Duration

The duration of the discoloration of the urine depends on the cause. If a drug is responsible for the dark color of the urine, the urine will normalize as soon as the drug is stopped. If a lack of fluid is the reason for the discoloration, the urine will become lighter again within a few hours after fluid intake.

If an increased concentration of bilirubin is the cause, then it depends on the triggering disease. An inflammation that is treated with antibiotics can last 10-14 days. Gradually the functional disorder of the liver or bile improves and within this period the urine normalizes. However, there are also diseases of the liver and bile that cannot be cured. The dysfunction may persist and the urine remains dark.

Treatment/Therapy

To treat the dark urine, the cause must be eliminated. The treatment depends on the reason for the discoloration of the urine. In the case of simple dehydration, care must be taken to ensure adequate fluid intake.

If there is a severe fluid deficiency, it may be necessary to give fluid via a drip, i.e. an infusion. Since many diseases of the liver lead to an increase in bilirubin, there are specific treatments for each. In general, a healthy lifestyle should be aimed for.

This includes abstaining from alcohol and a balanced diet. Often, liver diseases are treated with special drugs.Antibiotics are used in case of inflammation. In the case of gallstone disease, an attempt is made to remove the stone. This can be done endoscopically, i.e. by means of a mirror image or surgery. In most cases, the gallbladder is completely removed at a later date, as gallstones often recur and cause problems.

Dark urine in the baby

Dark urine in the baby may also indicate a lack of fluid. Usually, babies do not need extra fluids in the first months of life. Breast milk or pre-nutrition is sufficient.

If the baby refuses to drink or has diarrhoea, a fluid deficiency may occur. In addition, less full diapers and more wrinkles on the skin can then become noticeable. Another reason could be neonatal jaundice.

Almost all babies have jaundice after birth and is usually not serious and disappears by itself within a few days. If the jaundice persists longer or gets worse, fever, weakness in drinking and extreme tiredness may be added. There may be a lack of fluid and the bilirubin concentration in the urine is increased. In any case this should be clarified and treated by a pediatrician.