Urinalysis pH 8. Urine pH in children. Why is increased acidity dangerous?
![Urinalysis pH 8. Urine pH in children. Why is increased acidity dangerous?](https://i2.wp.com/diagnozlab.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/2-1.jpg)
You can determine the state of the body and the functioning of certain organs. Urine acidity (pH) is an important indicator by which you can assess the acid-base balance. It plays a special role in the diagnosis of many pathological conditions.
The kidneys are an important organ that filters and removes many toxins and waste products through urine. The pH level is one of the main indicators that must be checked during any examination.
The acidity of urine allows you to determine the processes occurring in the body and assess the general condition. In medical practice it is called urine pH. This is a pH value that allows you to calculate the number of hydrogen ions in a urine sample. It can change throughout the day. With some pathologies of the urinary system, the pH may decrease or increase.
The pH level may indicate the degree to which the kidneys process minerals entering the body. Magnesium and calcium are responsible for the level of acidity.
When acidity levels are high, the body neutralizes accumulated acid in tissues and borrows the minerals it needs from bones or organs.
The chemical composition of urine can change depending on many factors:
- Metabolism.
- Stomach acidity.
- Poor nutrition.
- Diseases of the genitourinary system.
- Features of the functioning of the renal tubules.
- Amount of fluid consumed.
Determining the pH level in urine is very important when using litholytic drugs - drugs that dissolve kidney stones.
Diagnostics and norm
It is important to correctly collect urine for analysis, otherwise the results may be unreliable. The day before, it is not recommended to eat foods that can change the physical properties of the liquid.
It is prohibited to take diuretics. Before the examination, be sure to wash your genitals. You need to be able to properly toilet the genitals of children: girls are washed from front to back, and boys’ genital head is exposed.Collect a medium portion of urine in a clean glass container. The first portion is released into the toilet, the middle portion is collected in a container and the remaining portion is returned to the toilet.
Urine collection is performed in the morning, on an empty stomach. Therefore, it should be delivered to the laboratory immediately. During long-term storage of urine, the cylinders are destroyed and the pH changes.During menstruation, a woman is not recommended to take the test, as this may distort the results.
A urine test is prescribed to all patients if they suspect diseases of the genitourinary system or other disorders in the body.
The acidity of urine is determined using special indicators - litmus paper. It changes its color depending on the reaction of the solution. Each color corresponds to a specific pH value. If the strip changes color to red, then this indicates an acidic pH of the urine, and if it changes to blue, then it indicates an alkaline reaction. If the stripes have not changed color, then the acidity is neutral.
There is another way to determine the acidity of urine - using an ion meter. This method is more convenient and highly informative.
Useful video: how to correctly and quickly determine the pH level
Urine acidity level:
- Normally, in men and women, the acidity of urine is the same. In the morning, the urine of an adult is slightly acidic, due to the release of toxins. The pH norm for an adult is 6.5-7 units.
- In a child, normal values differ slightly from the urine pH level of adults. The acidity of urine in a newborn is 5.5-6, in a premature baby – 4.8-5.4, and in a bottle-fed baby – 5.4-6.9.
- After a child is weaned, urine pH is the same as in adults.
If urine contains substances with acidic properties, then it is acidic (pH level less than 7). If a large amount of alkaline substances is detected in the urine, this indicates alkalization of the urine (pH level more than 7). In urine, acidic and alkaline substances can be present in equal quantities, then the acidity is neutral (pH is 7).
Why does the acidity of urine increase?
An increase in the acidity of urine occurs with excessive consumption of plant or dairy foods, or mineral water. An upward shift in pH may be a consequence of taking certain drugs: adrenaline, bicarbonates, nicotinamide.
Increased acidity may indicate a violation of the secretion of gastric juice, pyloric obstruction.
Urine acidity above normal can be observed in the following cases:
- With dehydration.
- For diarrhea.
- For diabetic ketoacidosis.
- With acidosis.
- When fasting.
- For urinary tract infections.
- For chronic renal failure.
The alkaline reaction of urine can increase with chronic urinary tract infections, febrile conditions, and kidney tuberculosis.Chronic increase in urine acidity promotes the formation of phosphate stones.
It is important to establish the cause of increased acidity of urine and only then carry out treatment. It is necessary to conduct additional examination and identify possible deviations.
How to normalize an indicator
To reduce the acidity of urine, it is necessary to reduce the consumption of protein foods and increase the consumption of foods with a neutral or acidic alkaline load.If alkalinization of urine is associated with pathological processes in the body, then this is a cause for concern.
