About all

Can lack of water cause blood in urine. Blood in Urine: Causes, Symptoms, and What to Drink for Hematuria

What causes blood to appear in urine. How can you identify hematuria symptoms. What should you drink if you have blood in your urine. Is lack of water a potential cause of hematuria. What are the best treatment options for blood in urine.

Содержание

Understanding Hematuria: When Blood Appears in Urine

Hematuria, the medical term for blood in urine, can be an alarming discovery for many individuals. While it often signals an underlying health issue, it’s essential to approach this symptom with a calm and informed mindset. Hematuria can manifest in various ways, from visible red or pink-tinged urine to microscopic levels only detectable through laboratory tests.

Why does blood appear in urine? The urinary system, comprising the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, can experience issues that lead to blood cell leakage into the urine. These problems may range from minor infections to more serious conditions requiring immediate medical attention.

Types of Hematuria

  • Gross hematuria: Visible blood in the urine
  • Microscopic hematuria: Blood cells only visible under a microscope

Is hematuria always a cause for concern? While any presence of blood in urine warrants medical evaluation, it’s important to note that not all cases indicate severe health problems. However, prompt consultation with a healthcare provider is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Common Causes of Blood in Urine

Understanding the potential causes of hematuria can help individuals better communicate with their healthcare providers and make informed decisions about their health. While the list of possible causes is extensive, some are more common than others.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

UTIs are a frequent cause of hematuria, especially in women. These infections occur when bacteria enter the urinary system, leading to inflammation and potential bleeding. Symptoms often include a burning sensation during urination, frequent urges to urinate, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine.

Kidney Stones

Small, hard deposits that form in the kidneys can cause irritation and bleeding as they pass through the urinary tract. Kidney stones often cause severe pain in the side, back, or lower abdomen, along with hematuria.

Enlarged Prostate

In men, an enlarged prostate gland can put pressure on the urethra, potentially leading to urinary problems including hematuria. This condition, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is common in older men.

Urinary Tract Cancers

While less common, cancers of the bladder, kidney, or prostate can cause blood in the urine. These conditions often require more extensive diagnostic procedures and treatments.

Can lack of water cause blood in urine? While dehydration itself is not a direct cause of hematuria, severe dehydration can lead to complications that may result in blood in the urine. For instance, dehydration can increase the risk of developing kidney stones, which in turn can cause hematuria.

Recognizing Symptoms Associated with Hematuria

While blood in urine is itself a symptom, it often occurs alongside other indicators that can provide valuable information to healthcare providers. Recognizing these accompanying symptoms can aid in faster diagnosis and more effective treatment.

Common Symptoms Accompanying Hematuria

  • Pain or discomfort during urination
  • Increased frequency of urination
  • Urgent need to urinate
  • Lower back pain
  • Abdominal discomfort
  • Fever and chills (in cases of infection)

How can you differentiate between hematuria and other causes of urine discoloration? While blood typically turns urine pink, red, or cola-colored, other factors can alter urine color. Certain foods (like beets or blackberries), medications, and even extreme exercise can change urine color without indicating hematuria. When in doubt, consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation.

Diagnostic Approaches for Hematuria

When blood is detected in urine, healthcare providers employ various diagnostic tools to determine the underlying cause. The process often begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination, followed by more specific tests.

Common Diagnostic Tests for Hematuria

  1. Urinalysis: A basic test to confirm the presence of blood and check for signs of infection
  2. Urine culture: To identify any bacterial infections
  3. Blood tests: To assess kidney function and check for other systemic issues
  4. Imaging studies: Such as CT scans, ultrasounds, or MRIs to visualize the urinary tract
  5. Cystoscopy: A procedure to examine the inside of the bladder and urethra

What factors do healthcare providers consider when diagnosing hematuria? Doctors take into account the patient’s age, gender, medical history, and associated symptoms. They also consider recent activities, medications, and potential exposure to toxins or chemicals that could affect urinary health.

Treatment Options for Blood in Urine

The treatment for hematuria depends on its underlying cause. Once a diagnosis is established, healthcare providers can recommend appropriate interventions. These may range from simple lifestyle changes to more complex medical procedures.

Common Treatments Based on Cause

  • Antibiotics for urinary tract infections
  • Pain management and hydration for kidney stones
  • Medications or surgical interventions for enlarged prostate
  • Specific treatments for cancers, if diagnosed
  • Lifestyle modifications to prevent recurrence

Are there any home remedies for hematuria? While home remedies should not replace professional medical care, increasing fluid intake (especially water) can help flush out the urinary system. However, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider before attempting any self-treatment for hematuria.

What to Drink When Experiencing Blood in Urine

Proper hydration plays a crucial role in maintaining urinary health and can be particularly important when dealing with hematuria. While drinking fluids won’t cure the underlying cause of blood in urine, it can help manage symptoms and support overall urinary tract health.

