Blood in urine
Alternative Names
Blood in urine, HematuriaWhat is Blood in urine
Blood in urine is a disorder when bright red blood is in urine or urine becomes reddish or brownish because it has red blood cells in it. It is also called hematuria. The blood comes from somewhere within the urinary tract (the kidneys, bladder or tubes through which urine passes).
Signs and symptoms
The visible symptom of this disorder is pink, red urine. Usually bloody urine occurs without other signs or symptoms.
Possible complications
Occasional abundance of blood cells in urine does not lead to serious complications.
What causes
Blood in urine may appear as a result of:
- Cystitis (a bladder infection)
- A kidney infection
- Kidney stones
- Inflammation of the urethra
- An enlarged prostate gland
- Prostate cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney cancer
Prevention
It is impossible to prevent hematuria. But you can reduce the risk of the diseases that cause it. You should:
- Drink plenty of water
- Limit salt, protein and oxalate-containing foods
- Urinate when you feel the urge
- Wipe from front to back after urination
- Stop smoking, avoid exposure to chemicals
- Maintain a healthy weight
Treatment
Hematuria does not need specific treatment. But in some cases taking antibiotics to clear a urinary tract infection, trying a prescription medication to shrink an enlarged prostate or shock wave therapy to break up bladder or kidney stones can be effective to treat hematuria.
