this is a medical question. What makes urine smell musty?

Question

What makes urine smell musty?

Are there certain medications that cause urine to smell musty?

Answer 1

i believe it's the amonia in it

Answer 2

Urine can change it's smell because of what you eat.
Onions and garlic are common examples.
There is a class of chemical compounds called mercaptans. They are found in veggies like broccoli and asparagus, These can change the odor of your urine.
Infection with E. coli can give your urine a slightly sweet 'grape juice' odor. Other infections can make urine smell rank and 'fishy'.
Decomposing amonia compounds also make urine smell musty, especially if you have urine stains on your clothing.
There are also many drugs that can alter the smell of urine and the color as well.
There are medical conditions like diabetes, phenylketonuria and porphyrria which can alter the smell of fresh urine, to name a few.

Answer 3

It's a symptom of liver disease or of phenylketonuria, a rare, inherited metabolic disease

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/urine-odor/AN00958

Some medications can cause an unusual smell in urine, but mustiness should be investigated by your doctor.

Answer 4

A presence of bacteria, probably if you havent been drinking enough water, that has accumulated in your bladder.

Answer 5

impurities