An unusual color of urine in a child always alarms parents. Is it worth worrying if it turns pink and why might this happen?
In a newborn
Immediately after childbirth, the child may excrete urine of a red hue, which is given to her by urates in large quantities. This is due to the minimum intake of water in the newborn's body, since there is very little of it in colostrum. However, literally two or three days later, the shade brightens and becomes pink. Such urine of a newborn can be normal until the 10th day of life, after which it becomes almost colorless or light yellow.
In older children
Parents can become very anxious when they notice pink spots in a diaper, but the reason for such spots is often the reaction of the material responsible for absorbing liquid. When such an absorber comes into contact with baby's urine, pink spots may appear. Nevertheless, for complete reassurance, parents should collect the child's urine in a separate container and evaluate its real shade. If it turns out to be pink, you should see a doctor.
Possible reasons
A change in color from light yellow to pink can be influenced by various factors, among which the most common are the use of certain foods and drugs, injuries and various diseases of the excretory system.
Nutrition
The urine may turn pink if the child has eaten:
- Blackberry;
- Beets;
- Blueberries;
- Cherry;
- Rhubarb;
- Black currant;
- Sweets with red dye.
Due to the pigments in these products, the urine will be pink but clear.
Possible diseases
Pink urine can be one of the symptoms:
- Cystitis;
- Vasculitis;
- Pyelo- and glomerulonephritis;
- Injuries to the organs of the excretory system;
- Urolithiasis;
- Cancer processes in the excretory system.
All of these diseases make it possible for erythrocytes to enter the child's urine (hematuria). Coagulation disorders, viral infections and hemorrhagic diathesis also lead to such a hit.
Many drugs, for example, drugs of the salicylate group, ibuprofen, rifampicin and others, can also cause a pink tint.
What to do?
- Since the causes of the appearance of a pink tint can be not harmless, you should contact your pediatrician. The doctor will prescribe urine tests, as well as an ultrasound of the organs of the excretory system.
- If you determine that the pink color is a consequence of the use of "coloring" foods, exclude them from the children's diet. If your urine turns yellow again, you were right and you don't need to do anything else.
- If the pink tint is the result of dehydration, you should give the baby enough liquid.
