What causes green urine?

Green urine may be caused by dietary factors, medication effects, urethritis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection, primary biliary cholangitis, and other factors. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Dietary factors: Consuming large amounts of green pigment-rich foods such as sweet potato leaves, spinach, and lettuce may cause urine to turn green when the pigments are excreted in the urine. Generally, reducing intake of these foods will resolve the discoloration, and there is no need for excessive concern.

2. Medication effects: Long-term use of medications such as amitriptyline hydrochloride tablets, triamterene tablets, or methocarbamol tablets as prescribed may lead to green-colored urine. This occurs because the metabolic byproducts of these drugs may turn green when exposed to alkaline urine. The discoloration typically resolves after discontinuation of the medication, and no special treatment is required.

3. Urethritis: This condition may be associated with frequent熬夜 (late-night waking), heavy alcohol consumption, and other factors. When urethritis develops, bacteria may multiply within the urinary tract and produce metabolic substances that can cause abnormal urine color, including greenish tint, often accompanied by symptoms such as frequent urination and urgency. Patients are advised to follow medical guidance and take medications such as roxithromycin tablets, azithromycin capsules, or cefixime capsules for treatment.

4. Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common bacterium. When infection occurs, the bacteria may proliferate locally and produce green pigments, leading to green-tinged urine. Symptoms may also include fever and chills. Patients should follow medical advice and use medications such as ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets, gentamicin sulfate injection, or piperacillin sodium for injection.

5. Primary biliary cholangitis: This may be related to long-term consumption of high-protein or high-fat diets. The disease may lead to bile accumulation, preventing normal bile drainage into the intestines and causing it to backflow into the bloodstream, which may result in green urine. Other symptoms may include jaundice and skin itching. Patients should use medications such as methylprednisolone tablets, thymopentin for injection, or omalizumab alpha for injection under a doctor's supervision to improve symptoms.

In daily life, patients are advised to maintain good personal hygiene habits, such as frequent handwashing, avoiding holding urine, and refraining from consuming spicy and irritating foods like chili peppers and Sichuan pepper, all of which can benefit recovery.