In this case, further diagnostics will be needed to determine the cause of the deviation from the norm.Daily tests using test strips will help you choose the right diet.
The diet should contain foods with zero acid formation. These products are:
- Oil
- Ice cream
- Milk
- Cucumber
- Vegetable oil
Products with negative acid formation: fruits, fruit juices, vegetables, mushrooms, herbs, mineral water, coffee, red and white wine. The division of products by “acidity” is very arbitrary. Each body digests and absorbs food differently.It is necessary to make changes to the diet: exclude or add foods.
If urolithiasis is detected and long-term treatment is prescribed, patients should independently monitor urine pH using test strips.
You should not adhere to a certain diet and eat foods with low levels of acid formation. It is recommended to consume all foods, but within reasonable limits.
To cleanse the body and kidneys, you need to drink enough fluid. In people who lead a healthy lifestyle, urine acidity is always normal.
During pregnancy, every woman tests. Since the kidneys work with double load, a urine test is simply necessary. In addition, the immune system is weakened, hormonal levels change, as a result of which the function of the ureters is disrupted. This can provoke an infectious process or lead to exacerbation of chronic diseases of the urinary system.
The acidity of urine in a pregnant woman changes and depends on the food consumed. If you eat too much meat, your urine will be acidic, but if you follow a vegetarian diet, your urine will be alkaline.The normal pH value for a pregnant woman is 4-8.This is provided that the research material is fresh and submitted on time.
Low pH levels during pregnancy are observed with toxicosis, vomiting, and diarrhea.
In addition, a decrease can be observed with potassium deficiency in the body. Doctors consider changes in the urine of a pregnant woman as a whole, but not individually.If the pH level is elevated, this may indicate a malfunction of the parathyroid gland.
Along with the acidity of urine, gynecologists and urologists examine the color, transparency, presence of cylinders.If the urine test is bad, then this is a reason to re-test the urine but in a different way.
Urine pH is the ratio of acids and alkalis in the body of both a child and an adult. Normally, the reaction should be either neutral or alkaline, but not acidic. To put this in numbers, the value should remain between 5.0 and 7.0. Sometimes the values fall in the range from 4.5 to 8.
An increased pH in a child’s urine means that the environment is more alkaline. The lower the value, the more acidic the environment. The thing is that a number of substances with different properties are excreted along with urine. So they influence the composition of the urinary fluid.
A newborn baby has a pH of 5.5 to 6.0. If we talk about premature babies, then their acid-base balance is shifted and then the child has an acidic urine reaction. It ranges from 4.8 to 5.5. After a month, if the baby is fed exclusively breast milk, the pH levels out and the urine reaction becomes either neutral or alkaline. Then the test results form will contain values from 7.0 to 7.8.
After completing the breastfeeding period, urine reaction rates become the same as in adults. Artificial feeding leads to the fact that the urine reaction can be either acidic - 5.5 or neutral - 7.0. Often in healthy children and adults the reaction ranges from 6.0 to 6.5.
If there are any pathologies, then the acid-base balance will be shifted to one side - either acidic or alkaline. If the pH in a child’s urine is elevated, you need to remember how long the urine was stored at room temperature. Usually in such cases the urine becomes alkalized.
If the indicator deviates from the norm in a child, this occurs for the following reasons that can be corrected:
- diet;
- drinking regime;
- diseases.
An increased pH in the urine of a child is observed if he consumes a lot of:
- dairy products;
- plant food;
- alkaline mineral waters.
The following pathologies also change the reaction of urine, making it alkaline:
- high stomach acidity;
- loss of water and chlorine due to poisoning or prolonged vomiting;
- pyelonephritis;
- cystitis;
- increased potassium levels in the urinary fluid.
A child has acidic urine when he eats a lot of animal protein, as well as in the case of:
- prolonged fasting due to illness;
- during fever;
- for diabetes mellitus;
- in case of dehydration in case of diarrhea or violation of the drinking regime.
If a child has urolithiasis or kidney failure, then the pH will be low, as is the case with a decrease in potassium and chlorine in the blood.
At home, you can determine the urine reaction, but this information is not particularly valuable. This indicator is important only in conjunction with others, as well as with certain symptoms. It is very important to know the reaction of urine when a diagnosis of urolithiasis is established.
If the urine pH is elevated in a child, then phosphate deposits usually form, but not urates. Under such conditions they dissolve. In an acidic environment, when the pH is less than 5.5, urates are found, but phosphates in this case dissolve. For oxalates, a favorable pH is between 5.5 and 6.0.
