak immunity, and in case of poisoning, as is known, a lot of fluid is lost.
You can separately consider diabetes mellitus, in which an increase in the weight of urine is based on the high content of sugars in it. Or if there is protein and breakdown products in the urine. Urine will be denser. To identify any such pathology, certain tests must be carried out.
2. Reduced relative density
Sometimes, after any illness, the doctor recommends that the patient consume more water and other drinks to quickly remove toxins and replenish fluid balance. Such replenishment will most likely reduce the concentration of dry sediment and dilute the urine; such dilution is physiological in nature. It is also considered normal for a decrease in urine concentration in the heat, when a person drinks a lot, or when taking diuretics.
There are a number of reasons that cause pathological dilution.
- Neurogenic diabetes, characterized by a decrease in the synthesis of pituitary hormones.
- Nephrogenic diabetes, which occurs when nephron cells become tolerant to antidiuretic hormone.
- Diabetes that occurs during pregnancy.
- Nervous disorders due to stress and depression.
- Inflammation of the kidney tubules.
The condition of reduced density (hyposthenuria) requires diagnostic measures, as it can have quite serious causes.
For further diagnosis, it is necessary to prescribe tests that determine exactly the functional component. Zimnitsky test, carried out in drinking mode and concentration test.
It is worth remembering that if the change in night density is permanent, you need to urgently consult a doctor who will help you deal with the problem and find its cause.
Various tests are used to diagnose human health. Urinalysis is one of the most informative assessment methods. During it, various indicators are assessed, the values of which reveal different pathology.
Specific gravity normcan be called one of the important parameters that determine when examining urine during general analysis. may be upgraded or downgraded for a number of reasons. Any deviation in the indicator requires attention and clarification of the cause.
What is meant by specific gravity?
Specific gravity of urine means how densely the dissolved substances are present in it. Various salts, acids and other breakdown products are excreted in the urine. The more of them are contained in urine, the more dense it is.
What is he talking about? density? Thanks to this indicator, the filtering function of the kidneys and their ability to dilute urine are assessed. A decrease in density may indicate renal failure, and an increase may indicate insufficient urine excretion.
If significant deviations are detected, additional diagnostics of the body and analyzethe reason for this condition. Kidney dysfunction affects the entire body and causes serious complications.
Urinalysis, urine density, as one of its parameters
Characteristics of the composition and appearance of urine can provide a lot of information about a person's health status. The most basic test is a general urine test. During urine test study parameters - color, smell, content of salts, acids and other substances.
One of the parameters is specific gravity or urine density . This indicator measured using a special device called a urometer.Unit of measurementThe density of urine is g/liter.
General analysis urine serves as the main type of research. To clarify its results, other, narrower analyzes can be used:
- Zemnitsky method. With its help, the ability of the kidneys to filter, excrete and dilute urine is determined. For analysis, collect a sample during the day at regular intervals in separate jars;
- The concentration method involves severe fluid restriction and collection of samples over a period of time. days . There are contraindications;
- The dilution method is to study the dilution function of the kidneys with increased fluid intake. Dosage liquids is selected depending on masses bodies. There are also contraindications.
Rules for preparing for urine analysis in adults (men, women, pregnant women)
It is very important to properly prepare and collect the sample forgeneral urine test. This will allow you to obtain the most reliable analysis results.
The preparation is as follows:
- the day before collection, avoid coloring foods, salty, fatty and spicy foods;
- avoid physical activity;
- give up alcohol;
- stop taking medications. If it is impossible to cancel, notify your doctor.
- before collection, it is necessary to carry out hygiene procedures and wash the genitals;
- women use a tampon in case of heavy discharge or menstruation;
- prepare a sterile container for collecting the sample;
- start urinating into the toilet, through interval stop in 2-3 seconds and collect the middle portion into a container, then you can do it again urinate in the toilet;
- Urine collected in the morning on an empty stomach is best suited for analysis. As a last resort, it is necessary to collect a sample no earlier than 5-6 hours after the last urination;
- A urine sample must be submitted for testing no later than 1-2 hours after collection. Long-term storage is unacceptable and leads to unusability of urine.
