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Fatigue and Acidic Urine

Doctors order urine tests to monitor wellness and help diagnose health challenges. One indicator they look for is the urine's pH level. A reading of 7 indicates neutral pH levels. Any reading lower than 7 indicates more acidic urine; any reading over 7 shows that the urine is alkaline. Normal human urine is slightly acidic. If a patient complains of fatigue, among other symptoms, the doctor may obtain a urine test to identify or eliminate possible causes.

  1. Diabetic Ketoacidosis

    • The hormone insulin enables the body to use the energy stored in glucose (blood sugar). Insulin-dependent diabetics become weak and fatigued without insulin shots. Their body begins to burn fat for energy, and ketones--the byproduct of this process--increase acidity in the blood and urine. Continued buildup of ketones leads to ketoacidosis, which can cause coma and death.

    High Blood Pressure and Kidney Disease

    • High blood pressure (hypertension) can cause damage to the kidneys, leading to chronic kidney disease. Symptoms of kidney problems include fatigue, headaches, unexplained weight loss, and low pH levels in urine.

    Chronic Aspirin Overdose

    • Acetylsalicylic acid, better known as aspirin, can lead to health issues in patients who chronically exceed the recommended dose. They may experience fatigue, confusion, slight fever, and rapid breathing. The presence of acetylsalicylic acid also produces low pH readings in the urine.

    Lead Poisoning

    • Lead poisoning in children causes irritability, loss of appetite, and fatigue. It also can produce low pH levels in urine. According to the Mayo Clinic, lead poisoning--though uncommon in adults--can present with similar symptoms. If urine tests suggest lead poisoning, a simple blood test can confirm the diagnosis

    Starvation

    • A diet too low in nutrients can cause adults and children to feel sluggish or fatigued. When tested, they will have abnormally low pH levels in their urine, due to the fact that the body is using its own protein stores to survive.

    Chronic Lung Disease

    • Chronic lung diseases such as emphysema can cause fatigue, weight loss, and constant coughing and wheezing, in addition to low urinary pH.

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