What You Should Do If You See Blood In Urine (Hematuria)
You might see blood in your urine and assume the worst, but it's actually nothing to stress over (unless you're new here this week). So what does this mean, exactly? If you are noticing blood in your urine, particularly on a regular basis, it could be several things. Blood in the urine can be caused by anything from UTI's to hemorrhoids; however, it can also be a sign of worse, more severe medical conditions such as kidney disease and cancer.
Causes of Hematuria
- Certain medications, such as those used to treat blood clots and some types of high blood pressure.
- Kidney infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Kidney diseases, such as polycystic kidney disease.
- Bladder cancer.
- Cancers that have spread to the kidneys.
- Hemophilia A or B.
- Kidney stones.
- Sickle cell anemia.
- Stones in the urinary tract.
Prevention of blood in urine (Hematuria)
Some types of hematuria can be prevented. For example, if
you have a UTI and you are treated early with antibiotics, you may have no
further problems.
To prevent kidney stones, drink enough fluids to keep your urine clear or pale yellow. Ask your urology doctor how much fluid is right for you. In some cases, drinking more fluids may not help to prevent kidney stones because the chemical imbalance that causes the stones is not affected by the amount of urine produced.
To help prevent bladder cancer:
- Do not smoke or chew tobacco products.
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. It helps flush out toxins that might cause cancer.
- Avoid exposure to industrial chemicals such as benzidine and beta-naphthylamine, which are known to cause bladder cancer.
Treatment of blood in urine (Hematuria)
The treatment of hematuria depends on the cause. In most
cases, no treatment is required. The cause of the bleeding can be treated, and
this stops the bleeding.
In cases where there is not a known cause or the bleeding is
excessive, it may be necessary to drain the bladder using a catheter. This allows
blood that is being excreted with the urine to be measured and monitored over
time.
Conclusion
Hematuria is scary for patients and for doctors alike. It can stem from a serious medical condition that needs medical attention, or it can have a harmless cause like an inflamed urinary tract. But you—the patient—can help your doctor sort through the possibilities by being sure to answer these questions honestly and openly. You’re not a doctor, but you are patient zero in your own health care. If you see blood in urine (hematuria), let your doctor know right away, so they can start searching for the source of your concern without delay. And just because hematuria doesn’t mean cancer, it’s important to stress that if you notice blood in urine, you should always alert your doctor as soon as possible, so this finding can be investigated thoroughly and promptly.
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