Tips for preparing your child for urine testing
Rules for preparing and submitting a urine sample to study in adults and children are almost the same. The slight differences are in the collection. U little ones For children who do not yet know how to go potty on their own, urine is collected using a special urinal. It can be purchased at any pharmacy.
Collecting from a child's potty, diapers and diapers is strictly prohibited. With this collection, bacteria, dirt particles and fibers enter the urine, which ultimately leads to distorted results.
Indicator norms
Norms for the specific gravity of substances in urine are not permanent. What do they depend on? To standards It is influenced not only by age and gender factors, but also by many others:
- ambient temperature level;
- amount of liquid drunk;
- Times of Day;
- excess salt or spices in food;
- the volume of water that is released through sweat and breathing.
Despite this, there are certain ranges of values for different ages by which kidney function is assessed.
In men
The norms for various urine indicators differ between men and women. Typically, men use less liquids during the day. For this reason, the density of their urine is slightly higher. The norm in men is a value of 1.020 – 1.040 g/liter.
Among women
Among women this indicator is practically not is different from male. By nature, women monitor their slimness and health, so they drink more liquid. Therefore, the norm is considered to be a value in the range from 1.003 to 1.025 g/liter.
In pregnant women
During pregnancy, toxicosis, nausea and frequent vomiting which lead to fluid loss. Or, on the contrary, swelling. As a result, the specific gravity of urine can vary significantly in different directions during certain periods of pregnancy.
Range normal density in pregnant women slightly wider than women in general. It varies from 1.001 to 1.035 g/liter.
Children's indicators
In children, there are large differences in density depending on age:
- after birth - 1.007 - 1.017 g/liter;
- up to six months – 1.003 – 1.005 g/liter;
- up to 1 year – 1.005 – 1.015 g/liter;
- up to 3 years – 1.010 – 1.018 g/liter;
- up to 5 years – 1.013 – 1.020 g/liter;
- up to 12 years – 1.009 – 1.025 g/liter
Indicators for the elderly
With age, changes occur in the body. The functions of almost all organs decrease and metabolic processes slow down. This also applies to kidney function. The ability of the kidneys to filter is reduced, which leads to an increase in urine density. The normal value for older people is considered to be from 1.01 to 1.04 g/liter.
Hypersthenuria
When density increases above the maximum permissible values, a certain state of the body occurs, which is called hypersthenuria y. It is noted when increasing urine specific gravity above normal already at a value of 1.04 g/liter.
Symptoms The following signs of hypersthenuria include:
- reducing the number and size of urine portions;
- darkening;
- the appearance of clots or sediment;
- the appearance of pain in the lower abdomen;
- weakness and increased fatigue;
- swelling of the whole body.
Causes in adults
All reasons contributing to the development of hypersthenuria can be divided into physiological and pathological. The first type includes:
- small amount of fluid consumed;
- taking medications (laxatives, antibiotics);
- excessive sweating in hot weather or during physical activity;
- dehydration as a result of poisoning, diarrhea, vomiting;
- severe body burns.
In these cases, it is necessary to replenish the fluid supply in the body, which will help reduce relative density substances in urine.
Hypersthenuria can occur as a result of the development of certain pathologies. The second group of factors includes the following diseases:
- heart failure, which is accompanied by edema;
- diabetes mellitus, which is accompanied high concentration of glucose in the blood;
- presence of diseases inflammatory nature in the urinary system and kidneys;
- acute or chronic form of glomerulonephritis;
- development of oliguria;
- pathologies causing excess protein concentration in urine;
- disorders of the thyroid gland (for example, hypothyroidism).