The important fact is that the ability of microorganisms to reproduce and survive depends on the acid-base balance. It also determines how effective the antibiotics will be.
If there are no deviations, then the diet should be adjusted. We wrote above what the normal pH of a child’s urine will be. With a properly designed diet, this figure will level out. When trying to shift the balance, you need to be careful, because in an alkaline environment, bacteria living in the genitourinary system begin their active activity. This is especially worth considering when taking medications.
The pH value in urine indicates metabolism, kidney function, blood filtration, and indicates the nature of the excretory system. Deviations from standard values suggest pathological dysfunction of internal organs, dietary imbalance, excess physiological stress, and requires timely adjustment.
The level of Ph in urine (acidity) is determined by the content of hydrogen ions in urine, which are products of the breakdown of inorganic compounds. Based on these indicators, conclusions are drawn about the cleansing abilities of the kidneys and blood cleansing. Normally, the processed fluid secreted by the bladder consists of 96-97% urine, 3-4% salts, and nitrogenous compounds.
The excreted substances have acid-base characteristics. With a predominance of acid (ph below 5 units), urine is added, alkali (ph above 8.0) is alkalized, while the simultaneous excess of values neutralizes urine due to the removal of minerals and organic compounds from bone tissue.
Acidity pH is normal
Urine pH (the norm in the adult population ranges from 5.1 to 7.1 units on average) during the day can change:
- in the morning – 5.2 – 5.8;
- during the day – 6.4 – 6.8;
- in the evening – 6.5 – 7.
Men have lower acidity values (from 5.1 to 5.6 in the morning, from 6.1 to 6.6 in the evening).
A decrease of 0.4–0.6 is not pathological for the male sex, it is associated with the predominance of protein foods (meat, egg whites, high-fat cheese) in the daily diet, the almost complete absence of fruit and vegetable dishes, greens, and an increased interest in heavy physical activity designed to increase muscle mass in the body.
For women, the normal pH ranges from 5.3 to 5.8 after waking up, from 6.7 to 7.2 before going to bed. Exceeding the figures by 0.3-0.7 units. - a normal phenomenon that most often occurs among fans of a low-carbohydrate diet and high consumption of mineralized liquid.
In the analyzes of expectant mothers, readings from 4.5 to 8.1 units are found. Acidity values are influenced by hormonal changes in the body, changes in diet, and toxicosis. The indicated pH numbers are not considered a pathology if the woman is in good health and do not require medication adjustment.
Table of acidity values:
Age | Unit |
children born earlier line | 4,7 – 5,5 |
newborns | 5,4 – 6,1 |
2 month old breastfed babies | 7,1 – 7,7 |
formula fed babies | 5,6 – 7,0 |
from 2 years and older, adults of both sexes | 5,4 – 7,0 |
while expecting a child | 4,3 – 8,1 |
Reasons for lowering pH (acidification)
Acidification (aciduria) is manifested by a decrease in pH levels to 5.0 or lower.
Occurs in the following cases:
![](https://i0.wp.com/healthperfect.ru/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/ph-mochi-norma-2.jpg)
For newborn babies, a pH of 5.0 is normal. Does not require treatment, increases as the child grows older.
Aciduria lasting more than 14-20 days is cause for concern and suggests infectious pathologies of the genitourinary system, kidneys, the presence of stones, sand in the bladder.
Reasons for increasing pH (alkalinization)
Ph in urine, if changes from the norm of medical indications are noticed in the direction of increasing values, in medical practice it is defined by the term “Alkaluria”, characterized by an increase in numbers from 8.0 or more units. This condition is often accompanied by severe headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and fainting.
Occurs when:
![](https://i2.wp.com/healthperfect.ru/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/ph-mochi-norma-3.jpg)
Alkalinization of urine occurs with congenital pathologies of the kidneys and endocrine system. In pregnant women, a pH value of 8.1 or more is a symptom of hormonal changes in the body, the resulting calcium deficiency, and toxicosis.
Indications for a general urine test
A general clinical diagnostic urine test is prescribed to monitor the internal state of the body, the functioning of the kidneys and the urinary system. Healthy people are recommended to undergo the procedure for preventive purposes at least once every 6-7 months.
It is mandatory for a general practitioner to prescribe a study for:
![](https://i0.wp.com/healthperfect.ru/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/ph-mochi-norma-4.jpg)
During therapeutic therapy for the kidneys, bladder, and endocrine disorders, OAM is prescribed at least once a month. Pregnant women are tested once a month in the 1st-2nd trimesters, once a week in the 3rd trimester.
