Causes of Blood in Urine (Hematuria) | Symptoms and Treatment

Noticing blood in your urine can be a frightening and concerning experience. Whether it’s a faint pinkish tinge or a more visible reddish hue, the presence of blood in your urine, known as hematuria, is a symptom that should never be ignored. While some causes of blood in urine can by something as simple as strenuous exercise or a minor injury, hematuria can also signal an underlying medical condition that requires prompt attention.

Rest assured, many cases of hematuria are treatable, and we’ll discuss the various diagnostic tests and treatment options available to address the root cause and alleviate your concerns. By understanding hematuria and taking proactive steps, you can safeguard your urinary health and well-being.

What Is Blood in Urine (Hematuria)?

Blood in urine, medically known as hematuria, is a condition where blood cells are present in the urine, giving it a pink, red, or cola-like color. It can be caused by a variety of factors including infections, kidney stones, trauma, or more serious conditions like cancer.

Hematuria can be classified as either gross, where the blood is visible to the naked eye, or microscopic, where the blood is only detectable under a microscope. While it can be a sign of a serious health issue, sometimes the cause is benign and easily treatable. Diagnosis typically involves urine tests, imaging studies, and sometimes cystoscopy to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be the culprit behind blood in the urine (hematuria). So, when bacteria invade the urinary tract, they irritate and inflame the lining of the urethra, bladder, or even kidneys. Thus, this inflammation can cause tiny tears or breaks in the lining, allowing blood cells to leak into the urine. As a result, you might notice pink, red, or even brown discoloration in your urine.

Kidney infections, also called pyelonephritis, can cause blood in the urine. This happens when bacteria travel up from the bladder to the kidneys. The infection makes the kidneys swell and get inflamed. This damages the tiny filters inside the kidneys. When these filters are hurt, blood can leak out into the urine, making it look red, pink, or brown like cola.

Bladder or kidney stones can cause irritation and scratching of the urinary tract as they move or get stuck. This irritation can cause tiny tears or scratches. These tears are usually small, but they can let blood cells into the urine, making it look red or pink. The amount of blood you see can depend on the size and location of the stone.

It’s important to clarify that menstruation itself doesn’t directly cause blood in the urine (hematuria). During your period, blood comes out of your uterus and leaves your body through your vagina. However, sometimes some menstrual blood might mix with your urine, making it look like there is blood in your urine. This is more likely to happen if you have a heavy period or don’t clean yourself properly before going to the bathroom. To make sure that urine tests are accurate, healthcare providers might ask you to collect a urine sample specially. This involves collecting urine after some initial flow has cleared the urethra of any blood that might be mixed with it.

An enlarged prostate (also called BPH) can cause blood in the urine. This happens because the enlarged prostate puts pressure on the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine out of the body. This pressure makes it hard to pee, so the bladder muscles have to work really hard to push the urine out. This extra effort can irritate and inflame the lining of the urethra and bladder, sometimes causing small cuts or damaging tiny blood vessels. When this happens, blood can leak into the urine, making it look red or pink.

Cancer in the urinary system can cause blood in the urine. This happens because cancer grows in the bladder, kidneys, or ureters and damages the surrounding tissues. This damage can weaken blood vessels and cause them to break, leading to bleeding in the urine. Additionally, cancerous tumors have many blood vessels that can easily break, also contributing to blood in the urine.

Certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can be one of the causes of blood in the urine (hematuria) by wreaking havoc on the urinary tract. When bacteria like those causing chlamydia or gonorrhea invade the urethra, the tube carrying urine from the bladder, they triggers inflammation and irritation.

This inflammation can damage the delicate lining of the urethra, leading to tiny tears or breaks. These breaks, in turn, allow blood cells to leak into the urine, causing you to notice reddish or pinkish tinges. In severe cases, the infection can even spread to the bladder or kidneys, further increasing the risk of bleeding and other complications.

