Chyluria is a situation characterized by the presence of lymph in the urine, which is a liquid that circulates within vessels, including the lymphatic vessels of the intestine and which, due to rupture, are released and reach the urinary system, being released into the urine, which leaves it whitish and milky in appearance.
Chyluria is most often the result of infectious diseases, mainly related to infection by Wuchereria bancrofti , which is a parasite responsible for filariasis, but can also be due to fetal malformations involving the lymphatic system or due to tumors, for example.
The treatment for chyluria varies according to the cause, but in all cases nutritional monitoring is necessary, as it is essential to adapt the diet in order to prevent and decrease the loss of nutrients.
Signs and symptoms of chyluria
The main characteristic of kiluria is white and milky urine, which may be slightly cloudy. In addition, in some cases the presence of blood in the urine, pain when urinating and lumbar discomfort may also be verified, although the relationship between the latter symptom and churia is not yet known, as well as symptoms related to protein loss, such as muscle weakness and weight loss, for example.
In addition to changes related to the change in urine, signs and symptoms related to the cause of churia may appear. Thus, if chyluria is a consequence of filariasis caused by Wuchereria bancrofti , there may be fever, enlarged lymph nodes, muscle pain and weakness, for example. Know how to recognize the symptoms of filariasis.
Main causes
Chyluria is mainly associated with infection by Wuchereria bancrofti , however other situations can result in the passage of lymph from the vessels of the intestine to the kidneys and, consequently, be released into the urine, such as:
- Chronic inflammatory diseases; Abdominal injuries; Fetal malformations involving the lymphatic system; Neoplasms.
The diagnosis of chyluria is made basically through the evaluation of urine through the examination of common urine, the EAS, in which the milky aspect is verified, deposition of a fat layer, in some cases, and the presence of lymphocytes and proteins in the urine., in addition to red blood cells. The doctor may also request a 24-hour urinalysis to be able to assess the amount of protein lost in the urine and, thus, verify the extent of churia.
It is also important to identify the cause of chyluria, being indicated for this purpose the performance of imaging exams, such as X-rays, computed tomography and ultrasound, as this way it is possible to check if there are any changes and, if so, to start the most appropriate treatment..
Although the presence of fat in the urine is quite evident in churia, it is not a diagnostic factor, as there are other diseases in which there may be fat in the urine. Therefore, confirmation and differentiation of chyluria for other diseases is by checking large amounts of lymphocytes. Know other causes of urine fat.
Treatment for Chururia
The treatment for chyluria varies according to its cause, but in all cases it is recommended that the person follow a diet low in lipids, rich in proteins and with plenty of fluids, so that it is possible to keep the patient nourished. It is important that the diet is recommended by the nutritionist, who should make adjustments according to the patient's evolution.
