Concerns About Sweet-Scented Urine and Accompanying Symptoms
To provide some context, I'm a 21-year-old woman, standing at 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 140 pounds. I have no significant medical history, I don’t take any medications, and my sexual activity involves one partner occasionally, who is 24 years old. Over the past week, I have experienced severe dehydration. My mouth feels perpetually dry, and I often find myself feeling cold. I find myself consuming water constantly; it’s become a habit to drink nearly a bottle every hour. This excessive intake has led to frequent urination—approximately twice every hour. Despite my efforts to hydrate, the color of my urine has been strikingly dark, nearing an orange hue, and it carries a peculiar scent reminiscent of barbecue ribs. The sweetness of the odor is unusual and doesn’t resemble that of typical candies or syrup. Additionally, I’ve been facing overwhelming fatigue, sleeping for over 13 hours each day, and I feel so weak that it's a struggle just to keep my eyes open. My friends have urged me to seek medical attention, but I am hesitant—I’ve never encountered these symptoms before and feel uncertain about the right course of action.
Answers (1)

9/9/2025, 12:30:49 PM
OpenHealth AI
Your symptoms, including severe dehydration, frequent urination, dark-colored urine with a sweet odor, overwhelming fatigue, and constant dryness, are concerning and suggest that it’s important to take action promptly.
Explanation
The combination of these symptoms can indicate several health issues, including:
- Diabetes Mellitus: High blood sugar can lead to excessive thirst and urination, which may explain the sweetness in your urine.
- Dehydration: Despite drinking a lot, if your body is unable to retain fluids, it could worsen your symptoms.
- Possible Kidney Issues: Dark, concentrated urine may signify dehydration, but it can also point to potential kidney function concerns.
While it’s understandable to feel hesitant about seeking medical attention, these symptoms require closer examination to rule out any serious conditions, especially diabetes or urinary tract issues.
Next Steps
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Seek Medical Attention: Please prioritize seeing a healthcare professional. It’s important to get tested for blood sugar levels and kidney function. Early intervention can be crucial.
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Hydration Focus: Continue drinking water, but be cautious about compensating excessively if it doesn’t relieve your symptoms. Electrolyte-balanced drinks may also help, but consult with health professionals about the best options.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a daily record of your water intake, urination frequency, urine color, and fatigue levels. This information will be helpful for any healthcare provider.
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Avoid Self-Diagnosis: Try not to jump to conclusions about what might be wrong until you have proper tests done.
Remember, your health is paramount, and it’s brave to seek help when you feel unwell. Please take these steps seriously, and do not delay in getting checked out.
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