Discovering blood in your urine can be alarming, and it is crucial to seek medical advice if this occurs.
Despite the initial fear it may cause, blood in the urine is not typically indicative of a life-threatening condition. Medically referred to as haematuria, it can be a sign of various underlying issues within the urinary tract.
Common symptoms of blood in urine
Haematuria can present in two forms:
- Macroscopic (visible) haematuria: Blood in the urine is visible to the naked eye, making the urine appear pink, red, or brownish. This can be alarming and should prompt immediate medical evaluation.
- Microscopic (non-visible) haematuria: Blood in the urine is not visible to the naked eye and can only be detected through laboratory testing. This type often goes unnoticed without a urine test.
Other common symptoms that may accompany haematuria include:
- Discoloured urine: Apart from red or brown hues, urine may also appear tea-coloured.
- Pain during urination: A burning sensation or pain can occur, especially if an underlying infection exists.
- Frequent urination: An increased urge to urinate, often with little output.
- Lower abdominal pain: Discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area.
Severe symptoms or complications
In some cases, haematuria can be accompanied by more severe symptoms or complications, such as:
- Blood clots in urine: Heavy bleeding can result in the formation of blood clots, which can block the flow of urine and cause significant pain and difficulty in urination.
- Persistent pain: Severe and persistent pain in the back, sides, or lower abdomen, which may indicate kidney stones or other serious conditions.
- Fever and chills: These symptoms may indicate a urinary tract infection or kidney infection, requiring prompt medical treatment.
- Inability to urinate: A complete blockage by a blood clot or stone can prevent urination entirely, which is a medical emergency.
What causes blood in urine?
Blood in the urine can originate from any part of the urinary tract, including the kidneys, bladder, ureters (tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder), or the urethra (the tube through which urine exits the body). Common causes include:
Infections
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Bacterial infections can cause inflammation and bleeding in the urinary tract. Symptoms include pain during urination, frequent urination, and cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
- Kidney Infections (Pyelonephritis): These are severe UTIs that travel to the kidneys, causing back pain, fever, and chills alongside haematuria.
Stones
- Kidney Stones: Hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys can cause significant pain and bleeding as they move through the urinary tract.
- Bladder Stones: Stones that form in the bladder can also cause haematuria, especially if they irritate the bladder wall.
Tumours
- Bladder Cancer: A serious condition that can present with blood in the urine. Other symptoms may include frequent urination and pelvic pain.
- Kidney Cancer: This can cause blood in the urine as well as persistent back pain and unexplained weight loss.
Other causes
- Painful Bladder Syndrome (Interstitial Cystitis): A chronic condition causing bladder pain and pressure, often accompanied by haematuria.
- Enlarged Prostate (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia): In men, an enlarged prostate can press on the bladder and urethra, leading to haematuria and urinary symptoms.
- Diet and Medications: Certain foods, like beetroot, berries, and rhubarb, and medications like nitrofurantoin and rifampicin, can discolour urine and mimic haematuria.
Treatments for blood in urine
The treatment for haematuria depends on the underlying cause:
Infections
Prescribed to treat bacterial infections of the urinary tract. Completing the full course of antibiotics is crucial to ensure the infection is fully eradicated.
Stones
- Pain Relief: Medications may be given to manage pain while the stones pass naturally.
- Increased Fluid Intake: Drinking plenty of water can help pass stones more quickly.
- Medical Procedures: In some cases, procedures such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) or ureteroscopy may be needed to break up or remove stones.
Tumours
- Surgery: Depending on the type and stage of the tumour, surgery may be required to remove cancerous growths.
- Chemotherapy: This may be used to target cancer cells, often in conjunction with other treatments.
- Radiation Therapy: Used to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumours.
Painful Bladder Syndrome
- Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers, and other medications can help manage symptoms.
- Bladder Instillations: Directly delivering medications into the bladder.
- Lifestyle Changes: Dietary modifications and stress management techniques can also be beneficial.
Can blood in urine be prevented?
Preventive measures to reduce the risk of haematuria include:
- Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids helps dilute urine and flush out potential irritants and bacteria.
- Personal Hygiene: Good hygiene practices can reduce the risk of infections.
- Healthy Diet: Avoiding foods and substances that can irritate the bladder, such as caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods.
- Regular Check-ups: Routine medical check-ups can help detect and address potential issues early.