Blood in the urine(hematuria) happens when any amount of blood is detected in a persons urine.
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What Does Blood in the Urine Look Like?
Blood in the urine is typically microscopic and can only be detected with a urine test (urinalysis).
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When blood is visible in the urine, it often turns the urine pink, red, or brown.
Where Does the Blood in the Urine Come From?
Blood in the urine can come from any area of the urinary tract.
Urine is produced in thekidneysto remove waste and fluid from the body.
It then flows through the ureters to thebladderto be stored.
When released, the urethra takes the urine outside of the body.
Types of Hematuria
There are two types of hematuria, and they have their unique causes.
Common symptoms include:
What Causes Blood in the Urine?
There are several possible causes of blood in the urine.
The cause could be benign, like vigorous exercise or side effects from medication.
It could also be a sign of a serious condition like cancer or kidney disease.
It is essential to see a provider when you notice blood in your urine.
Your provider will likely start with a physical exam and medical history.
Treatment options may include:
About 1 in 4 people with blood in their urine have an unknown cause.
It is often a sign of a health condition that needs to be treated.
It is important to see your healthcare provider to determine the cause and find the right treatment plan.
If you do not treat hematuria’s underlying cause, it may worsen.
An untreated urinary tract infection can lead to urinary tract damage, inflammation, andincontinenceproblems.
If the infection spreads to the blood, it could lead to a life-threatening condition calledsepsis.
Untreated kidney disease may lead to permanent kidney damage.
Untreated cancer may lead to cancer spread (metastasis).
See a healthcare provider if you are unsure if there is blood in your urine.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
Some causes of hematuria are serious and require immediate treatment.
Even a small amount of blood could indicate a significant problem.
Summary
Blood in the urine (hematuria) occurs for various reasons.
Blood may be visible in the urine as pink, red, or brown.
It may also be microscopic and only detected by a urine test (urinalysis).
Because blood in the urine can indicate a serious health condition, see your healthcare provider immediately.
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National Kidney Foundation.Hematuria (blood in urine).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Blood in your urine?
Dont delay, See your healthcare provider today!.
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