What is the significance of high and low urine specific gravity?
Jul 29, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Xinju
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, urine specific gravity can be used to reflect kidney function. Elevated urine specific gravity may indicate conditions such as chronic urine retention, diabetes mellitus, or acute glomerulonephritis. Low urine specific gravity is generally associated with excessive fluid intake, pyelonephritis, or chronic renal failure. Appropriate treatment methods should be adopted accordingly. In addition, high urine specific gravity may also be related to nephrotic syndrome and other conditions.
Under normal circumstances, urine specific gravity can be used to reflect kidney function. Elevated urine specific gravity may indicate conditions such as chronic urine retention, diabetes mellitus, or acute glomerulonephritis. Low urine specific gravity is generally associated with excessive water intake, pyelonephritis, or chronic renal failure. Appropriate treatment methods should be adopted, with specific analyses as follows:
I. High Urine Specific Gravity
1. Chronic Urine Retention
If a patient habitually retains urine for prolonged periods, the urine may become concentrated, leading to an increased specific gravity. In such cases, it is important to replenish adequate fluids. Consuming water-rich fruits such as apples, grapes, and strawberries may help alleviate this condition.
2. Diabetes Mellitus
Poor blood glucose control can lead to various complications, including diabetic nephropathy, which damages kidney function and subsequently elevates urine specific gravity. It is recommended to actively treat the underlying disease—for example, by taking antidiabetic medications such as metformin hydrochloride tablets or acarbose tablets under medical supervision—and to maintain strict dietary control.
3. Acute Glomerulonephritis
Inflammation affecting the glomeruli causes significant damage, impairing kidney function and filtration capacity, which leads to increased urine specific gravity. In such cases, treatment under a physician's guidance with medications such as cyclophosphamide tablets, azathioprine tablets, or cyclosporine soft capsules may be necessary.
II. Low Urine Specific Gravity
1. Excessive Water Intake
Drinking large amounts of water in a short period increases body fluid volume, reducing the concentration of dissolved substances in urine and resulting in decreased urine specific gravity. This condition typically resolves on its own by simply reducing fluid intake.
2. Pyelonephritis
This condition occurs when pathogenic bacteria ascend into the urinary tract. Patients with pyelonephritis may exhibit reduced glomerular filtration rate and impaired tubular reabsorption, leading to low urine specific gravity. For mild cases, oral antibiotics such as amoxicillin capsules or norfloxacin capsules may be prescribed according to medical advice.
3. Chronic Renal Failure
Kidney damage caused by diseases such as nephritis, kidney stones, diabetes, or hypertension may progress to chronic renal failure. Due to decreased urine output, patients may also show reduced urine specific gravity. In such cases, medications such as Bailing capsules, compound α-keto acid tablets, or sodium bicarbonate tablets may be used under medical supervision. In severe cases, kidney transplantation at a hospital may be required.
In addition, high urine specific gravity may also be associated with nephrotic syndrome or heart failure, while low urine specific gravity may relate to diabetes insipidus or uremia. In summary, the clinical significance of high or low urine specific gravity varies. If abnormal urine specific gravity is detected, it should be taken seriously, and timely evaluation at a qualified medical facility is essential.