In children
Many parents, seeing in the analysis results thaturine density in children elevated and, they don’t know, what does this meanand what needs to be done. The phenomenon of hypersthenuria can be diagnosed even in kids. Its symptoms are similar to those in adults. Among the reasons are:
- pathologies of congenital or acquired nature of the urinary tract;
- frequent cases of poisoning, diarrhea and vomiting;
- in very small babies children advanced level density may occur due to an excess of fatty and protein foods in the mother’s diet.
In the elderly
Hypersthenuria often occurs in the elderly of people due to decreased kidney function. As a result, the filtration capacity of glomerular filtration decreases and resistance in the vessels of the kidneys increases. All this leads to the fact that saturation urine output decreases in older people.
Hyposthenuria
With a strong decrease in urine density a state arises hyposthenuria . In this case, there is an increased urination , severe discoloration of urine, possible swelling. Too low specific gravity of urine is observed when the indicator values below normal at a value of 1 g/liter.
Causes of decreased density in adults
There are certain Causes of low urine density:
- drinking large amounts of liquid;
- reception diuretics;
- severe food restrictions, strict diets, fasting.
Reducing water consumption and normalizing nutrition help ensure that the specific gravity returns to normal without additional treatment.
The danger should be caused by hyposthenuria, which occurs against the background of pathologies:
- psychological diseases accompanied by a great feeling of thirst;
- diabetes insipidus;
- pathologies of the central nervous system (encephalitis, meningitis);
- renal failure;
- amyloidosis;
- urolithiasis disease;
- kidney tumors;
- infectious diseases.
In this case, hyposthenuria is a symptom of the underlying disease, and treatment should be aimed precisely at the main reason.
Why does a child’s density decrease?
In children noted after birth decreased urine density . This is a normal occurrence during the first month of life. Subsequently, this indicator returns to normal.
If a low level of density is diagnosed in older children, then first monitor the dynamics indicator over a period of time. In case of constant low density level The child has a thorough examination and identification of the cause is required. The most common cause of the condition is renal failure.
Factors reducing urine density in the elderly
It is considered not uncommon reduction in permissible urine specific gravity standardsin older people. Age-related changes affect all organs, including the urinary system. As a person ages, the immune system and the body's resistance to various diseases decrease.
Factors in the development of hyposthenuria can be:
- urinary tract infections;
- prostatitis;
- gout;
- diabetes ;
- urolithiasis, etc.
Significant deviations from the norms of the specific gravity of urine should alert a person. Hypersthenuria and hyposthenuria can cause serious complications and therefore require consultation with a nephrologist or urologist. You should initially consult a therapist.
It is imperative to establish the exact cause of deviations in urine density. Therapy is selected depending on the identified disease.
A prerequisite is adherence to the dietary diet:
- refusal of fatty, salty, smoked and spicy foods;
- getting rid of bad habits;
- compliance with the drinking regime.
The diet helps speed up the treatment process and improve the patient’s condition. In addition, the doctor’s advice includes:
- regular visit doctor to assess health status;
- conducting healthy lifestyle;
- analysis at least 2 times a year;
- Seeing a doctor immediately after the appearance of unpleasant symptoms or problems with urination.
Conclusion
Not all people know what's happened density of urinewhat diseasesit changes and why it is determined. Specific gravity is one of the main indicators of urine, on the basis of which the functional abilities of the kidneys are determined.
There are certain ranges permissible density values. If there are deviations in one direction or another, you must immediately consult a doctor and find out the cause. Treatment is selected after an accurate diagnosis is made.
Lack of treatment can lead to serious consequences and complications.
When conducting a urine test, an indicator such as . This indicator gives an idea of both the functioning of the kidneys and the activity of the brain, central nervous system, and pancreas. Its (decrease or increase) may indicate various processes occurring in the body.
