Why is my Child’s Pee Red? What Parents Should Know About Urine Colors
By Celina D. Cepeda, M.D., Pediatric Nephrologist at Cook Children's Nephrology - Prosper
Your child’s urine colors can range from clear to dark yellow to orange, depending on how hydrated they are. But what about red, brown, green or blue?
Pink or red urine may be due to foods or drinks, such as beets or blackberries, but could also be from blood in the urine. Things like urinary tract infections, trauma, kidney inflammation, stones, malignancy, medications, and urologic problems could be the cause of bloody urine.
Brown urine, like cola-colored, could also mean there is blood present due to kidney inflammation. Liver issues or muscle breakdown from working out excessively could cause brownish urine.
Parents should take their child to the emergency department if there is pink, red, or brown urine associated with pain, edema or high blood pressure.
Different food dyes or medicines can cause blue or green urine. Some types of bacteria that cause urinary tract infections can also turn urine these colors. Rare genetic diseases can also lead to these color findings.
See a doctor if your child’s urine color is concerning. Your child may be referred to a pediatric nephrologist or urologist.
Checklist:
- Is my child taking any medicine that could cause the unusual color?
- Did my child eat something with food dye or coloring?
RELATED:
How to Tell if Your Child is Dehydrated (checkupnewsroom.com)
Get to know Celina Cepeda, M.D.
I am from Brownville, Texas, down in the Rio Grande Valley. When I was in high school, I thought about being a pharmacist to follow in my father's footsteps. However, it wasn't until college – after dissecting a cow's eye - I decided to pursue a medical degree. My sophomore year of college, I applied for and was accepted to the Early Medical School Selection Program from Boston University while at University of the Incarnate Word. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in biology, I attended Boston University School of Medicine. I enjoyed most of my medical school clinic rotations, but during my pediatric rotation in medical school, I felt like I connected well with children and they seemed comfortable around me, so this is when I decided being a pediatrician was for me.
Did I ever think I would be a pediatric nephrologist? Nope. In medical school, the kidneys were one of the more complicated organs to learn about so being a physician working with the kidney system was not on my radar ... until my pediatric nephrology rotation during residency. Being exposed not just to electrolyte issues, but also issues like urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and high blood pressure made me more interested in the field. What I love about this field is the relationships that are built with patients and their families. Unfortunately, kidney problems can be chronic in nature, so I do see patients on a long-term basis; this allows me to build long-lasting, trusting, compassionate connections. Also, being able to get patients with chronic kidney disease and end-stage kidney disease to kidney transplant is very satisfying and such a joyous moment for myself, my patients and their families.
Before joining Cook Children's, I was in private practice and at Medical City Children's Hospital in Dallas for 3 years. I am so happy to join Cook Children's and look forward to taking care of you.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my fur baby – a Chihuahua mix. I also enjoy volunteering at the SPCA of Dallas, working out and lifting weights, traveling, going to comedy shows, and relaxing at home. In addition to English, I speak Spanish.
To make an appointment or consultation with Dr. Cepeda, click here or call 682-303-4200.
