Behind blood in the urine (hematuria) can be many different causes. Often a disease of the bladder or kidneys is the trigger of the complaints. In men, diseases of the prostate are also a possible cause. In some cases, however, traces of blood can also appear in the urine of healthy individuals. If you notice a red coloration of the urine, you should still go to the doctor to be on the safe side. He can rule out the possibility of a serious illness behind your symptoms. Urine: This is what the color means
Causes of blood in the urine
In many cases, a disease of the urinary tract is responsible for the appearance of blood in the urine. This includes diseases of the kidneys and renal pelvis, urinary bladder and ureter and urethra. In addition, other triggers are also possible. The most common causes include:
- Bladder infection
- Urethritis
- Kidney and renal pelvic inflammation
- Bladder or kidney stones
- Tumors
- Injuries to the organs of the urinary system
- Vascular diseases
- Autoimmune diseases
However, behind blood in the urine does not always have to be a disease. Thus, even in healthy people in certain situations – such as after physical exertion – traces of blood in the urine can occur. Similarly, the discomfort can be caused by taking certain medications.
Blood in the urine is not always visible
Basically, a distinction is made between two different forms of blood in the urine: Microhematuria and macrohematuria. In the former, the blood is not visible; it can only be detected by a urine test strip or microscopic examination. In the latter, on the other hand, the urine is red in color and the blood is thus visible at first glance. However, macrohematuria does not mean that large amounts of blood are lost: In fact, as little as half a milliliter of blood is enough to turn the urine red. By the way, red-colored urine does not always have to be an indication of bleeding. Rather, the urine can also be caused by the consumption of certain foods – such as beetroot. Therefore, always consider what you have eaten.
Blood in the urine in women
The causes behind blood in the urine also depend on gender. For example, in women, the symptom can be caused by menstruation. Therefore, pay attention to whether you notice traces of blood in the urine independently of the menstrual period. If, in addition to blood in the urine, intermittent bleeding and abdominal pain occur more frequently, this may indicate endometriosis. This is the growth of endometrium outside the uterus. In women, hematuria is also much more often the result of a bladder infection than in men. If women notice blood in their urine during pregnancy, they should always have this clarified by a doctor. Mostly, however, there is a relatively harmless cause behind the complaints: in addition to a bladder infection, the complaints can also be caused by too much physical exertion.
Blood in the urine in men
In men, blood in the urine often indicates a disease of the prostate. Here, among other things, an inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis), a benign enlargement of the prostate (prostatic hyperplasia) and a pathological expansion of the veins in the prostate (prostatic varices) are possible causes. In addition, hematuria can also indicate prostate cancer. Therefore, just like women, men should always have traces of blood in the urine clarified by a doctor.
Blood in the urine in children
Blood in the urine can have a wide variety of causes in children just as in adults. As a general rule, you should always consult a doctor if you discover traces of blood in your child. An inflammation is often behind the symptoms – such an inflammation should always be taken more seriously in children than in adults. Other possible causes include cystic kidneys – a group of congenital diseases of the kidneys. Although they occur more frequently in adults, they can already become noticeable in childhood. In younger children – especially those between the ages of two and four – Wilms tumor, a malignant tumor of the kidney, can also be the trigger.
To be safe, see a doctor
If you notice blood in your urine, you should always see a doctor to be on the safe side.Because behind a red coloration of the urine can also be serious diseases. The doctor can determine which causes are responsible for the traces of blood and possibly initiate appropriate treatment. First of all, the doctor will try to narrow down the cause of the symptoms by asking specific questions. In doing so, he will ask you questions such as the following:
- When did you first notice that your urine was reddish in color? How often does the discomfort occur? How badly is the urine discolored?
- Do you have any previous illness regarding the urinary system?
- Are you taking certain medications that affect blood clotting?
- Have you been in an accident or injured yourself?
- Do you have pain when you urinate or feel a burning sensation when you urinate?
Other examinations
Afterwards, the doctor may examine the bladder, ureters and kidneys in more detail by performing an ultrasound. He will probably also ask you for a urine sample. This can then be tested for red blood cells, white blood cells, and proteins. An elevated level of white blood cells (leukocytes), for example, indicates a urinary tract infection – but can also occur in the case of serious kidney disease. Depending on the results of the interview, ultrasound and urine sample, further examinations may be necessary. These include an X-ray examination, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, cystoscopy, and a biopsy of the kidney.
Treatment options
The treatments available for blood in the urine always depend on the cause behind the symptoms:
- Cystitis: cystitis, as well as other bacterial urinary tract infections, can be treated by administering antibiotics.
- Kidney inflammation: In the case of kidney inflammation, the symptoms can be relieved by the administration of drugs with cortisone or azathioprine, as these have an immunosuppressive effect.
- Renal pelvic inflammation: similar to cystitis, antibiotics are administered for renal pelvic inflammation. Depending on the severity of the disease may need to be treated in the hospital.
- Kidney or bladder stones: if the stones do not go away on their own, treatment is necessary. In addition to taking alkalizing drugs, shock wave therapy or surgery may be considered.
- Tumors: depending on the type, stage and size of the tumor, various treatments are conceivable. Often, surgery followed by radiation or chemotherapy is necessary.
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