The density of urine is measured in units of g/l; in a general urine test it is designated . The limits of urine density are quite wide - 1.008-1.024 g/l, and taking into account changes in conditions during the day - 1.001-1.040. Due to large fluctuations, this indicator is called the relative density of urine. It depends on the amount of substances in the urine in a dissolved or colloidal state: as well as protein, glucose and calcium.
In the morning, the specific gravity is increased because at night the liquid does not enter the body. During the day, normal density fluctuates; it will increase during heavy physical labor with increased sweating; a decrease in density occurs when eating food that causes it (melons and fruits).
When comparing the relative density of urine, the norm in children varies depending on age:
- in a newborn child - 1.02-1.022 g/l;
- up to six months of age - 1.002-1.004;
- up to one year of age - 1.006-1.01;
- up to five years of age - 1.01-1.02;
- up to eight years - 1.008-1.022;
- by the age of 12 - 1.011-1.25.
As a rule, to determine the density of urine, it is customary to measure the SG of its morning portion immediately after waking up (average specific gravity of urine for an adult healthy person is 1.015 - 1.02).
Physiological process of urine formation
In the kidneys, the contents of the blood vessels are filtered as many as two times. When blood flows through the nephrons - the renal glomeruli, its plasma is filtered through the loose walls of the tubules and enters the glomerular capsule, as a result of which the so-called plasma accumulates in it, containing all metabolic products.
Then the plasma from the capsule again enters the bloodstream through the tubules, taking with it glucose and useful nutrients, and waste products (urea, creatine, potassium and sodium salts) are released from the capsules along with the remaining liquid in the form of final, secondary urine.
Disruption of this process affects the density of the released liquid.
Changes in pathology
The density of kidney secretions can be increased (hypersthenuria) or decreased (hyposthenuria).
Hypersthenuria
An increase in urine density occurs with the appearance of protein, glucose and blood cellular elements (leukocytes and erythrocytes). High density has reasons:
- Kidney disease (acute glomerulonephritis, circulatory disorders in the kidneys - conditions in which the functioning of nephrons worsens).
- Hypervolemic conditions that increase fluid deficiency in the body (major blood loss, extensive burns, dyspeptic symptoms in the form of vomiting and diarrhea).
- Intestinal obstruction.
- Abdominal injuries.
- Severe swelling.
- Multiple myeloma, in which blood viscosity increases.
- Glucosuria is sugar in the urine due to a disorder (diabetes).
- Diseases of the genitourinary system.
- Fever.
- Use of antibiotics.
Increased urine density in women is observed with toxicosis during pregnancy. The relative density of urine increases in older people due to sclerotic processes in the vessels of the kidneys.
Diabetes mellitus is characterized by hypersthenuria in combination with polyuria (large amounts of urine). In urine, 1% sugar (glucosuria) increases its specific gravity by 0.004; 3 g/l protein () - by 0.001.
The maximum upper limit of the specific gravity of an adult is 1.028, for a child 4 years old - up to 1.025.
Hyposthenuria
Reduced relative density of urine is observed with:
- acute damage up to necrosis of the renal tubules (tubulopathy) from shock of any nature, intoxication with industrial poisons and medicinal substances, infectious diseases and some diseases of internal organs;
- malignant hypertension (renal failure);
- polyuria (excretion of large amounts of urine when taking diuretics and vasodilators);
- diabetes insipidus.
The disease “diabetes insipidus” is associated with a violation of the action of vasopressin, an antidiuretic hormone of the pituitary gland, it has the following causes:
- Violation of vasopressin synthesis in the pituitary gland.
- Impaired perception of vasopressin by the nephrons of the kidneys.
Diabetes insipidus also occurs in the form of:
- insipidal syndrome, when reabsorption processes in the kidneys are disrupted due to nervous conditions;
- transient diabetes during pregnancy, disappearing after childbirth.
The extremely low density of urine of an adult healthy person can give figures of 1.003 - 1.004.
