What does it mean if urine is green?

Normal urine is generally clear and transparent. Green-colored urine may occur when there is proliferation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while light green urine is commonly seen after taking large amounts of anti-inflammatory medications. In general, green urine may be related to factors such as diet, urethritis, cholangitis, or cholestatic jaundice. Patients can receive symptomatic treatment based on the specific underlying cause. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Dietary Influence

If one regularly consumes foods high in green pigments—such as processed foods containing artificial coloring—it may lead to green-colored urine. This condition typically does not require special treatment and can be corrected by adjusting the diet.

2. Medication Effects

Taking large amounts of antibiotics in daily life may result in greenish urine due to metabolic processes. This is a normal phenomenon and usually resolves spontaneously after discontinuation of the medication.

3. Urethritis

Green urine may indicate an infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, leading to urethritis. The presence of Pseudomonas bacteria in the urine can turn its color light green or yellow-green. Anti-inflammatory treatments such as Sanjin tablets or Lysimachiae Herba granules may be used under medical supervision.

4. Cholangitis

In patients with cholangitis, bile stasis within the bile ducts may occur. Some bilirubin is metabolized and excreted through urine. Over time, bilirubin in stored urine may convert into biliverdin, causing the urine to appear dark green or brownish-green. Treatment may include medications such as cholestyramine tablets or Hepatone tablets, as directed by a physician.

5. Cholestatic Jaundice

Cholestatic jaundice is a type of jaundice caused by obstruction of the biliary system or impaired bilirubin metabolism. Bile, produced by the liver, contains bilirubin. Normally, bilirubin travels through the biliary tract into the intestines for elimination. However, when the biliary system is obstructed or bilirubin metabolism is disrupted, bilirubin may accumulate in the body—including in the urine. In such cases, elevated bilirubin levels in urine may cause it to appear green. Treatment options include ursodeoxycholic acid tablets or phenobarbital tablets, used under a doctor's guidance.

If green-colored urine occurs, it is essential to promptly visit a qualified medical institution for comprehensive evaluation, accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause, and timely treatment.