Why is my urine very yellow?
Aug 15, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Guang
Introduction
Gallstones within the gallbladder can block the bile ducts, causing impaired bile excretion. Bilirubin then refluxes into the bloodstream and enters the urine, resulting in dark yellow urine. This condition is often accompanied by symptoms such as right upper quadrant abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Doctors generally recommend treatment with medications such as ursodeoxycholic acid tablets, anti-inflammatory and bile-promoting tablets (e.g., cholagogues), and cefuroxime axetil dispersible tablets. Surgical intervention may be necessary if the stones are large.
Very yellow urine may be caused by dehydration after strenuous exercise, taking B-complex vitamins, pyelonephritis, gallstones, cirrhosis, and other conditions. If abnormalities occur, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Dehydration after strenuous exercise: High-intensity exercise leads to excessive sweating, rapid loss of body fluids, urine concentration, and increased concentration of urochromes, resulting in darker yellow urine. It is recommended to drink water promptly after exercise to prevent dehydration; urine color can gradually return to normal after rest.
2. Taking B-complex vitamin medications: Medications such as riboflavin tablets or B-complex vitamin injections may cause metabolites to be excreted through urine, causing bright yellow urine. If caused by medication, consult a doctor to determine whether dosage adjustment is necessary. Urine color typically returns to normal after discontinuation of the drug.
3. Pyelonephritis: Bacterial infection causes inflammation of the renal pelvis. The urine contains bacteria and inflammatory exudates, resulting in yellowish urine. This is often accompanied by symptoms such as back pain, fever, frequent urination, and urgency. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as cefotaxime sodium for injection, levofloxacin injection, or Sanjin tablets. Adequate water intake is also necessary to promote bacterial elimination.
4. Gallstones: Gallstones in the gallbladder may block the bile duct, causing bile excretion to become obstructed. Bilirubin may reflux into the bloodstream and enter the urine, making the urine appear yellow. This is often accompanied by symptoms such as right upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Doctors typically recommend medications such as ursodeoxycholic acid tablets, anti-inflammatory and bile-promoting tablets, or cefuroxime axetil dispersible tablets. Surgical intervention may be required if the stones are large.
5. Cirrhosis: Fibrosis of liver tissue leads to impaired liver function and abnormal bilirubin metabolism. Increased bilirubin in the urine causes yellow urine, often accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, reduced appetite, abdominal distension, ascites, and jaundice. Doctors may prescribe medications such as entecavir tablets, compound soft liver tablets made from soft-shelled turtle甲, or silybinin tablets.
In daily life, maintain regular water intake, avoid holding urine, pay attention to dietary hygiene, and undergo regular check-ups of the liver, gallbladder, and urinary system. If yellow urine persists or is accompanied by other discomforts, seek timely medical consultation to identify the underlying cause and receive targeted treatment.
