Why is my urine reddish-brown without pain or itching, and what should I do?

Generally, red-brown urine without pain or itching may be caused by consumption of certain foods or medications, insufficient water intake, strenuous exercise, urinary tract infections, chronic nephritis, or other factors. General treatments or medication therapy may be adopted to improve the condition. Prompt medical attention and treatment as directed by a physician are recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Consumption of Specific Foods or Medications

Consuming foods rich in red pigments, such as red-fleshed dragon fruit and beets, or taking medications containing rifampin or rhubarb may result in pigment excretion through urine after metabolism, causing the urine to appear red-brown. Typically, the urine color gradually returns to normal after discontinuation of the relevant foods or medications.

2. Insufficient Water Intake

When the body is dehydrated, the kidneys reabsorb urine, leading to urine concentration and a relatively higher concentration of metabolic waste products, which may cause the urine to turn red-brown without other discomfort. It is recommended to increase water intake, such as drinking more plain boiled water or mineral water, which usually helps the urine color return to normal.

3. Strenuous Exercise

After prolonged strenuous exercise, rhabdomyolysis may occur, causing myoglobin to be released into the bloodstream. After metabolism, it is excreted through urine, which may cause red-brown urine without pain or itching. It is recommended to stop strenuous exercise immediately, rest adequately, and increase fluid intake appropriately to promote myoglobin excretion.

4. Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract obstruction, urinary system malformations, and other factors may lead to mild cystitis, urethritis, or other urinary tract inflammations. Inflammatory irritation may cause slight mucosal bleeding, with blood mixing into the urine and causing discoloration. At this stage, there may not yet be significant discomfort such as pain or itching. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as cefadroxil granules, amoxicillin granules, or erythromycin tablets for treatment.

5. Chronic Nephritis

Genetic factors, unhealthy lifestyle habits, and other factors may affect kidney filtration function, leading to chronic nephritis and leakage of red blood cells into the urine, causing hematuria that appears red-brown. In the early stages, typical accompanying symptoms such as pain or itching may not be present. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as furosemide tablets, benazepril hydrochloride tablets, or piperazine ferulate tablets for treatment.

In daily life, maintain a light diet, eat more vegetables and fruits, and avoid excessive intake of spicy and irritating foods.