How to get tested correctly
Ph urine (the normal value depends on the correct procedure for preparing, collecting and submitting biological material) is determined during testing, following a special preparatory process.
He is such a:
- Urine is collected in a special container provided by a medical facility. To collect urine at home, purchase a sterile flask from a pharmacy. If it is impossible to purchase a container, you can use a glass container with a small lid, washed with soapy water and disinfected with boiling water. The urine collection container must be dry.
- During the day, natural dyes (carrots, beets), alcohol, diuretic herbal teas, decoctions, and medications are excluded from food, except in cases where the analysis is carried out to monitor the progress of drug therapy.
- Women should not be tested during their menstrual cycle due to the presence of blood clots, which could lead to a misdiagnosis.
- Mandatory hygienic toileting of the genitals before urination. Females are advised to cover the vagina with a cotton pad to prevent bacteria from entering the urine.
Taking material:
![](https://i2.wp.com/healthperfect.ru/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/ph-mochi-norma-5.jpg)
How to determine ph at home
Urine pH (the normal value is determined at home, if necessary) is determined in the following ways:
1.Litmus paper. To perform the test, blue and red strips soaked in a special solution are used. They must be lowered into a container with liquid one by one for 1-3 seconds. The removed paper is placed on a clean, dry surface, inaccessible to ultraviolet rays, with the reagent facing up.
The results of the study are studied after 3 minutes:
- unchanged indicator shade – neutral environment;
- change in color of both stripes – acid-alkaline;
- blue red – alkaline;
- redness blue – sour.
The value of ph numbers in this analysis cannot be determined.
2. Magarshak method. 2 drops urine is mixed with a 0.1% solution of neutral red and blue methylene alcohol. Based on the color of the precipitate formed within 2 seconds, the pH level is determined:
- dark purple – 6.2 – 6.5;
- light purple – 6.7 – 7.1;
- gray – 7.4.
3. Bromoethyl method. 3 drops urine is diluted in 20 mg of bromoethyl indicator diluted with water. The value is determined by the color of the resulting liquid. The method is not reliable.
4. Ionometer- the most reliable option, which is a device placed in morning urine. They will accurately determine the acidity level in numbers, displaying the readings on the monitor. 5.Indicator strips- the most common method used at home and in laboratory conditions, which allows you to set the pH level from 4.9 to 9.1 units by changing the shade of a plate impregnated with a reagent.
What are urine test strips?
Urine pH (normal readings) is determined using indicator test strips, which are plates with a plastic or paper base, measuring 5 by 6-13 cm, with a chemical reagent applied to them. Upon contact with hydrogen ions released in urine, the indicator changes color, making it possible to set the acidity level in numbers from 4.9 to 9.1 ph.
The choice of drug depends on the suspected or established pathology. Depending on the required values obtained during the analysis, you can use single indicator strips impregnated with a single reagent or multi-indicator plates - making it possible to simultaneously check the values of several indicators.
The home study kit contains:
- plastic cylindrical packaging with 25-150 reagent strips;
- detailed instructions for use;
- sorbent for removing excess liquid;
- shade scale for establishing the results of the study (most often applied to the packaging body).
A home test is not able to fully replace the clinical and laboratory procedure, but it provides an opportunity for independent monitoring of indications during corrective drug therapy for emerging pathologies.
Types of test strips
The indicator strips vary:
1. By country of manufacturer:
- Swiss "Mcral-Test"
- Korean "Uriscan";
- Russian "Biosernor", "Bioscan"
- Canadian "Multichech";
- American "UrineRS";
2. For the component being tested:
- dextrose;
- ketones;
- bilirubin;
- protein;
- creatinine;
- urobilinogen
- acidity;
- leukocytes,
- red blood cells
- structure density
3. According to the number of applied reagents, according to which it is possible control the values of several indicators at once, such as:
- blood,
- protein;
- acidity level;
- nitrites;
- density;
- glucose;
- red blood cells
Rules for using test strips
Urine pH can be easily determined using reagent test strips at home.
Preparation for the procedure:
![](https://i2.wp.com/healthperfect.ru/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/ph-mochi-norma-8.jpg)
Carrying out the procedure:
- Carefully remove the strip from the plastic box.
- Stir the urine, eliminating the sediment of salts.
- Immerse the plate in the container for 1-3 seconds.
- Remove the indicator, remove excess sorbent liquid, or tap the strip on the edge of the container.
- Place the test on a dry surface with the reagent side up.
