Bloody discharge in urine is medically called hematuria and will definitely cause anxiety for every person. But not many of us know that getting blood in urine can be due to strenuous exercise and even taking drugs like aspirin. There exist two types of hematuria. The first one is visible hematuria in which one can see bloody discharge and the second one is not visible to the naked eye and can be seen only under a microscope. It can be detected by simply testing the urine. Treatment of blood in urine depends on the causes.
Symptoms :
Hematuria can be recognized by the visible change in color of urine. It will be almost dark pink or red in color which is due to red blood cells. Many times, blood in urine is expelled without any other symptoms. However in few cases, there may be blood clots in urine which is painful.
If you find any red coloration in urine you can consult your doctor. However without any other symptoms, blood in urine is harmless and not a cause for concern.
Read more on Red Blood Cells in Urine
Hematuria Causes :
- Some medications and certain foods like berries and beets can cause change in color of normal urine. Urinary tract infection can cause these changes and the affected person may have additional symptoms of burning sensation and foul smelling urine.
- Pyelonephritis (kidney infection) is a condition in which bacteria finds its way to the kidneys and move into the bloodstream and further into the urethra and passes through the urine. People having such infection may get fever and flank pain apart from blood in urine. Similarly kidney disease may cause inflammation of the filters present in the kidneys which can cause blood in urine.
- Stones in kidney when expelled through urine may cause significant pain and the urine often gets interrupted. It can cause hematuria that is detected only in the microscope.
- When the prostate glands become enlarged it will put pressure on the urethra thus blocking the normal flow of urine. During this condition blood in urine is discharged and can be found while studying in a microscope.
- Advanced stages of prostate cancer or bladder cancer will produce blood in urine. But it cannot be recognized in early stages due to non-availability of symptoms. Sickle cell anemia and certain medications like aspirin and penicillin can cause blood in urine.
- Any injury or trauma to the bladder and dehydration of RBC during exercises can produce bloody discharge in urine.
Who Are At Risk ?
People who are old, women with frequent urinary tract infection and people with family history of hematuria are under the risk of getting this problem. Intake of aspirin and frequent usage of antibiotics will also increase the risk. People who have undergone kidney transplant and undergoing treatment for kidney infection may have blood in urine.
Diagnoses :
Your doctor will first examine your body physically and may do urine testing to detect the presence of blood in urine. If required, CT scan or cystoscopy is done for examining the condition of bladder.
Treatment :
Blood in urine does not need any medications and it is enough if the underlying factor is identified and treated. Your doctor will rule out the possibility of cancer and suggest remedies or alternative medicine for preventing blood in urine.
Prevention :
Drink at least 8 glasses of water or other fluids. Do not suppress the urge to urinate and it is necessary to pass urine after having sex. Take steps to prevent urinary tract infection and avoid smoking and drinking.