Chyluria is a condition in which a milky fluid that contains fats and lymph from the intestines called "chyle" leaks into your urinary system.
When the chyle leaks into the urinary system, it results in milky white urine.
Chyluria can be caused by issues like parasitic infections, "filariasis", lymphatic malformations, tumors, trauma or even surgery.
Symptoms of chyluria include blood in the urine, pain during urination, frequent urination and cloudy urine.
In some cases chyluria can also lead to malnutrition.
Common causes of chyluria include parasitic infections, cancer, surgery, trauma and lymphatic malformations.
Tumors in your belly can sometimes cause chyluria.
Complications from surgical procedures like kidney transplants and kidney removal can cause chyluria.
Blunt or penetrating trauma to your abdomen or flank can also cause chyluria.
Parasitic infections like filariasis, caused by the parasite Wuchereia bancrofti, is a common cause of chyluria in some parts of the world.
And even pregnancy, congenital abnormalities and certain non parasitic infections can also cause chyluria.
Other symptoms of chyluria include weight loss or fatigue and lower back pain.
To diagnose chyluria, the doctor will use a combination of tests including looking over your medical history, doing physical exams, and tests like MRIs, CT scans and urine tests.
Treatment for chyluria depends on the underlying cause and can include dietary changes, lymphatic embolization or surgery to seal the leak.