Differential Diagnosis for Foamy Urine
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Proteinuria (due to kidney damage or disease): This is the most common cause of foamy urine, as excess protein in the urine can create a foamy appearance. Conditions such as nephrotic syndrome or glomerulonephritis can lead to significant protein loss in the urine.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Dehydration: Concentrated urine can sometimes appear foamy, especially if the individual is not drinking enough fluids.
- Urinary tract infection (UTI): While not the primary cause, some UTIs can lead to changes in urine appearance, including foaminess, due to the presence of bacteria, pus, or other substances.
- Overactive bladder or urinary incontinence: Rapid urine flow or the presence of air in the urine stream can create a foamy appearance.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Nephrotic syndrome: A condition characterized by severe proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and edema. If left untreated, it can lead to significant morbidity and mortality.
- Acute kidney injury (AKI) or acute renal failure: Sudden loss of kidney function can cause changes in urine appearance, including foaminess, and requires immediate medical attention.
- Diabetic nephropathy: A complication of diabetes that can lead to kidney damage and proteinuria, potentially resulting in end-stage renal disease if not properly managed.
- Rare diagnoses
- Amyloidosis: A group of diseases characterized by the deposition of abnormal proteins (amyloid) in various tissues, including the kidneys, which can lead to proteinuria and foamy urine.
- Fabry disease: A rare genetic disorder that can cause kidney damage and proteinuria, among other symptoms.
- Light chain nephropathy: Associated with multiple myeloma, this condition involves the deposition of abnormal light chain proteins in the kidneys, potentially leading to kidney damage and proteinuria.