Decoding Hematuria: Understanding Blood in Urine and it's Causes
Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology | November 14, 2023
Anyone who sees blood in their urine feels scared. This is a natural reaction. But finding blood in the urine may not mean you have a lethal disease. If you can see the blood, it's known as gross hematuria. Blood that cannot be seen by the naked eye is known as microscopic hematuria. It's called microscopic because you need a lab microscope to spot the blood.
Nonetheless, it is worrisome to spot blood. If you have seen blood in urine, you must visit a urologist to get a proper diagnosis. Until then, we have mentioned the causes, symptoms, and prevention in this quick post.
1.What is Hematuria?
Hematuria is a medical condition in which you spotblood in urine.
Untreated hematuria leads to a range of problems, which is why people meet with a urologist before taking any medication or treatment. Doctors will help you treat this problem and find the root cause of it.
2.Who can get Hematuria?
You can find blood in female urine as well as blood in male urine. It is alarming for both sexes.
But the causes may be different. For example, a woman may be menstruating, and all she is saying is blood from her period. Whereas a man may have an enlarged prostate, which is causing the bleeding. So, both men and women can get hematuria for several reasons.
3.Hematuria Causes Explained
There could be a number of reasons for seeing blood in the urine.
Causes of blood in urine include the following:
- UTI, or Urinary Tract infection, means you are experiencing an infection in the urinary system.
- Cystitis is when you have an inflamed bladder. This hurts and causes discomfort.
- Urinary stones are when doctors find stones in the kidneys or bladder.
- Pyelonephritis is an infection that reaches the kidney.
- An enlarged prostate could be another reason for seeing blood in the urine. It is a non-cancerous medical condition where your prostate gets larger in size.
- Menstruation is when you find blood in your urine during your period.
- Kidney disease is when your kidneys are damaged due to smoking, genetics, or certain antibiotics.
- An injury near your genitals could also lead to blood in your urine. But this blood may not be coming from inside.
- Being careful outdoors and taking better care of your health can help prevent the hematuria condition.
4.The Symptoms of Hematuria
Now that you know what causes hematuria, it is essential to know the symptoms. This will give you an idea if you should meet a specialist and get a diagnosis.
Symptoms include coloured urine. It may be red, pink, or cola-colored. Blame it on the red blood cells; they change the colour of the urine. It takes a tiny amount of blood to turn your urine red.
The bleeding does not cause pain, but if the urine is passing blood clots, then it may hurt.
When should you meet a specialist?
Hematuria treatment is a necessity. See your healthcare provider when you spot blood or anything uncanny in your urine.
Red urine does not have to come from red blood cells. You already know about the causes and symptoms, so spotting the alarming signs will be easier.
Please note that certain foods may also turn your urine pink or red. Nonetheless, you should speak to a professional and rule out any lethal diseases.
The best urology hospital in Hyderabad can help. Meet a specialist today; they will take away all your fears.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on why your urine changed color. Be sure that you saw blood in your urine because certain foods also change the colour of the urine.
Yes. Prolonged dehydration can lead to blood in the urine.
Beetroot and rhubarb could change the colour of the urine. Be very sure that the change in colour is caused by blood and not by vegetables and fruits.
Back and bladder pain are possible when you have blood in your urine. It will also cause mental stress.
The number of white blood cells considered normal as per medical terms is usually 2-5 WBCs/hpf or less.
There is a test known as urinalysis. The professionals check the sample of your urine to check if there is blood in it.
