Blood in Urine – Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
When a person has blood in their urine (hematuria), finding the reason is important. A healthcare provider usually starts with a physical exam. This includes questions about past illnesses, recent injuries, and family history of kidney issues or cancer.
Common tests and tools include:
- Urinalysis: Detects red blood cells, infection, or minerals that could indicate kidney stones or glomerulonephritis.
- Urine Culture: Identifies urinary tract infections (UTIs), cystitis, or pyelonephritis.
- Blood Tests: Reveal problems like kidney disease, lupus, sickle cell disease, or nephropathy.
- Imaging Scans: Ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI can reveal tumors, kidney stones, an enlarged prostate, kidney injury, or cystic kidney disease.
- Cystoscopy: Doctors pass a thin tube with a camera into the bladder to find tumors, stones, or signs of bladder cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Symptoms like abdominal pain, blood clots, or visible red urine might suggest more serious causes such as cancer or trauma. Sometimes microscopic hematuria appears during routine checks, even if the person has no symptoms.
If doctors cannot find the exact reason for blood in the urine, they may recommend ongoing testing, especially for patients with higher risks like smokers or those with a history of cancer, kidney stones, or exposure to chemicals.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. For bladder or kidney infections, doctors often prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection.
If an enlarged prostate is responsible, specific prescription medications that relax the prostate or reduce its size may be recommended to improve urine flow and reduce bleeding.
For kidney or bladder stones, doctors may use sound wave therapy (extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy) to break the stones into smaller pieces that can pass more easily.
In some cases, they may advise temporarily stopping certain medications, such as blood thinners, if these contribute to bleedingโalways under medical supervision.
If a tumor or other abnormal growth is detected, additional treatments such as surgery, cauterization, or other interventions may be necessary.
Regardless of the cause, patients should attend follow-up visits to ensure the blood clears from the urine and to monitor for any recurrence or complications. Further evaluation may be needed if blood persists or returns.
Getting Ready for Your Visit
Steps You Can Take Beforehand
Before seeing a health care provider, organize key details about your health. Make a list of any signs or symptoms you have, including when they started and if they have changed.
Record your medical history, especially if your family has kidney or bladder diseases. Gather information about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take. Write down the names and exact amounts.
Prepare questions for the doctor, such as:
- What could be causing my symptoms?
- What tests might I need?
- How long could these symptoms last?
- What treatment methods are available?
- How can I manage this with my other health conditions?
Bringing this information can help make your appointment more useful and organized.
| Item to Prepare | Details to Note |
|---|---|
| List of symptoms | Onset, frequency, changes |
| Medical history | Current conditions, family history of kidney/bladder issues |
| Medications & supplements | Names and doses |
| Questions for your provider | Diagnosis, tests, treatment, self-care, resources |
Topics Your Doctor May Discuss
The healthcare provider will likely take your health history and ask you about your symptoms in detail. They may ask questions like:
- Do you feel pain during urination?
- Is there blood every time you urinate, or only sometimes?
- When do you notice the blood during urination?
- Are you passing any blood clots? What do they look like?
- Do you smoke or work with any chemicals?
- Have you had any radiation treatments?
The doctor may perform a physical exam during the visit. In some cases, the doctor may refer you to a nephrologist or a urologist who specializes in urinary and kidney conditions.
