What Causes Pink Urine?
If you experience pink urine for more than a few days, see a doctor immediately, especially if it is coupled with other painful symptoms. Listed below are several common causes of pink urine.
Causes of Pink Urine
Cause 1#: Hematuria. Hematuria basically means blood is mixing with the urine, which causes it to turn pink. It normally is not a serious issue-the pink color usually indicates the bleeding is very light-but if it is accompanied by pain in the stomach or bladder, there may be an infection present. It may also indicate kidney or bladder stones are present, and in rare instances, cancer.
Cause 2#: Laxatives. Certain types of over-the-counter (OTC) laxatives can cause urine to turn pink or red, such as Ex-lax. Laxatives are notoriously unsafe, and you're better off drinking Metamucil than using Ex-lax for quick relief.
Cause 3#: Antipsychotics. Drugs, such as chlorpromazine or thioridazine, can cause urine to turn a deep pink or red. It is not dangerous, but if it really concerns you, ask your doctor to switch you to a different medication.
Cause 4#: Lead or mercury poisoning. According to the Mayo Clinic, lead or mercury poisoning causes your body to excrete more porphyrins, the substance that gives red blood cells its characteristic dark red color. This mixes in with the urine, causing it to turn pink. If you suspect you have poisoning of any kind, get medical help immediately-poisoning can be fatal if left untreated.
Cause 5#: Food. Candies and processed food tinted with a bright food coloring sometimes mixes in with urine, which causes it to turn bright pink. To stop it, cut off the source-lay off the candy if it really concerns you.
For more information about the causes of pink urine, visit the Mayo Clinic's website.
Sources:
Mayo Clinic Staff, "Urine Color: Causes" (MayoClinic.com)
Published by Ann Olson - Featured Contributor in Health & Wellness
When I'm not lifting 200 lbs. off the ground with my bare hands, I moonlight as a freelance reporter and diet consultant. What I do: I write regular diet and exercise-oriented columns for Yahoo! Sports, Yah... View profile
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- Pink urine is also caused by urinary tract infections (UTI's).
- Excessive exercise can also cause irritating, causing blood to mix in with the urine.
- If it continues for more than a couple of days, see a doctor.