‘I’m peeing dark brown, basically looking like coffee. I think it’s my kidneys. Are there any other symptoms my liver or kidneys show when they are shutting down?’

‘I’m peeing dark brown, basically looking like coffee. I think it’s my kidneys. Are there any other symptoms my liver or kidneys show when they are shutting down?’

Dark-coloured urine can cause panic, leading people to assume the worst. Unreliable information on the internet worsens the situation, and one Quora user shared a similar experience. The post read: ‘I’m peeing dark brown, basically looking like coffee. I think it’s my kidneys. Are there any other symptoms my liver or kidneys show when they are shutting down?’ Seeking an answer, we reached out to Dr Nishchay Bhanuprakash, MD, DM Nephrology & Kidney Transplant, Consultant at KAUVERY Hospital, Marathahalli, who tells indianexpress.com that when the kidneys or liver begin to fail, the symptoms are usually not limited to changes in urine colour alone.

Thus, to assume the worst might be uncalled for. He explains that in kidney dysfunction, people may notice “swelling around the eyes, feet, or ankles, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, or a drop in urine output.” Similarly, when the liver is affected, signs such as “yellowing of the eyes and skin, pale stools, abdominal swelling, and persistent fatigue” are more likely.

“Dark brown urine may point towards blood or waste pigments in the urine; it is important not to assume kidney or liver failure based on colour alone.” The nephrologist clarifies that the proper diagnosis can only be made through clinical evaluation and laboratory tests. But then what’s the reason behind this unusual colouring?

When to worry

According to Dr Bhanuprakash, dark brown or tea-coloured urine can result from a variety of causes, and doesn’t confirm organ shutdown on its own. How to identify if the reason is rooted in the kidneys or the liver? The nephrologist says that one of the most common reasons is the presence of breakdown products of blood or muscle, such as myoglobin, which may indicate kidney involvement.

Liver-related causes often involve elevated bilirubin, a pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells, which spills into the urine when the liver or bile ducts are not functioning correctly. “In simpler terms, kidney-related urine changes are often accompanied by foamy urine, swelling, or reduced urine output, while liver-related causes are usually accompanied by yellowing of the eyes or skin and pale stools.

He cautions that dark urine should be taken seriously if it persists and is accompanied by yellowing of the eyes, swelling, decreased urine output, pain while urinating, or extreme fatigue. “It becomes an emergency when the urine colour changes suddenly, the person notices blood in urine, or if it occurs with severe weakness, confusion, or abdominal swelling. In such cases, prompt medical attention is essential, as early treatment can prevent long-term damage to the kidneys or liver.” Thus, even though dark-coloured urine doesn’t automatically mean that the kidneys are ‘shutting down,’ the symptom shouldn’t be ignored.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.