Reasons for blood in your urine

Seeing blood when you pee can be alarming. Most of the time, the issue is not serious. In some cases, though, it points to a bigger health problem. Here is what you should know.

What to do if you see it:

It sounds strange, but you may not always know that you have blood in your urine. Sometimes, there is so little that it only shows up under a microscope. When you can see it, it can be alarming. But most of the time, the causes are not serious. In some cases, though, the symptom points to a bigger health problem. So you should always let your doctor know about it.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI):

It happens when bacteria infect the parts of your body that make and store urine. Along with seeing blood, you might feel like you have to go all the time, and it could burn when you do. In serious cases, you may have pain in your belly or groin. But sometimes, especially if you are older, you may not have any symptoms. UTIs are very common, and antibiotics can usually clear them up.

Kidney infection:

A UTI can make its way to your kidneys through the connecting tubes of the urinary tract. The symptoms are often similar, but with a kidney infection, you are more likely to have a fever and pain in your sides. And it can be more serious, especially if it spreads to other parts of your body. So be sure to let your doctor know if you notice the signs.

Kidney stones:

They can really hurt, especially in your back near your hips and ribs, if they grow big enough. You might see blood or even a piece of a stone in your urine. Smaller ones sometimes "pass" on their own in your pee, but you might need surgery to get rid of larger ones.

Swollen prostate:

Infection, surgery, or a sudden hit to this small gland near a man's bladder could inflame it. Besides seeing blood, you may find it hard or painful to pee.

Kidney inflammation:

Also called glomerulonephritis, it can damage the tiny filters in your kidneys. That makes it harder for them to get rid of waste. People usually don't know they have it until their doctor detects it with a urine test. But your pee may have blood or look foamy and brownish, and you may notice swelling in your face, legs, and belly.

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): Genes from your parents cause small, fluid-filled cysts to grow on your kidneys. They can damage the organs and cause blood in your urine. Most people don't have symptoms until age 30-40, but the first signs can be a bigger belly, a lot of UTIs, and back and side pain. You are more likely to have high blood pressure and feel chest fluttering, pounding, or pain when you have PKD.

Inherited diseases:

PKD is not the only genetic disease that could put blood in your urine. It is also a symptom of other conditions like sickle cell anemia, haemophilia, or Alport syndrome, which affects the eyes, ears, and kidneys. And sometimes, the symptom can run in families for no clear reason.

Trauma:

A hard hit, typically in your lower back area, can make blood show up in your urine. It might happen in a fall or a car accident or if something heavy hits you. Often it gets better on its own with rest, though a doctor should keep an eye on you to make sure you are recovering well. If your injury is severe, you may need surgery.

Cancer:

Blood in the urine is a key sign of bladder cancer. It also may be a sign of kidney or prostate cancer. In some cases, you might not have any other symptoms. That is one reason why it is important to let your doctor know when you notice any blood. They can rule out more serious conditions or start any treatment you may need.

Treatment:

The right one depends on what is causing the symptom. An infection can be cleared up with antibiotics. Different cancers require different approaches, and genetic diseases may need long-term management. Talk to your doctor about what kind of treatment is likely to help you.

Source: WebMD