Single most likely diagnosis
- Dehydration: This is the most common cause of straw-colored urine, as it results from a concentrated urine output due to insufficient fluid intake or excessive fluid loss.
Other Likely diagnoses
- Normal variation: Some individuals may naturally have a more concentrated urine that appears straw-colored without any underlying pathology.
- Urinary tract infection (UTI): While not all UTIs cause changes in urine color, some may lead to a more concentrated or discolored urine appearance.
Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Sepsis: In cases of severe infection, including sepsis, urine output can become concentrated and discolored, including appearing straw-colored, due to decreased renal perfusion.
- Acute kidney injury (AKI): AKI can lead to a decrease in urine output and concentration, potentially resulting in a straw-colored appearance.
Rare diagnoses
- Gilbert's syndrome: A benign condition that affects the liver's ability to process bilirubin, potentially leading to changes in urine color, although this is more commonly associated with jaundice.
- Hepatic dysfunction: Certain liver diseases can cause changes in urine color due to the accumulation of bilirubin or other substances, though straw-colored urine is not a typical presentation.