This is a condition in which blood appears in the urine and it is called hematuria. While sometimes the cause is harmless, it may indicate serious diseases. Sometimes, it is not possible to see blood in the urine (gross hematuria). If the blood cannot be seen with the naked eye it is known as microscopic hematuria. It is not possible to see the blood in the urine because it is a too small amount. Thus, it may be identified under a microscope or a laboratory test only. In any case, it is important to find the cause and get treatment for the bleeding.
Symptoms
If you notice urine color changes such as pink, red, or cola-colored, it indicates blood in the urine. The urine color changes due to red blood cells. Furthermore, only a small amount of blood is enough to change the urine color to red.
In most cases, hematuria occurs without pain but if blood clots pass in the urine, you may experience pain.
It is advised to visit a doctor if your urine looks like it may have blood in it. However, red-colored urine does not happen every time due to red blood cells. There are certain medications that may cause red urine (such as Phenazopyridine). Moreover, beets and rhubarb may also turn the urine into red color. That’s why you should get a checkup.
Causes
Hematuria usually occurs when the kidneys or other urinary tract parts let the blood leak into the urine. Check below some health problems that may cause this condition:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) – These conditions appear when bacteria enter the urethra (a tube through which the urine leaves the body). Thereafter, bacteria begin to multiply in the bladder. People with UTIs may notice urine color changes as well as frequent urination that often lasts a long period. Some people may also experience burning and pain during urination.
- Kidney infection – Commonly, kidney infections happen when bacteria enter the kidneys from the bloodstream. This type of infection is called pyelonephritis. However, kidney infections may occur due to bacteria that go from tubes that connect the bladder with the kidneys.
- Bladder or kidney stones – In some cases, the minerals in the urine may form crystals on the kidneys or bladder walls. When these crystals are too much they form small and hard stones. Usually, these stones do not cause pain and hurt when cause a blockage or leave the body through the urethra.
- Enlarged prostate gland – The prostate is a gland located below the bladder. It also surrounds the top part of the urethra. When this gland becomes enlarged it may put extra pressure on the urethra, which may block the urine flow. The most common symptoms of an enlarged prostate or (prostatitis) include frequent urge to urinate, urinating problems, or blood in the urine.
- Kidney disease – Commonly, when blood in the urine can be seen only in the laboratory test, it is a symptom of a kidney disease known as glomerulonephritis. In people with this condition, the kidney filters that remove waste and toxins from the blood become inflamed. Sometimes, this kidney disease may be a part of a health condition that negatively affects the entire body (such as diabetes).
- Cancer – If blood in the urine can be seen easily with the naked eye, it may indicate an advanced stage of bladder, prostate, or kidney cancer.
Check below other causes:
Inherited Diseases
There is a health condition that impacts red blood cells and is known as sickle cell anemia. Thus, it may cause blood in the urine. However, it is not possible to see blood cells or they are too small to see. Another condition that may lead to hematuria is Alport syndrome. People with this syndrome experience damage to the small blood vessels in the kidneys.
Kidney Injury
Injuries to kidneys such as from an accident or contact sports may lead to hematuria.
Some Medications
People who use medicines for cancer (such as Cyclophosphamide), antibiotics (such as Penicillin), blood clot medicines (such as Heparin), and pain relievers (such as Aspirin) may notice urine color changes.
Hard Exercise
Hematuria may also occur after playing contact sports (such as football), long-distance sports (such as marathon running), and others. However, when this condition occurs due to hard exercise, it goes away on its own.
In any case, not every time it is possible to determine the exact cause of hematuria.
Risk Factors
There are some risk factors that increase the risk of developing hematuria. For example:
- Age – Older and middle-aged people are more prone to develop hematuria due to an enlarged prostate gland. However, the risk of certain cancers that may cause blood in the urine increases significantly after 50 years old.
- Urinary tract infections – This is one of the most common causes of hematuria in children.
- Family history – You are at higher risk of getting hematuria if you have a family history of kidney disease.
- People who exercise hard (such as marathon runners and those who play contact sports) are at increased risk of developing hematuria.
Diagnosis
The following tests and examinations are used to diagnose hematuria. For example:
- Physical examination includes questions asked by your doctor about symptoms and medical history.
- Urine tests – These tests are often used to check for urinary tract infections, minerals in the urine that may form kidney stones, and blood in the urine. Moreover, a urine test may be used after weeks or months to check whether the urine has blood.
- Imaging tests – Physicians perform these tests to find the exact cause of hematuria. They usually perform a CT (computerized tomography) or an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan. Sometimes, an ultrasound examination is needed.
- Cystoscopy – This test uses a small tube with a camera at the end that is inserted into the bladder to check for irregularities.
Treatment
Doctors usually prescribe different treatments for people with hematuria because it depends on several factors. These include the severity and cause of the blood in the urine, existing health problems, and others. Check some treatment methods usually recommended by doctors:
- Antibiotics (prescribed by doctors to treat urinary tract infections)
- Specific medicines that help shrink an enlarged prostate gland
- Treatments with sound waves to break kidney or bladder stones
However, not every time hematuria occurs it requires treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary cause of hematuria?
In most cases, blood in the urine occurs due to an underlying condition but may include other causes. Examples include urinary tract infections, urological anatomical abnormalities, family history of kidney disease, and certain genetic disorders.
What are the main hematuria symptoms?
- Side or back pain
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Chills
- Urinating problems
- Sudden urge to urinate
- Lower belly (abdominal) pain
Do not hesitate to visit a doctor if any of the previous symptoms occur.
What are the possible complications of hematuria?
People with hematuria may also experience some complications, especially if they do not get treatment. Examples include:
- Vascular obstruction
- Painful urination (often caused by blood clots in the urine)
- Urinary tract blockage
This article does not contain a complete list of complications, for more details, consult with your healthcare professional. If you have any other questions, ask your healthcare professional.