- Assess the value of the indicators after 1-3 minutes. according to the color scale: orange – 4.9-5.0; saturated yellow – 6.0; pale yellow – 6.5; light green – 7.0; pale green – 7.5; emerald – 8.0; swamp green – 8.5.
- The waiting time for results should not be exceeded. Analysis values can change significantly under the influence of air and ultraviolet radiation.
Acidity is determined once every 3-4 days. It is advisable to conduct the study at the same time (immediately after getting up in the morning), since the numbers vary greatly throughout the day. If the indicators shift over 2 weeks towards acidification or alkalization, you must consult a general practitioner and undergo a comprehensive medical examination
Ways to reduce and increase acidity levels
Normalization of indicators is facilitated by changes in the daily diet, the use of medications that correct dysfunction of internal organs, and the elimination of cholesterol-rich foods, food additives, and dyes from the diet.
When urine is acidified, a diet of neutral and negative acidic foods is prescribed according to the PRAL scale (calculation of the potential acid load of the kidneys).
According to medical studies, when a tendency to alkaduria appears, it is necessary to reduce the consumption of protein-containing foods, increase the amount of vegetables and fruits eaten per day, and prefer a drinking regime that includes mineralized water without carbonation, containing molecules of potassium and magnesium.
![](https://i2.wp.com/healthperfect.ru/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/ph-mochi-norma-9.jpg)
Negative acid food table:
Food | PRAL (mEq) |
tomatoes | -3,2 |
onion | -1,6 |
zucchini | -3,3 |
spinach | -14 |
carrot | -4,8 |
celery | -5,3 |
potato | -4,3 |
cucumbers | -0,7 |
apples | -2,3 |
citrus | -2,6 |
kiwi | -4,3 |
apricots | -4,9 |
pears | -2,7 |
bananas | -5,3 |
raisin | -21 |
strawberry | -2,3 |
black currant | -6,6 |
cherry | -3,5 |
watermelon | -1,3 |
Low-acid products include bread made from first-grade and second-grade flour - 3-12.
In addition to diet, you need:
![](https://i1.wp.com/healthperfect.ru/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/ph-mochi-norma-10.jpg)
- Drink water with lemon juice, lime, and apple cider vinegar on an empty stomach every day.
- Persons suffering from hypertension should add 1⁄4 tsp to their drink. baking soda.
- Remove desserts, sugar, artificial sweeteners, and carbonated lemonade from your diet.
- Do not indulge in fatty meat products. Protein can be obtained from poultry, lean fish, soy, cheese, and tofu.
- Avoid consumption of cholesterol-rich foods, canned fish and meat, smoked delicacies, sausages, sausages.
- Include low-fat fermented milk products and cottage cheese in your diet.
- Avoid stressful situations.
- Engage in moderate physiological activity, giving preference to running, swimming, and dancing.
- Do not exceed the norms of fluid intake, eliminate Coca-Cola, Sprite, Mirinda from the diet. The listed drinks help remove calcium from the body.
- Take a course of vitamins and minerals.
- Check the pH value at least once every 3-4 days. If indications characteristic of alkaluria persist, a doctor’s consultation, a detailed examination of the body, and correction of identified internal pathologies are required.
A diet to normalize acidity levels should consist of 80% alkali-forming and 20% acid-forming foods.
For the treatment of dysfunctions of internal organs and systems, normalizing the pH level in urine is of great medical importance. If decreased or increased values are detected in a timely manner, additional laboratory testing and medical and nutritional adjustments are carried out.
Article format: Lozinsky Oleg
Video about urine pH levels
How to measure urine pH with test strips and normal:
Urine pH (its acidity, reaction) is an indicator that helps determine the amount of hydrogen ions in the fluid excreted by the kidneys. The pH of urine (urine) demonstrates its physical properties and allows you to evaluate the balance of alkali and acid. pH (reaction) indicators of urine play an important role in determining the general condition of the human body and help diagnose diseases.
Properties of urine
Urine (in laboratory conditions the name urine is more often used) is a liquid formed during human life, along with which metabolic products leave the body. It is formed in the nephrons (kidney tubules) during the process of filtering blood plasma and consists of 97% water. The remaining 3% consists of salts and products of nitrogenous origin, formed as a result of the breakdown of the protein group of substances.
By producing urine, the kidneys remove unnecessary substances from the body. The kidneys perform a very important function: they are able to retain substances necessary for the body, which are responsible for the exchange of water, glucose, electrolytes and amino acids. Thanks to the kidneys, the body regulates the acid-base balance, on which the normal metabolic process depends.
