Chennai Stone Clinic
UROLOGY TREATMENT

BLOOD IN URINE

Blood in urine - known medically as hematuria - is usually not a reason for major alarm.

Because blood in urine can be a sign of a serious medical condition, however, it shouldn't be ignored. All cases of hematuria should be evaluated by a doctor who can order tests to confirm or rule out an underlying cause.

There is no specific treatment for hematuria since it's a symptom and not a specific condition. Instead, treatment is aimed at the underlying cause if one can be found. In many cases, no treatment is necessary.

Where Blood in Urine Might Come From.

Blood in urine can come from the kidneys, where urine is made. It also can come from other structures in the urinary tract, such as:

  • Ureters (the tubes from the kidneys to the bladder)
  • Bladder (where urine is stored)
  • Urethra (the tube from the bladder to the outside of the body)

Causes of Hematuria

Common causes of blood in urine include:

  • Bladder or kidney infections
  • Bladder or kidney stones
  • Certain kidney diseases, such as inflammation in the filtering system of the kidneys (glomerulonephritis)
  • Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) or prostate cancer
  • Inherited diseases such as sickle cell anemia and cystic kidney disease
  • Certain medications such as aspirin, penicillin, heparin, cyclophosphamide, and phenazopyridine
  • A tumor in the bladder, kidney, or prostate
  • Kidney injury from an accident or sports
  • Vigorous exercise

Sometimes, what appears to be blood in urine is actually red pigment from other sources such as food dyes, medications, or an excessive amount of beets. Doctors refer to this latter cause as "beeturia."