Medications can trigger blood in the urine (hematuria) through various mechanisms. Certain medications, like anticoagulants (blood thinners), can make your blood less likely to clot. While this is beneficial for preventing blood clots, it can also increase your risk of minor bleeding anywhere in the body, including the urinary tract. Other medications, like antibiotics and some pain relievers, can irritate or inflame the lining of the bladder or kidneys. Thus, this irritation can lead to microscopic tears or damage to small blood vessels, allowing blood cells to seep into the urine. In some cases, medications can directly affect the kidneys, causing side effects like inflammation or damage to the filtering units. This damage can then allow blood cells to leak into the urine, turning it red or pink.

Strenuous exercise can, in some cases, lead to blood in urine (hematuria). So, this phenomenon is known as exercise-induced hematuria, is thought to occur due to a combination of factors. Furthermore, during intense physical activity, blood flow is diverted away from the kidneys and towards the muscles to meet their increased oxygen demands.

So, this temporary reduction in blood flow can put stress on the delicate filtering units within the kidneys, potentially causing microscopic tears. Additionally, the repetitive impact involved in activities like running can irritate the bladder lining, leading to small breaks or damaged blood vessels. While this type of hematuria typically resolves within a day or two after exercise, it’s important to be aware of it and consult a doctor if the blood persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

Blunt or penetrating trauma can be directly one of the causes blood in the urine (hematuria). When a forceful impact injures the kidneys, ureters, or bladder, internal bleeding can occur. So, this bleeding might arise from torn tissues, ruptured blood vessels, or even lacerations within the urinary organs. In some cases, the impact might damage the delicate filtering units in the kidneys, allowing blood cells to leak into the urine. The severity of hematuria often depends on the extent of the trauma. While minor injuries might only cause microscopic blood traces, significant trauma can lead to noticeable red or pink discoloration in the urine.

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment for hematuria because the treatment depends on the underlying cause. Here are some common treatments for hematuria:

1. Antibiotics

If a urinary tract infection (UTI) is causing the hematuria, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection.

2. Medications

For an enlarged prostate, medications like alpha-blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors can help relax the muscles in the prostate and shrink its size, allowing urine to flow more easily.

Medications might also be prescribed to manage blood clotting disorders or stop bleeding.

3. Procedures

For kidney stones, procedures like extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) use sound waves to break up the stones into smaller pieces that can pass more easily through your urine. In some cases, a thin tube called a ureteroscope might be passed through your urethra and bladder to locate and remove the stones.

In severe cases, surgery might be necessary to remove large stones or tumors.

4. Lifestyle Changes

While not a direct treatment, increasing your fluid intake can help dilute the urine and flush out any irritants or bacteria that might be contributing to the bleeding.

What is The Best Natural Remedy for Blood in Urine?

1. Hydration: Drinking plenty of water can help dilute urine and flush out toxins, bacteria, and irritants from the urinary tract. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water per day, or more if you’re experiencing hematuria.
2. Cranberry Juice: Some studies suggest that cranberry juice may help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can cause blood in urine. Cranberry juice contains compounds that prevent bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract walls.
3. Parsley Juice: Parsley is believed to have diuretic properties, promoting urine production and potentially flushing out bacteria or irritants from the urinary tract. However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
4. Herbal Supplements: Certain herbs like goldenrod, horsetail, and uva-ursi are traditionally used to support urinary tract health. These herbs may have diuretic, anti-inflammatory, or antimicrobial properties.
5. Avoid Irritants: Limiting or avoiding irritants like caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and acidic foods may help reduce irritation to the urinary tract.
6. Adequate Rest: Ensuring adequate rest and avoiding strenuous physical activity may help the body recover from any underlying conditions contributing to hematuria.
7. Warm Compress: Applying a warm compress to the lower abdomen or back may help alleviate discomfort associated with hematuria, especially if caused by kidney stones or bladder inflammation.
8. Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can support overall health, including urinary tract health.

Conclusion