Finding red blood in the urine (hematuria) is a common problem, found in about ten percent of people. While usually it’s minor and doesn’t require treatment, sometimes it is serious. It’s only by having a doctor or healthcare provider completely evaluate the situation that you can know the root of the problem.
Examining the Urinary Tract System
The entire urinary tract must be examined in that the blood has to come from an organ that makes or carries urine. The two kidneys produce urine and filter blood. The ureters are hollow, thin tubes that transport urine to the bladders from the kidneys. The bladder, which is likened to a balloon, is the organ holding urine until it’s convenient to empty it out by urination.
Microscopic Hematuria
Often blood can be in urine but it’s not visible, making the urine appear normal. When blood cells can only be seen through a microscope it’s called microscopic hermaturia. This typically happens when taking a urine test for a physical or for some other reason.
Visible Blood
Visible blood may appear red as well as pinkish or brown as in the color of cola or tea, called gross or frank hematuria. To be visible it takes about one-fifth of a teaspoon in one-half quart of urine.
Reasons for Blood in the Urine
- Strenuous exercise can produce blood in the urine. Sometimes runners get what’s called “joggers hematuria” from jogging by continually jerking the bladder during running, especially from long-distance running or jogging.
- Kidney or bladder stones may be a cause.
- Urinary tract infections are possibilities, besides urinary bleeding.
- Tumors growing inside the urinary tract are another reason for blood in the urine.
- Low platelet count could be a factor.
- Pseudohematuria, the condition caused by eating too many red foods such as berries, beets or rhubarb, could be another reason for finding urine blood. Also, some pain medicines such as aspirin can produce urine that looks pink or reddish.
False Diagnosis
Sometimes women undergo needless hysterectomies because of undiagnosed bleeding. Von Willebrand’s disease, a common female problem, is frequently misdiagnosed. Women with Willebrand’s disease have heavy periods, considered a bleeding disorder.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
If you have one of these symptoms you need to see a doctor as soon as possible.
- Reddish or discolored urine
- Lower back pain on pain in lower sides when urinating
- Inability to urinate
- High fever of more than 100.5 F or shaking chills
- Confusion
- Sudden need to urinate
- Frequent urination
- Pinkish, cloudy urine that smells foul
Treatment
- If you find blood in your urine call your doctor for an examination. Or, if your urine test indicates blood is found, go back in three to four weeks for another test.
- Drink plenty of liquids, especially water (about a quart within each eight-hour period).
- Take prescribed medicines.
Most of all, don't panic. Usually, there's a simple reason that can easily be corrected. Just go for another urine test and do all you can to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally while awaiting the results of a new test.
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