Has your urine ever been brownish or red? If so, you may have already experienced hematuria. What is hematuria? To define hematuria, It’s the presence of blood in the urine.
Blood in the urine can originate along the urinary tract, from the kidneys to the urethra. Some possible causes of hematuria can include a urinary tract infection, intense exercise, and kidney stones, to name a few.
What Is Hematuria?
The medical hematuria definition: The abnormal presence of red blood cells (RBCs) in the urine. When you have hematuria, your kidneys or another component of your urinary tract permit blood cells to seep into your urine.
There are two main types of hematuria. The first is microscopic hematuria. This type of hematuria means that there are red blood cells in your urine, but in such a small amount that a microscope is required actually to see them.
The second type is macroscopic, or gross, hematuria. This blood loss in the urine can be seen with the naked eye. Someone who has gross or visible hematuria can have anywhere from one millilitre to one litre of blood in the urine.
Signs and Symptoms
How can you tell if you have hematuria? If you have microscopic hematuria, you won’t be able to tell since the blood in your urine can only be seen with a microscope. However, if you have gross or visible hematuria, you will definitely be able to tell.
Common visible hematuria symptoms include orange, pink, red, dark red, or cola-colored urine. Only a very small amount of blood is required to cause urine discoloration or cloudy urine.
Causes and Risk Factors
There are quite a few health conditions that can lead to hematuria. For some, most often elderly people, microscopic hematuria can be the only sign that they have some illness or infection. This is one reason why a yearly physical that includes a urine sample is a good idea for people of all ages.
Hematuria can cause urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney infections, kidney disease, bladder or kidney stones, kidney injury, an enlarged prostate gland, and even certain medications.
Hematuria causes can include:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Kidney infections
- Kidney disease such as glomerulonephritis
- Bladder or kidney stones (both can cause microscopic or gross bleeding)
- Kidney injury
- An enlarged prostate gland
- Kidney, bladder or prostate cancer (when there is visible urinary bleeding). However, in the early stages of these cancers there may be no symptoms.
- Sickle cell anemia
- Alport syndrome (an inherited disorder like sickle cell anemia)
- Certain medications such as the chemotherapy drug cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), penicillin and some anticoagulant (blood thinning) drugs It’s not common yet it is possible for very intense exercise to cause gross hematuria. Runners are the most common athletes affected, but it can happen to anyone who takes part in especially strenuous exercise.
Conventional Treatment
If you can see that your urine is orange, pink, red or dark reddish brown in colour, then your doctor may not order any additional tests to confirm that you have hematuria. Even if your urine suddenly goes back to normal, it’s still recommended that you see a urologist for an evaluation.
If you have blood in your urine, your doctor will most likely conduct a physical exam and run some additional tests, including urine tests, imaging tests, and/or a cystoscopy.
Similar to blood in stool, there is no specific conventional treatment for hematuria. Like seeing blood in your poop, seeing blood in your urine is a symptom of something else going on in your body. Since some serious health concerns can cause hematuria, it’s always a good idea to see your doctor. When you see your doctor for this condition, he or she can conduct testing that can hopefully get to the root of the problem.
Natural Remedies
Here are some natural ways to approach several possible underlying causes of hematuria.
1. Urinary Tract Infection: Urinate often, stay hydrated, drink unsweetened cranberry juice, eat fermented foods, and take a probiotic supplement.
2. Enlarged Prostate Gland: Try pumpkin seed oil, maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, limit caffeine and alcohol, and increase intake of omega-3 fatty acids.
3. Kidney Stones: Avoid foods high in oxalic acid, caffeinated beverages, grapefruit juice, processed meats, and conventional dairy. Follow a plant-based magnesium-rich diet and drink hot water with lemon juice.
4. Bladder Cancer: Consider Frankincense oil as a potential natural treatment and seek medical attention promptly.
Precautions
If you see blood in your urine, always contact your doctor immediately. Even if it stops, you should still seek a medical evaluation. Certain foods and medications can also cause temporary urine discoloration.
Conclusion
Seeing blood in your urine can be alarming, but it’s not something to ignore. No matter the underlying issue, there are helpful natural remedies for various health concerns that can lead to hematuria. Always consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment.
FAQs
1. What are the common causes of hematuria?
Common causes include UTIs, kidney stones, kidney disease, and bladder or kidney cancer.
2. Can intense exercise cause hematuria?
Yes, especially in dehydration, bladder trauma, or red blood cell breakdown due to prolonged aerobic activity.
3. How is hematuria diagnosed?
Doctors typically conduct physical exams and tests such as urinalysis, imaging, or cystoscopy to diagnose hematuria.
4. Are there natural remedies for hematuria?
Yes, natural remedies include hydration, dietary changes, and specific supplements like cranberry juice or pumpkin seed oil.
5. When should I seek medical attention for hematuria?
You should contact a doctor immediately if you notice blood in your urine, even if it stops.