Do you have blood in your urine? (Hematuria) - Don't worry, let's talk about this!

Sometimes when you go to the toilet, you may notice that the color of your urine has changed. Maybe it's a familiar pink color, or it's light red, or it may even look dark red. Anyone who sees blood in their urine like this is a little scared, and that's normal. But it's not always a sign of a serious illness. So today, let's talk about this blood in the urine, which is what we call 'Hematuria' in medicine.

Simply put, what is Hematuria?

Hematuria is the medical term for the presence of blood cells, or blood, in your urine (pee). Think of it like a little signal from inside your body telling you, "Something is going on inside, pay attention."

Most of the time, we don't even see blood in our urine. It's just a small amount. These are only discovered when a doctor does a urine test. But if you notice that your urine is pink or red, it could be a sign of something else. So if you see something like that , don't ignore it . The best thing to do is see a doctor as soon as possible.

What are the main types of hematuria?

Doctors divide urine into several main categories based on the amount of blood present. Let's take a look at what they are.

Are there any other symptoms besides blood in the urine?

In most cases, there may be no symptoms other than a change in the color of the urine. Doctors call this 'asymptomatic'. That means there are no symptoms.

However, some people may experience other symptoms along with this. These include:

• Frequent urination .
• Burning or pain when urinating (Dysuria).
• Urinary urgency.

In addition to these symptoms, other related symptoms may occur depending on the cause.

The important thing is that blood in your urine is not always a sign of illness. But it can be a very important warning sign that something in your body needs attention. So never ignore it.

Why is there blood in the urine? What are the main causes?

There are many causes of hematuria. Some are not very serious, but some can be quite serious.

Common causes:

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): This is a very common cause, especially among women. It can occur when a bacterial infection occurs anywhere in the urinary system.
• Urinary Stone Disease: As we all know, kidney stones and bladder stones can cause the urinary tract to become injured and bleed.
• Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis): If a UTI is not treated properly, it can spread to the kidneys and cause an infection. That is also a cause of this.
• Cystitis: Inflammation of the bladder due to infection or other causes.

Other reasons:

• Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH): A common condition in aging men. When the prostate gland becomes enlarged, it can cause pressure on the urethra and cause bleeding.
• Injuries to the urinary system: This can also happen due to an accident, a fall, or an injury while playing sports.
• Menstruation: Women may notice blood mixed with urine during menstruation. This is not a disease.
• Endometriosis: The growth of tissue similar to that found in the uterus outside the uterus.
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Decreased kidney function over time.
• Sickle Cell Disease: An inherited condition that affects red blood cells.
• Some cancers: Blood in the urine can be an early symptom of even serious conditions like bladder cancer, kidney cancer, and prostate cancer. This is the worst reason we should be afraid of and ignore.

Who is at higher risk of developing this condition?

Anyone, at any age, can have blood in their urine. However, some people are at a slightly higher risk.

• For those who frequently develop urinary tract infections (UTIs).
• For people over 50 years old, especially men.
• If anyone in the family has conditions like kidney disease or kidney stones.
• For those taking blood thinners (anticoagulants), some painkillers (NSAIDs), and some antibiotics.
• For those who smoke.
• For those who don't drink enough water during the day (dehydration).
• For those who are exposed to chemicals, paints, rubber, etc. at work.
• For those who play contact sports like football, hockey, and boxing.
• For those who run long distances or exercise excessively (Exercise-induced hematuria).

How do you find this, Doctor?

When you go to see a doctor, he will first ask you about your symptoms, the medications you are taking, and any medical conditions in your family. Then he will do a physical exam. In addition, he may order several tests to determine the exact cause.

• Urinalysis: This is the most basic test. A sample of your urine is taken and checked for blood, signs of infection, and other abnormalities.
• Urine Culture: If a urine infection is suspected, this test is done to find out what bacteria is causing it.
• Urine Cytology: A urine sample is examined under a microscope to look for abnormal cells, especially cancer cells.
• Cystoscopy: This involves passing a thin tube with a small camera through your urethra to examine the inside of your bladder and urethra. Don't worry, this is usually done under anesthesia.
• Imaging Tests: Scans. An ultrasound scan, CT scan, or MRI scan takes a complete picture of your kidneys, bladder, and urinary system to check for stones, tumors, or other problems.

What are the treatments for this?

Simply put:

• If the cause is a urinary tract infection (UTI) , your doctor will prescribe an appropriate antibiotic for you.
• If the cause is kidney stones , depending on the size of the stones, they may need to be dissolved with medication or surgically removed.
• If the cause is an enlarged prostate (BPH) , there are medications for that too. If medications cannot control it, surgery may be an option.
• If the cause is a serious condition such as cancer , a team of specialist doctors (urologists, oncologists) will come together to determine the most appropriate treatment method (surgery, radiation therapy, etc.).

Sometimes, if the bleeding is due to a cause such as excessive exercise, it doesn't require any special treatment. It will go away on its own in a day or two.

What can we do to prevent hematuria?

While we can't prevent all causes, we can protect ourselves from some common causes.

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day: This is the most important thing. Drinking at least 2-3 liters of water per day can go a long way in preventing urinary tract infections and kidney stones.
• Take care of hygiene: Always wipe from front to back when cleaning after using the toilet, especially for women.
• Healthy lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet. Limit foods high in salt, sugar, and animal protein. Control your weight.
• Avoid smoking completely: Smoking is a major risk factor for bladder and kidney cancer.
• Urinate before and after sex: This helps flush out bacteria that may have entered the urinary tract.

When should I see a doctor?

It's very simple. If you notice that your urine is pink, red, or brown, make an appointment to see your doctor right away.

Also, even if there is no change in the color of your urine, if you have any of the following symptoms, you should definitely seek medical advice.

• Change in urination pattern (frequent urination, difficulty urinating)
• Burning or pain when urinating
• Pain in the lower abdomen, back, or pelvis
• Unexplained fever

Finally, sometimes the color of urine can be red due to foods like beetroot and rhubarb. It is not blood. But if you are not sure about it, it is better to see a doctor and get a simple urine test. That will also dispel your fears.