What Are the Causes of an Alkaline Reaction in Urine?

Normal, healthy urine usually is slightly alkaline or acidic. Normal acidic urine results from the consumption of amino acids and proteins. Normal alkaline urine is a result of the consumption of vegetables, legumes and citrus fruit. Alkaline urine can be detected with a test of the pH in the urine. Normal pH levels range from 5.0 to 6.0. Alkaline urine has a pH range from 8.0 to 8.5.

Salicylate Intoxication

• Salicylate intoxication is commonly found in people who have taken too much aspirin or over-the-counter medications which contain salicylates, whether by accident or in an effort to commit suicide.

Urinary Tract Obstruction

• An obstruction can occur anywhere in the urinary tract. The obstruction impedes the flow of urine and is often painful. Pregnancy and enlargement of the prostate are both causes of urinary tract obstruction.

Gastric Outlet Obstruction

• Gastric outlet obstruction can be either benign or malignant. Some of the causes of benign gastric outlet obstruction include caustic ingestion, gallstones, gastric polyps and peptic ulcer disease. The most common cause for the malignant obstruction is cancer, such as pancreatic, gastric and ampullary.