Blood in the urine, medically known as hematuria, occurs when red blood cells are present in the urine. This symptom can manifest in two primary ways. Gross hematuria is visible to the naked eye, causing urine to appear pink, red, or brown. Microscopic hematuria, conversely, involves blood cells that are too few to change urine color and are only detectable through laboratory tests under a microscope.
Recognizing When to Get Help
Noticing blood in urine always warrants medical evaluation. Contact a healthcare provider promptly if visible blood is present, even without other symptoms or if it’s a first occurrence. Prompt medical consultation is also advised for microscopic hematuria accompanied by changes in urination habits, signs of infection, or pain in the abdomen, lower back, or flanks.
Certain accompanying symptoms indicate a need for immediate emergency care. Seek emergency help if large blood clots are present, if there is an inability to urinate, or if blood in the urine is combined with severe pain, fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting. Heavy bleeding or significant blood clots can potentially block urine flow from the bladder, which requires urgent intervention.
Understanding Potential Causes
Numerous factors can cause blood in urine, from common conditions to more serious issues. Infections are a frequent cause, particularly urinary tract infections (UTIs) affecting the bladder or kidneys. Bacteria entering the urinary system cause these infections, leading to inflammation and sometimes bleeding.
Kidney or bladder stones are another common cause of hematuria. These hard mineral deposits can form in the kidneys or bladder, causing bleeding, especially if they obstruct urine flow or attempt to pass. An enlarged prostate gland, common in older men, can also pressure the urethra, leading to bleeding. Prostate infections can similarly cause these symptoms.
Kidney diseases, such as glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidney’s filtering units), can result in blood in the urine. Injuries to the urinary tract from trauma, like falls or sports incidents, are potential sources of bleeding. Certain medications, including blood thinners, pain relievers, or antibiotics, can contribute to hematuria. Less commonly, cancers of the bladder, kidney, or prostate can manifest with visible blood in the urine, sometimes as a later symptom.
How Medical Professionals Investigate
Medical professionals employ a systematic approach to identify the cause of blood in the urine. The process typically begins with a detailed review of the patient’s medical history and a physical examination. This helps gather information about potential risk factors and accompanying symptoms.
Urine tests are foundational for diagnosis. A urinalysis confirms the presence of blood and can also detect signs of infection or abnormal cells. A urine culture may be performed to check for bacterial infections. In some cases, blood tests are conducted to assess kidney function or to look for other systemic conditions.
Imaging studies provide visual information about the urinary system. These can include ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the kidneys, bladder, and ureters to identify stones, tumors, or structural abnormalities. For a more direct view, a cystoscopy might be performed, where a thin tube with a camera is inserted through the urethra to examine the bladder and urethra.
General Treatment Options
Treatment for blood in the urine is not a single approach; it depends entirely on the specific underlying cause identified by medical professionals. Interventions target the condition causing the bleeding.
For infections like urinary tract infections, antibiotics are prescribed to eliminate the bacteria. If kidney stones are the cause, treatment might involve encouraging the passage of smaller stones through increased fluid intake or using procedures like extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) to break larger stones. In some instances, surgical removal of stones may be necessary.
When an enlarged prostate is the reason for hematuria, medications may be prescribed to shrink the prostate or improve urine flow. Surgical options might also be considered. If a more serious condition, such as cancer, is diagnosed, treatment plans are tailored to the type and stage of cancer, often involving surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.