4. Dark Urine – The Disturbing Hue of CAD
One of the most alarming symptoms of CAD is the appearance of dark, cola-colored urine. This isn’t just a sign of dehydration; it’s an indicator of hemolysis, the destruction of red blood cells. When red blood cells are broken down in large numbers, hemoglobin is released into the blood and eventually makes its way into the urine, giving it a dark color.
This symptom can be startling. It’s not something that can be brushed aside or mistaken for something benign. When someone with CAD sees their urine turn a shade darker than usual, it’s a signal that something is amiss. It’s often a sign that the disease is active and that red blood cells are being destroyed at a rapid pace.
Dark urine can appear suddenly, especially after exposure to cold or stress, which are known triggers for CAD. It serves as a visual alarm, one that cannot be ignored. This change can also be accompanied by back pain, as the kidneys filter the excess hemoglobin. It’s a symptom that demands immediate medical evaluation and often requires intervention to prevent kidney damage.
Monitoring urine color becomes a part of daily life for those with CAD. It’s an easy yet crucial way to keep tabs on the disease’s activity. Any significant change in the hue of urine should prompt a conversation with a healthcare provider. It’s not just about the symptom itself but about what it represents: the ongoing battle within the body against the cold agglutinins that threaten red blood cell survival. (4)