The kidneys excrete urine, which contains substances with certain acid-base properties. If the urine contains more substances with acidic properties, then it is considered acidic (then the pH level is below 7), and if substances with basic (alkaline) properties predominate, then the urine is alkaline (the pH value is greater than 7). Urine has neutral acidity (pH level 7), which contains equal amounts of substances with both alkaline and acidic properties.
Urine pH indicates, in particular, how efficiently the body processes minerals that are responsible for acidity levels: magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K) and calcium (Ca). If the pH level is higher than normal, the body must independently neutralize the acid accumulated in the tissues, and to do this it can borrow the necessary minerals from the bones and various organs. This most often occurs when you don't eat enough vegetables and eat too much meat, so to maintain normal pH levels, the body takes calcium from bones, which become brittle over time.
The acidity of urine may change due to the following factors:
- metabolic features;
- diseases of the genitourinary system accompanied by inflammatory processes;
- stomach acidity;
- nutritional features;
- processes in the body that cause acidification or alkalization of the blood;
- features of the functioning of the renal tubules;
- the amount of liquid a person drinks.
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The pH level of urine is a very important indicator and, together with other characteristics, allows you to reliably assess the current state of the body. The acidity level of urine can change in both directions due to bacterial infections in the body, namely as a result of diseases of the urinary system. Changes in pH directly depend on the characteristics of the final metabolic products of bacteria.
Acidity pH
Acidity (pH) is an indicator of the activity of hydrogen particles, their characteristics in liquids and solutions.
In medicine, the acidity level of human biological fluids, including urine, plays a very important role in determining health status.
The acidity value in the body cannot be lower than 0.86 pH.
The activity of hydrogen particles depends on several factors, and this is influenced not only by various metabolic processes, but also by the characteristics of the products consumed. For example, eating food with a high content of animal proteins provokes changes in the pH of urine towards acidification, and eating food of plant origin, milk and its processed products is accompanied by alkalization of urine.
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Normal indicators
If the urine test shows a pH value between 5 and 7, this is normal. If there are slight deviations from the norm within the pH range of 4.5-8, then such changes do not bode well if they are short-term. At night, at the time of sleep, from midnight to 3 am, the normal pH of urine is from 4.9 to 5.2 units.
The lowest levels are observed on an empty stomach early in the morning, and the highest after meals. If in the morning the urine has a pH from 6.0 to 6.4, and in the evening it does not go beyond 6.4-7.0, then the urinary system is normal, and the body itself is generally functioning normally.
The optimal level of urine acidity can be considered 6.4-6.5 units. If the urine reaction deviates from the norm for a long time, and it is impossible to establish the obvious reasons for the appearance of these indicators, then it is necessary to conduct a laboratory urine test to diagnose such changes.
The norm of activity of hydrogen particles in the urine of children is considered completely different, and pH values depend on the age of the child. For newborns, urine pH in the range of 5.4-5.9 units can be considered an indicator of normal functioning of the body, and for children born prematurely, the urine acidity rate ranges from 4.8 to 5.4. A few days after birth, the baby’s activity of hydrogen particles stabilizes. We can say that the functioning of the child’s body is normal if the urine reaction does not go beyond the following boundaries:
- 6.9-7.8 when breastfeeding;
- 5.4-6.9 when feeding with formulas replacing breast milk.
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Acidification of urine
Acidification of urine occurs due to disturbances in the functioning of the body and as a result of diseases. The following reasons may provoke such changes:
- consumption of foods high in fats, acids and proteins (meat and white bread);
- kidney disease;
- intravenous intake of an excessive amount of sodium chloride solution during the treatment period;
- inflammatory processes in the urinary system caused by diseases (for example, cystitis or tuberculosis of the bladder);
- allergic reactions in children;
- intake of excess acids along with medications, food additives, etc.
An acidic urine reaction can be a result of increased formation of acids in the body under the following circumstances:
- diabetes;
- alcohol abuse;
- prolonged fasting;
- states of shock;
- long-term physical activity.
Prolonged acidification of urine can signal possible disturbances in the functioning of the body, poor diet, disease or the negative impact of other factors. To accurately determine the cause of the acid-base balance in the direction of acidification, it is necessary to conduct laboratory tests. If a disease is detected, the doctor must study the characteristics of your body and then prescribe treatment.
Alkaline rate
If the acidity of urine constantly shifts towards alkalization, it is necessary first of all to study the characteristics of the food consumed (the indicator is affected by dairy and vegetable diets). If nutrition is not able to provoke such changes, then there is an infection in the urinary tract. If microbes enter the test sample from the environment and/or the urine sits for a long enough time, this can also cause the urine to become alkaline. In such an environment, the best conditions are created for the life and reproduction of microorganisms that cause inflammation in the kidneys and urethra.