Methods of analysis
To do an SG urine test, you must collect the test material in compliance with all the rules. To avoid distortion of indicators due to the presence of foreign impurities, urine must be collected:
- into an absolutely clean, hermetically sealed container (a jar with a wide neck);
- after thoroughly washing the genitals with soap;
- without taking the first and last portions (they may contain an admixture of leukocytes from the outer integument);
- not taking medications the day before that can change density;
- without consuming alcoholic beverages the day before.
Women should not provide urine during their menstrual period.
It is desirable that the amount of urine is about 50 ml.
Transportation of urine should only be carried out at a temperature above zero, otherwise the salts may form a dense sediment, which will affect the analysis result.
The determination of relative density is completely reliable if done after collecting urine for one and a half hours.
Progress of analysis
- The urine is placed in a cylinder. A hydrometer (urometer) is lowered into it, having a graduation from 1.000 to 1.060 - without touching the walls of the vessel. Mark the division of the scale at the level of the lower meniscus of the liquid.
If the volume of urine brought is insufficient, then it is diluted 2-3 times with water (distilled) and the density of this solution is determined with a hydrometer. The last two digits of the result are multiplied by the degree of urine dilution. Write the resulting product instead of these two digits into the result.
- If only a few drops of urine are obtained in newborn children or during catheterization in adult patients, then:
- a mixture of benzene and chloroform is poured into the cylinder;
- add 1 drop of urine to it.
- If the drop goes down to the bottom, it means that there is an increase in urine density. Add chloroform until it returns strictly to the middle of the liquid volume.
- If it floats to the surface, it means that the relative density of urine is lower than the specific gravity of the mixture. By adding benzene, the drop should be lowered to the middle of the liquid column.
A hydrometer measures the value on its scale - this result is an indicator of the specific gravity of the urine being tested.
Most urometers are designed to carry out SG analysis at an air temperature of 15ºС±3º; with a larger temperature deviation, special calculations are used, adding 0.001 when the air temperature is exceeded for every 3º and subtracting 0.001 when the air temperature decreases for every 3º.
To maintain the accuracy of the device, the urometer is constantly kept in water, wiping it before performing the analysis and thoroughly cleaning its surface from deposited salts.
Urine has a certain set of indicators, consisting of color, odor, acidity and specific gravity. The size of the amount of dissolved and undissolved substances determines the relative density of urine, the norm of which is individual for each patient and depends on a number of indicators.
The work is carried out using the senses and medical equipment, which allows you to perform a number of manipulations and actions that help to study all the properties of urine. This procedure can only be carried out in a laboratory subject to a number of measures and restrictions, without which it is impossible to obtain a reliable result.
Valid values
During the day, a person performs certain actions, eats, sleeps, and as a result of these actions, the kidneys work differently.
Depending on certain conditions, lifestyle and time of day, a relative density of 1.001-1.040 is distinguished. In the urine of an adult who does not suffer from chronic diseases, these numbers range from 1.015-1.020; in children, the normal density of urine is 1.003-1.025.
These indicators, considered normal, have a fairly wide range. How well the kidneys function depends on the density of urine. If you drink plenty of fluids, morning urine is quite saturated, because at night no liquid enters the body.
You also need to pay attention to color and smell. A straw-yellow hue and the absence of a pungent odor indicate an acceptable indicator.
The following parameters should be taken into account for people of different ages:
- newborns up to 10 days of life from 1.008-1.018 g/l;
- children from two to four years old from 1.01-1.017 g/l;
- up to 12 years from 1.012-1.02 g/l;
- after 12 years and adults from 1.010-1.022 g/l.
The relative density of urine in an adult and a child is influenced by many components. For example, for children 6 months old, the norm is 1.002-1.004, from 6 to 12 months - the acceptable range is from 1.006-1.010.
Regardless of the child’s age, urine must be collected in an amount of at least 50 ml so that specialists in the laboratory can work and conduct research with a sufficient amount of material.
