Seeing red, pink or brown urine can be frightening. Some people immediately assume it is a kidney problem, while others wait to see whether it disappears. But blood in urine, medically called haematuria, should always be checked by a healthcare professional, even if there is no pain.
Here are six possible causes.
1. Urinary tract infection
A urinary tract infection can cause burning when urinating, frequent toilet visits, cloudy urine and sometimes blood.
2. Kidney stones
Stones can irritate the urinary tract and cause bleeding. They may also cause sharp pain in the side, back or lower abdomen.
3. Kidney infection
A kidney infection may cause blood in urine alongside fever, chills, back pain, nausea or vomiting. This requires prompt medical treatment.
4. Enlarged prostate
In men, an enlarged prostate can sometimes cause urinary symptoms and bleeding.
5. Kidney or bladder disease
Certain kidney conditions and problems affecting the bladder can lead to blood appearing in urine.
6. Cancer
Blood in urine can sometimes be an early sign of bladder, kidney or another urinary tract cancer. This is one reason it should never be ignored.
What can you do at home?
Drink your usual recommended amount of water unless you have been told to restrict fluids. Do not use leftover antibiotics, strong herbal mixtures or kidney-cleanse drinks to try to stop the bleeding.
A healthcare professional may request a urine test, blood tests, imaging or further investigations depending on your age, symptoms and medical history.
Seek urgent medical help if blood in your urine comes with fever, severe pain, vomiting, blood clots or difficulty passing urine.
Remember: Blood in urine does not automatically mean cancer, but it should never be dismissed as normal.
Leave a Reply