Alkaline urine can be the result of many diseases and disorders, and the most common causes of such changes may be:
- excessive consumption of dairy products and plant foods;
- infections of the urethra, except for inflammatory processes caused by tuberculosis bacteria or E. coli;
- vomiting (loss of water and chlorine occurs);
- chronic kidney failure;
- increased stomach acidity;
- use of certain medications (bicarbonates, nicotinamide, adrenaline);
- drinking alkaline mineral water in large quantities;
- hematuria (invisible blood, namely its components in the urine);
- the presence of other serious diseases.
Hematuria occurs in people with urinary tract infections, prostate and bladder stones. Hematuria may indicate the development of cancer and is one of the main symptoms of this type of disease. This could be a tumor of the prostate, bladder or kidney cancer.
Also, similar changes in the characteristics of urine can occur as a result of eating vegetarian foods (fruits, brown bread, especially citrus fruits), vegetables and milk. These products are not able to maintain the pH value at normal and cause it to shift upward. A change in the reaction of urine is observed in pregnant women when, with a milk-vegetable diet, the pH value is above 7.0. Due to the fact that some bacteria can increase the alkaline properties of urine, it is customary to conduct laboratory tests on fresh urine that has not stood for more than 2 hours.
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Determination of subacidity
A laboratory test such as a urine test allows you to diagnose diseases and detect certain abnormalities in the functioning of the body. It can be microscopic, that is, the study takes place visually, using a microscope, as well as physical and chemical, which involves the use of chemical reagents. When testing urine in a laboratory, they not only pay attention to the pH value, but also take into account many other characteristics, paying special attention to the presence of substances that are absent in the urine of a completely healthy person.
Today you can easily purchase special indicator tests that are multifunctional due to the ability to determine not only the acidity of urine, but also several (from 2 to 13) of its other characteristics. Thanks to such devices, you can easily perform a urine test at home in a short period of time (about 2 minutes). If the composition of urine has even slight deviations from the norm, this indicates a metabolic disorder.
A single urine analysis does not accurately assess the condition of the body. To conduct a high-quality diagnosis and get the most accurate results, the pH test should be carried out for three consecutive days, three times a day. To accurately determine the acidity of urine, it is best to perform a pH test one hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Before analyzing the pH of urine, you should not eat carrots and beets, as these products can change the properties of urine. You should not take diuretics, as they affect the chemical composition of urine.
Urine analysis in laboratories in Russia is carried out at different prices. A study of the properties of urine can cost from 125 to 1,500 rubles, and the price depends on the location of the laboratory, as well as on its features and qualifications of employees. As of 2016, in Russia you can have urine analyzed in one of 725 laboratories in St. Petersburg, Moscow and other cities of the country.
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At home, you can determine whether urine acidity levels are normal using the following basic methods:
- Magarshak method;
- litmus paper;
- using blue bromothymol indicator;
- special test strips (indicator).
Laboratory (clinical or general) urine analysis has an important difference from other diagnostic methods. The main advantage of analysis in the laboratory is not only the assessment of the properties of urine (physicochemical and biochemical), but also the ability to examine the sediment using a microscope. Do not forget that any urine diagnostics at home cannot replace an assessment of your health status by a doctor and a qualified laboratory worker.
Urine pH is a hydrogen indicator that demonstrates the number of hydrogen ions in the urine and allows you to evaluate the balance of alkalis and acids, determine the physical properties of urine, etc.
The results of a study of urine acidity reflect the presence or absence of pathologies such as alkalosis and acidosis, urolithiasis, inflammation of the genitourinary organs, etc.
Metabolism (metabolism) is a set of chemical reactions that ensure the normal functioning of the body. Among them, not the least role is played by the acid-base balance, which is maintained by the organs of the urinary system. A diagnostically important indicator of the quality of this function is urine pH.
Urine pH reflects the efficiency of absorption of components that affect acidity: magnesium, potassium, sodium, calcium. Increased acidity is neutralized by the body on its own - with the help of minerals that it draws from its own resources (mostly from bones). That is why, in chronic acidosis (high acidity), the skeletal apparatus suffers first of all.
Indications
The appointment and interpretation of OAM is carried out by specialists: nephrologist, gynecologist, infectious disease specialist, urologist, pediatrician, therapist, etc.