Deviations from the norm
Urine specific gravity is an indicator that gives doctors important information about the proper functioning of the kidneys. The relative density indicator constantly fluctuates and takes on different values throughout the day. This depends on the nature of the food eaten, the amount of fluid consumed and the volume of extrarenal losses. Deviations from the norm indicate a disruption in the functioning of the excretory system.
Treatment of any pathology begins with a thorough examination and laboratory tests, the results of which show how correctly a particular body system functions. If the specific gravity of urine is higher than normal or lower than normal, experts recommend additional examinations to determine the cause of abnormalities in the tests. There is no point in delaying diagnosis, since many conditions that cause such abnormalities can threaten human health.
Urine specific gravity refers to the concentration level of urine
The specific gravity of urine refers to the ability of the kidneys to increase or decrease the level of urine concentration. In this case, it absolutely does not matter how much fluid enters the human body during the day. Thanks to the constant work of the paired organ, all products formed during the metabolic process leave the body naturally. With a small amount of liquid drunk, urine will contain a high concentration of minerals. At the same time, the specific gravity of urine increases. This condition is called hypersthenuria and it occurs in the following cases:
- with insufficient blood circulation;
- persistent diarrhea and vomiting;
- significant blood loss;
- severe burns covering most of the skin;
- intestinal obstruction;
- swelling;
- abdominal trauma.
Hyposthenuria is a phenomenon in which there is a decreased density of urine. This condition can occur due to damage to the renal tubules, chronic renal failure and various types of diabetes insipidus.
Thanks to modern technologies and developments, establishing the density of urine is not a problem. Urine analysis for specific gravity is carried out using a special device - a urometer. It helps determine adequate kidney function. This indicator depends on many factors and changes during the day under the influence of factors influencing it:
- the presence of spicy, fried, salty and fatty foods in the human diet;
- fluctuating amounts of fluid drunk or consumed;
- intense sweating due to increased body temperature (during illness) or due to increased ambient temperature;
- loss of fluid during breathing.
It is possible to say that the specific gravity of urine is normal if the value of this indicator is in the range of 1.010-1.030. These indicators are the same for both women and men. However, during pregnancy, a value of 1.005-1.030 is considered normal for a woman. In the first months of pregnancy, many expectant mothers experience low specific gravity of urine. The reasons may be related to toxicosis, which often manifests itself through vomiting. The body loses a lot of fluid during this period, which causes such indicators.
Normal urine values are between 1.010-1.030
To ensure that urine analysis is as accurate and informative as possible, morning urine is collected. During sleep, a person’s breathing slows down, the process of sweating decreases, and fluid reserves in the body do not replenish. All of these factors contribute to obtaining accurate data about how the kidneys are functioning.
When the specific gravity of urine is increased, this is a kind of signal from the body about the presence of pathologies and health problems. Hypersthenuria often manifests itself through edema due to renal failure. The reason for deviation from the norm of this indicator is often hormonal imbalance. Experts observe a certain relationship between problems with hormone production and a decrease in fluid in the body.
The reasons for increased urine density may be the following:
- significant blood loss;
- vomiting due to poisoning or toxicosis in pregnant women;
- prolonged diarrhea;
- burns affecting a large area of skin;
- intestinal obstruction;
- the presence of pathologies and diseases of the excretory system, occurring in acute or chronic form;
- long course of treatment with antibiotics or uncontrolled treatment with antibiotics in excess of permissible dosages.
Vomiting due to poisoning, toxicosis, or diarrhea can affect the density of urine
All factors that cause an increase in the specific gravity of urine are divided into pathological and physiological. The table lists in more detail the reasons that cause high density urine.
If pathological causes are dangerous to human health and require mandatory medical intervention, then physiological ones are completely natural processes and therefore should not cause concern.
