my 3 year old sons urine smells very much like ammonia?

Question

has anyone experienced this or know what it might be? he takes in as much fluid as he always has so i dont think he is dehydrated.

Answer 1

What kind of fluid. I would make sure you have him drink plenty of water over the next 24 hours. If it hasn't changed, he could be getting a urinary tract infection. Also, is it yellow or clear? If it is yellow, he definitly needs to take in more water. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Generally, strong ammonia smells show up in urine for four possible reasons: dehydration, excess intake of acidic foods, heavy exercise, and certain bacterial infections. Dehydration produces very concentrated urine which appears nearly brown, and the smell is noticeable only because of the high concentration. Excess intake of acidic foods can lower the pH of the blood, which triggers an emergency response that quickly excretes ammonia (instead of urea) to quickly return the blood pH to normal levels - the same thing can happen with heavy exercise. Types of foods that can do this are ones with vinegar, citrus fruit, sodas that contain phosphoric acid, etc. With a bacterial infection, certain bacteria obtain energy from urea by converting it to ammonia.

So, if you make sure your son is hydrated and is not eating acidic foods, and the smell should go away. If it doesn't go away in a day or two after doing this, then something is wrong, and its time to see a doctor.

Answer 3

Urine Smells Like Amonia

Answer 4

I'm not a doctor. If I was concerned, I would phone my child's doctor. His fever wasn't very high. We don't get concerned with our two-year-old's temperature unless it's over 100F (37C). Usually, when my urine has a strong odor, or my daughter's does, it's because we have not been drinking enough, especially water. (She is only allowed water, watered down juice, and soy milk. The latter two are only at meals and not much. Usually, if she wants something, it's water and she knows this.) As for what is really going on, I do not know. I'm neither a doctor or a nurse. If you are concerned, phone your doctor or your child's doctor.

Answer 5

If he is well hydrated his urine won't smell like much like ammonia, so if this is a recent experience and it is very strong, I would suggest taking him to the doctor so they can run some tests. Things they will look for?

Kidney infection (minor)
Diabetes (1 or 2) (major)

there are other things too-like if his urine smells like pancake suryp ect....

I think it's time for a checkup.

Good luck!

Answer 6

It is the smell of urea of normal urine. It smells the same as ammonia. Give him more fluid to dilute his urine, and the smell of urea will disappear.

Answer 7

well gee, guess what, as urine breaks down it is supposed to smell like ammonia, that is what it breaks down into. If the smell is stronger than usual, they he is likely not getting enough water...but honestly, urine is supposed to have an ammonia smell.

Answer 8

try giving him cranberry juice. It will lower the acidity of the urine.There are foods that can add to the excretion of nitrogen compounds (ammonia and Urea). These foods would be red meats, or high protein foods.But you should call the Dr, it isn't normal.

Answer 9

Although dehydration can cause this, you say your son isn't dehydrated. Certain foods can do this. It's usually a temporary cndition and I wouldn't worry about unless it becomes chronic.

Answer 10

My son does this too when he doesn't drink enough water. Make sure he drinking plenty of water to keep his kidneys flushed out.