Blood in Urine
(Hematuria)
Medical Authors: Gary D. Steinberg, MD, and G. Joel DeCastro, MD
Medical Editor: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
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Kidney Stones: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Medical Author: Melissa Stoppler, M.D.
Medical Editor:
Barbara
K. Hecht, Ph.D.
 One in every 20 people develop a kidney stone at some
point in their life. Kidney stones, sometimes called renal calculi, form within the kidney itself or
in other parts of the urinary tract.
People who have kidney stones report the sudden onset of
excruciating cramping pain in their side, groin, or abdomen. Changes in body position do
not relieve this pain. It may be so severe that it is accompanied by nausea and
vomiting. Kidney stones also characteristically cause blood in the urine. If infection is present in the urinary tract along with the stones, there may be
fever and chills.
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What is blood in urine (hematuria)?
Hematuria, or blood in the urine, can be either gross (visible) or
microscopic (as defined by more than three to five red blood cells per high power
field when viewed under magnification). Gross hematuria can vary widely in
appearance, from light pink to deep red with clots. Despite the quantity of
blood in the urine being different, the types of conditions that can cause
the problem are the same, and the workup or evaluation that is needed is
identical.
People with gross hematuria usually present to their doctor
with this as a primary complaint. Microscopic hematuria, on the other hand, is
most commonly detected as part of a periodic checkup by a primary-care
physician.
What are the causes of blood in urine?
The causes of gross and microscopic hematuria are similar and may result from bleeding anywhere along the urinary tract. One cannot readily distinguish between blood originating in the kidneys, ureters (the tubes that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder), bladder, or urethra. Any degree of blood in the urine should be fully evaluated by a physician, even if it resolves spontaneously.
Infection of the urine, stemming either from the kidneys or bladder, is a common cause of microscopic hematuria. Kidney and bladder stones can cause irritation and abrasion of the urinary tract, leading to microscopic or gross hematuria. Trauma affecting any of the components of the urinary tract or the prostate can lead to bloody urine. Hematuria can also be associated with renal (or kidney) disease, as well as hematologic disorders involving the body's clotting system. Medications that increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin,
warfarin (Coumadin), or clopidogrel (Plavix), may also lead to bloody urine. Lastly, cancer anywhere along the urinary tract can present with hematuria.
Next: How is blood in urine diagnosed? »
- CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography) - CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography, CAT scan) is a procedure that assists in diagnosing tumors, fractures, bony structures, and infections in the organs and tissues of the body.
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI In Adults) - Learn about urinary tract infection causes, symptoms, signs, diagnosis and treatment of UTIs in men and women. Antibiotics may be used to treat recurrent bladder infections.
- Urinalysis - Learn about the urinalysis test. Diseases and conditions such as urinary tract or kidney infection, kidney stones, kidney failure, diabetes, or high blood pressure can be diagnosed or monitored.
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