What does it mean when there is yellow sediment in urine?

Under normal circumstances, yellow sediment in urine may be caused by insufficient water intake, dietary or medication effects, dehydration, urethritis, or biliary obstruction. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:

1. Insufficient water intake

When the body lacks adequate hydration, urine output decreases accordingly, leading to concentrated urine. Increased solute concentration in concentrated urine may result in yellow sediment. Usually, there are no other obvious symptoms, and special treatment is generally not required.

2. Dietary or medication effects

Consuming large amounts of foods rich in carotene or taking certain medications—such as B-complex vitamins or nitrofurantoin tablets—can introduce pigments that are excreted through the kidneys into the urine, potentially forming yellow sediment. Typically, no other discomfort is present, and symptoms usually resolve spontaneously after discontinuing the food or medication.

3. Dehydration

During dehydration, the body conserves water by reducing urine production, which increases the concentration of waste products and pigments in the urine, sometimes resulting in yellow sediment. This condition is often accompanied by symptoms such as reduced urine output and dizziness. It is recommended to increase fluid intake, especially during hot weather or after physical exertion, to replenish lost fluids.

4. Urethritis

Bacterial invasion and infection of the urinary tract can cause urethritis. When bacteria multiply in the urine and produce inflammatory substances, these may combine with other components in the urine to form yellow sediment. This is usually accompanied by symptoms such as frequent urination and urgency. Treatment under medical guidance with antibiotics such as amoxicillin capsules, clarithromycin capsules, or metronidazole tablets is recommended.

5. Biliary obstruction

Gallstones may cause biliary obstruction, preventing bile from draining normally. This can lead to bilirubin refluxing into the bloodstream and subsequently being excreted by the kidneys into the urine, forming yellow sediment. Symptoms may also include upper abdominal pain and fever. It is recommended to visit a qualified hospital where, according to medical advice, procedures such as cholecystectomy or common bile duct exploration and stone removal may be performed to relieve the obstruction.

In daily life, appropriate physical exercise can be increased to improve overall health.