- Scheduled preventive examination, medical examination;
- Mandatory examination when registering for pregnancy, regular monitoring during pregnancy;
- Suspicion of diseases of the genitourinary system (pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, pyelitis, cystitis, urethritis, renal failure, etc.);
- Diagnosed pathologies of the kidneys, urinary canals, bladder (monitoring the course of the disease and the effectiveness of the treatment used);
- Monitoring the health status of patients with increased acidity of gastric secretions;
- Mandatory monitoring of the effectiveness of water therapy when treating with mineral waters;
- Acidosis or alkalosis of various etiologies;
- Hematuria (blood in the urine);
- Diarrhea and/or vomiting for a long time (risk of dehydration);
- Diabetes mellitus (risk of developing chronic acidosis);
- Feverish conditions, accompanied by increased body temperature and profuse sweating;
- Rehabilitation period after fasting, fasting, strict diets;
- Hypokalemia (potassium deficiency in the body) and hypochloremia (lack of chlorine);
- Monitoring the patient’s condition after intravenous infusion of significant volumes of isotonic sodium chloride solution;
- Exudative diathesis in children (allergic damage to the mucous membrane and skin).
Urine pH standards
Age |
Urine pH |
Up to 1 month of life | 5,0 – 7,0 |
1 month and older | 5,0 – 8,0 |
Important! For newborns, the optimal urine pH range is 5.4 – 5.9.
At the same time, for premature babies the limits are reduced to 4.8 - 5.4. In breastfed children, slight alkalization of urine is observed (6.9 – 7.8).
When feeding with formulas, urine also acquires alkaline properties (5.4 – 6.9). These indicators should be considered the norm.
Factors influencing the result
The acidity level of urine can fluctuate throughout the day, depending on diet, water regime, the presence of digestive disorders, etc. For example, during the period of night sleep (0 - 3 hours) there is a slight increase in pH (up to 4.9 - 5.2). The same situation is recorded in the early morning (before meals), and after breakfast the indicator rises sharply and can reach 7–8 units.
Other factors affecting urine pH:
- speed and quality of metabolic processes;
- inflammatory and infectious diseases of the genitourinary system;
- pathologies that lead to acidosis or alkalosis (alkalinization of the blood);
- acidity level of gastric juice;
- the performance of the kidneys and, in particular, their tubules.
On a note: When diagnosing urolithiasis, the following information must be taken into account:
- pH less than 5.5 – urate stones precipitate (phosphates dissolve in an acidic environment);
- pH from 5.5 to 6.0 – formation of oxalate stones;
- pH more than 7.0 – phosphate stones precipitate (alkali dissolves uric acid salts).
Increasing pH values (alkalinization)
Urine pH increases in the following cases:
- Genitourinary pathologies (pyelonephritis, cystitis, glomerulonephritis, acute and chronic renal failure, etc.) not related to the activity of Escherichia coli or Mycobacterium tuberculosis;
- Loss of water and chlorine due to eating disorders (diarrhea, vomiting);
- Increased acidity of gastric secretions;
- Distal renal acidosis (impaired acidification of urine by the kidneys);
- Hyperkalemia (increased potassium levels in the body);
- Hyperfunction of the parathyroid gland;
- Hypoaldosteronism (aldosterone deficiency);
- Hematuria (occult blood in the urine);
- Features of the diet - a diet based on rye bread, plant and dairy foods (alkalosis is often diagnosed in vegetarians);
- Long-term treatment with alkaline mineral water;
- Therapy with alkaline drugs (bicarbonate, nicotinamide, adrenaline, etc.).
Decrease in values (acidification)
Urine pH decreases in a number of the following cases:
- A diet high in fat and protein (white bread and meat products);
- Consuming significant amounts of acidic foods and drinks;
- Prolonged fasting, fasting, diets, hydrotherapy, etc.;
- Alcohol abuse;
- Serious physical activity for a long time;
- Shock and septic (acute blood infection) conditions;
- Infusion of sodium chloride solution;
- Diabetes ;
- Diseases of the kidneys and genitourinary system (tuberculosis of the bladder or kidney, cystitis, pyelonephritis, chronic failure, nephrotic syndrome, etc.);
- Allergic reactions;
- Loss of bicarbonate (alkaline component) due to pancreatic fistula, diarrhea, ureterosigmoidostomy, etc.;
- Hypokalemia;
- Gout (damage to joints and tissues);
- Renal acidosis due to oncological processes (myeloma), autoimmune diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus), acute heavy metal poisoning, Wilson's disease (accumulation of copper in the kidneys), etc.;
- Hyperaldosteronism (hypersecretion of aldosterone) primary and secondary.