Symptoms of hypersthenuria
Regardless of what factors provoked a deviation from the norm in urine values, the following symptoms are characteristic of hypersthenuria:
- a noticeable decrease in the amount of urine during each urination;
- urine becomes dark and rich in color;
- the presence of an unpleasant smell of urine, which was not there before;
- the appearance of swelling of the limbs and face;
- constant feeling of weakness, drowsiness and fatigue;
- appearance or belly.
Since each organism is individual, it is possible that other symptoms and conditions may appear that were not previously characteristic of a person. To determine the nature of the sensations that appear, you need to contact a specialist.
The appearance of hypersthenuria in children and diabetes mellitus
If a child’s tests reveal an increase in the specific gravity of urine, this may indicate congenital or acquired diseases of the urinary system. Since the immunity of babies is not fully formed, and there is also high vascular permeability, children are prone to intestinal and stomach infections. This leads to vomiting, diarrhea and the appearance of hypersthenuria.
If a patient has diabetes mellitus, an increase in glucose levels in urine is typical. Analyzes will show increased density if there is an increased concentration of protein and their breakdown products. To determine the exact reason why there are abnormalities in urine specific gravity tests.
In diabetes mellitus, glucose levels in the urine increase
Patients who have already encountered the problem of increased urine density in the past are recommended to purchase special test strips from the pharmacy. With their help, it is easy to determine deviations in this indicator at home. If the test shows values other than normal, you should see a doctor for examination.
For patients undergoing treatment for infectious diseases or gastrointestinal diseases, doctors recommend consuming liquid in large quantities to replenish the body's reserves. This leads to the development of hyposthenuria - a decrease in the relative density of urine below normal. A factor such as drinking plenty of fluids, for example, in the hot season, is a physiological factor, so a decrease in the amount of dry residue is not a deviation. Such a deviation from the norm also occurs due to the use of natural or medicinal diuretics.
In addition to physiological, there are pathological causes, which mainly take the form of diabetes insipidus of various origins:
- neurogenic character. In the absence of proper treatment, the patient experiences constant dehydration;
- nephrogenic character. With this type of disease, a disruption of the urinary system occurs due to a lack of response to the antidiuretic hormone;
- in pregnant women. This disease goes away after the birth of the child;
- due to nervousness. Develops due to nervous breakdowns. Prolonged depression and constant exposure to stressful situations are considered favorable conditions for the onset of the disease;
- the presence of problems in the functioning of the excretory system of a chronic nature. Due to such diseases, the processes of filtration and removal of urine from the body fail;
- or other inflammatory kidney diseases.
Nervous breakdowns and prolonged depression cause low urine density
If the specific gravity of urine in the tests is low, that is, less than 1.015, specialists have every reason to talk about the presence of hyposthenuria. With this diagnosis, a thorough examination is required to establish the factors that provoke a decrease in the activity of the paired organ and their function in terms of the concentration of dry residue.
There are several laboratory tests that evaluate the functional state of the kidneys. Since the density of urine changes an arbitrary number of times during the day, samples are taken several times at different times of the day.
Zimnitsky test
Using this analysis, the functional activity of the paired organ is assessed while maintaining the usual drinking regime. To obtain the most complete information, the patient collects material for analysis every three hours. Ultimately, after 24 hours, 8 separate urine samples should be collected from the patient.
Urine sample according to Zimnitsky
The analysis is carried out with a special device - a urometer.
Concentration test
From the name of the test, you can understand that the analysis is based on restricting fluid intake, that is, the patient is not allowed to take any liquid for 24 hours. To eliminate the feeling of hunger, eat foods rich in protein. Not every person can endure a whole day without drinking, so some patients are given an indulgence in the form of a few sips of water.
For the concentration test, urine samples are collected every 4 hours. If density indicators deviate from normal values, it means that the kidneys are not coping with their functions of concentrating urine.
Patients who have experienced kidney disease are advised to monitor their health and undergo regular examinations, as well as urine tests. Detection in the early stages of the disease increases the chances of a full and rapid recovery.