The presence of blood in urine, medically termed hematuria, can be startling to observe. This discoloration is a symptom that always warrants investigation by a healthcare professional, even if it appears to resolve quickly. Hematuria can range from a faint pink tinge to a deep red color. Understanding what you are seeing is the first step toward appropriate medical action, including distinguishing blood from other causes of urine discoloration.
Recognizing the Visual Signs of Hematuria
When blood is visible to the naked eye, the condition is known as gross hematuria. The appearance varies depending on the amount of blood and the location of the bleeding within the urinary tract. Bright red urine typically indicates active or fresh bleeding, often originating from the lower urinary tract, such as the bladder or urethra.
Diluted blood often results in a pinkish hue. Conversely, blood that has been in the urinary tract longer, or is highly concentrated, can present as dark red, brown, or even a cola-like color. This darker appearance is often a result of hemoglobin oxidizing or the blood originating from the upper urinary tract, such as the kidneys.
The volume of blood required to change the urine color is surprisingly small, meaning even a slight pink tinge should be taken seriously. The degree of discoloration also depends on how much water is already in the toilet bowl, diluting the pigment. Visible blood, or gross hematuria, is distinct from microscopic hematuria, where blood cells are only detectable under a microscope.
Small, dark, or stringy clumps of blood, known as blood clots, may be passed during urination. The presence of clots suggests a more significant rate of bleeding and can sometimes cause discomfort or difficulty. Recognizing the specific shade and consistency of the discoloration is helpful information for a medical provider when determining the source of the bleeding.
Non-Blood Related Causes of Red Urine
The sight of red or pink urine does not automatically confirm the presence of blood, as several common substances can mimic hematuria. Certain foods contain natural pigments that are excreted through the kidneys, dramatically changing urine color. Eating a large quantity of beets, for example, can cause a harmless reddish-pink discoloration known as beeturia in some individuals.
The consumption of rhubarb, blackberries, or foods containing strong red artificial dyes can also lead to pinkish or reddish-brown urine. These food-related color changes are generally temporary, resolving within a day or two after the food has been fully metabolized. The discoloration is solely due to the pigment.
Specific medications are also well-known for causing non-blood related changes in urine color. The antibiotic rifampin turns urine a reddish-orange hue. Phenazopyridine, used to relieve urinary tract pain, causes a strong orange-to-red coloration, and some laxatives containing senna can produce a reddish-brown urine color.
While strenuous exercise can sometimes cause temporary, true hematuria, deep yellow or dark brown urine following intense workouts may be due to dehydration or the breakdown of muscle tissue. This process releases myoglobin, a protein that can give the urine a tea- or cola-like color.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Any instance of visible blood in the urine necessitates prompt evaluation by a healthcare provider. Visible hematuria is a symptom of an underlying condition that requires diagnosis, even if the discoloration resolves quickly. A medical professional will perform tests to determine the source of the bleeding and rule out serious underlying causes.
While a scheduled appointment is appropriate for isolated, painless hematuria, certain accompanying symptoms require an urgent visit to the emergency room. Seek immediate medical attention if you are passing large blood clots or experience an inability to urinate, as clots can block the flow of urine. Severe pain in the side, back, or abdomen, along with a fever, chills, or vomiting, also indicates an urgent situation.