Urine Reaction (pH)
Urine reaction, or its acidity (pH), is an important indicator reflecting the acid-base balance of the body and the condition of the urinary system.
Normally, urine pH ranges from 4.5 to 8.0, most often between 5.5 and 7.0, corresponding to a slightly acidic or neutral reaction.
The pH value depends on several factors, including diet, metabolism, presence of diseases, and medication intake:
- Diet: meat-based foods promote urine acidification (lower pH), while plant-based foods promote alkalization (higher pH).
- Urinary tract infections: bacteria, especially Proteus and Pseudomonas species, can raise pH, causing an alkaline reaction.
- Metabolic conditions: diabetes, acidosis, fasting, and other states can lower pH, making urine more acidic.
Deviations of urine pH from normal have important diagnostic significance:
- Acidic urine (pH below 5.5): increases the risk of forming urate and cystine kidney stones.
- Alkaline urine (pH above 7.0): promotes the formation of phosphate stones and may indicate infections or metabolic disorders.
Measuring urine pH is used to assess the risk of urolithiasis and monitor treatment effectiveness, as well as to help identify metabolic disorders and infectious processes.