Seeing blood in your urine can be alarming. While it is not always caused by a serious medical condition, it should never be ignored. Blood in the urine, medically known as haematuria, may be visible to the naked eye or detected only during a laboratory test.
Health experts say identifying the underlying cause early is important because haematuria can sometimes be a sign of kidney disease, infection, or other conditions that require prompt treatment.
What Is Haematuria?
Haematuria occurs when red blood cells are present in the urine.
There are two main types:
- Gross haematuria: Blood is visible, causing the urine to appear pink, red, or brown.
- Microscopic haematuria: Blood is not visible and is only detected during a urine test.
Both types should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Common Causes
Blood in the urine can result from a variety of conditions, including:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Kidney stones.
- Kidney disease.
- Bladder infections.
- Enlarged prostate in men.
- Vigorous exercise.
- Certain medications, such as blood thinners.
- Injury to the kidneys or urinary tract.
- Cancers of the kidney, bladder, or urinary tract, particularly in older adults.
In some cases, no clear cause is found.
Other Symptoms That May Occur
Depending on the underlying cause, blood in the urine may be accompanied by:
- Pain or burning during urination.
- Frequent urination.
- Lower abdominal pain.
- Severe pain in the side or back.
- Fever or chills.
- Difficulty passing urine.
- Swelling of the legs or feet.
The combination of symptoms often helps guide the diagnosis.
Who Is Most at Risk?
The risk of haematuria may be higher in people who:
- Have kidney stones.
- Experience recurrent urinary tract infections.
- Have kidney disease.
- Have an enlarged prostate.
- Smoke.
- Have a family history of kidney disease.
- Are over the age of 50.
How Is Blood in the Urine Diagnosed?
A healthcare provider may recommend:
- A urine test.
- Blood tests to assess kidney function.
- Urine culture if infection is suspected.
- Ultrasound or CT scan.
- Cystoscopy, a procedure that allows a doctor to examine the bladder using a thin camera, in selected cases.
The choice of tests depends on the person’s age, symptoms, and medical history.
Treatment
Treatment focuses on the underlying cause.
Examples include:
- Antibiotics for urinary tract infections.
- Medications to manage kidney disease or an enlarged prostate.
- Treatment to remove kidney stones if necessary.
- Specialist care if cancer or another serious condition is detected.
Treating the cause usually resolves the bleeding.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Seek medical attention immediately if you:
- Notice visible blood in your urine.
- Have blood in your urine along with fever or chills.
- Experience severe back or side pain.
- Have difficulty passing urine.
- Pass blood clots in your urine.
Even if the bleeding occurs only once, it should still be evaluated.
Can Blood in the Urine Be Prevented?
Although not all causes can be prevented, you can reduce your risk by:
- Drinking enough water.
- Treating urinary infections promptly.
- Managing diabetes and high blood pressure.
- Avoiding smoking.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
The Bottom Line
Blood in the urine is a symptom that should never be ignored. While it may be caused by infections, kidney stones, or minor injuries, it can also signal more serious conditions such as kidney disease or cancer. Early medical evaluation is essential to determine the cause and begin appropriate treatment.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Anyone who notices blood in their urine should consult a qualified healthcare professional promptly for proper evaluation and treatment
