The most common cause of fat in the urine is Nephrotic Syndrome, a kidney disorder where the filtering units (glomeruli) are damaged. When these filters fail, they allow proteins and fats to leak from the blood into the urine. This often makes the urine appear “milky” or foamy.
Other potential causes include:
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Chyluria: A condition where lymphatic fluid (chyle) leaks into the urinary tract, often due to parasitic infections like filariasis.
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Fat Embolism: Rarely, after a major bone fracture, fat globules from bone marrow can enter the bloodstream and eventually pass into the urine.
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Chronic Kidney Disease: Long-term damage can lead to various substances leaking through the renal system.
Common Symptoms
Aside from a cloudy or milky appearance, you might notice:
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Persistent foamy urine (due to high protein levels).
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Swelling (edema) in the legs, ankles, or around the eyes.
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Weight gain from fluid retention.