Recommended Beverages for Hematuria

  1. Water: The most essential fluid for hydration and urinary health
  2. Cranberry juice: May help prevent urinary tract infections
  3. Herbal teas: Can provide hydration without caffeine
  4. Coconut water: Offers hydration and electrolytes
  5. Diluted fruit juices: Provide hydration and vitamins

How much should you drink when experiencing hematuria? While individual needs vary, aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water per day, unless otherwise advised by your healthcare provider. Increased fluid intake can help flush out the urinary system and may alleviate some symptoms associated with certain causes of hematuria.

Beverages to Avoid

  • Alcohol: Can irritate the bladder and increase dehydration
  • Caffeinated drinks: May increase urinary frequency and irritation
  • Carbonated beverages: Can exacerbate bladder discomfort
  • Artificial sweeteners: May irritate the bladder in some individuals

Remember, while proper hydration is important, it should not replace medical treatment. Always follow your healthcare provider’s advice regarding fluid intake and overall management of hematuria.

Prevention Strategies for Hematuria

While not all cases of hematuria can be prevented, certain lifestyle choices and preventive measures can reduce the risk of developing conditions that lead to blood in urine. Implementing these strategies can contribute to overall urinary tract health and potentially minimize the occurrence of hematuria.

Key Prevention Strategies

  • Stay well-hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day
  • Practice good hygiene: Especially important for preventing urinary tract infections
  • Quit smoking: Smoking is a risk factor for various urinary tract cancers
  • Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity can increase the risk of kidney stones and other urinary issues
  • Exercise regularly: But avoid excessive, high-impact activities that may cause trauma to the urinary system
  • Limit salt intake: High sodium consumption can contribute to kidney stone formation
  • Follow a balanced diet: Rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

Can dietary changes help prevent hematuria? While diet alone cannot prevent all causes of hematuria, certain dietary choices can support urinary tract health. For instance, reducing oxalate-rich foods may help prevent kidney stones in susceptible individuals. However, always consult with a healthcare provider or nutritionist before making significant dietary changes.

Regular Health Check-ups

Regular medical check-ups and screenings are crucial for early detection and prevention of conditions that may lead to hematuria. These check-ups may include:

  1. Annual physical examinations
  2. Routine urinalysis tests
  3. Prostate screenings for men over 50
  4. Kidney function tests
  5. Blood pressure monitoring

How often should you have your urinary health checked? For most adults, an annual check-up that includes a urinalysis is sufficient. However, individuals with risk factors or a history of urinary tract issues may require more frequent monitoring. Always follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for screening and prevention.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

While not all cases of hematuria require emergency care, certain symptoms and situations warrant immediate medical attention. Recognizing these red flags can ensure timely intervention and potentially prevent serious complications.

Emergency Situations Requiring Immediate Care

  • Visible blood clots in urine
  • Severe pain in the abdomen, side, or back
  • Inability to urinate
  • High fever accompanying blood in urine
  • Symptoms of shock (such as rapid heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting)
  • Recent trauma to the kidneys or bladder area

What should you do if you experience these symptoms? If you encounter any of these warning signs, seek emergency medical care immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to subside on their own, as delay in treatment could lead to serious health consequences.

Preparing for Emergency Care

If you need to seek emergency care for hematuria, be prepared to provide the following information:

  1. When you first noticed blood in your urine
  2. Any accompanying symptoms
  3. Recent activities or potential causes (like new medications or injuries)
  4. Your medical history, including any known urinary tract issues
  5. A list of current medications and supplements

Having this information readily available can help healthcare providers quickly assess your condition and provide appropriate care.

Living with Chronic Hematuria

For some individuals, hematuria may be a chronic or recurring condition. While this can be concerning, many people with chronic hematuria lead normal, healthy lives with proper management and regular medical supervision. Understanding how to cope with and monitor this condition is crucial for maintaining quality of life and preventing complications.

Managing Chronic Hematuria

  • Follow your healthcare provider’s treatment plan diligently
  • Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments
  • Monitor your symptoms and report any changes to your doctor
  • Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including proper hydration and balanced diet
  • Manage stress, as it can exacerbate certain urinary conditions
  • Consider joining support groups or seeking counseling if needed

How can you maintain a good quality of life with chronic hematuria? Focus on overall health and wellbeing, not just on managing symptoms. Engage in activities you enjoy, maintain social connections, and don’t let the condition define your life. With proper management, many individuals with chronic hematuria lead fulfilling and active lives.

Long-term Monitoring

Long-term monitoring is crucial for individuals with chronic hematuria. This may involve:

  1. Regular urinalysis tests
  2. Periodic imaging studies
  3. Blood tests to monitor kidney function
  4. Cystoscopies at intervals determined by your healthcare provider
  5. Lifestyle assessments to identify potential triggers or exacerbating factors

By staying vigilant and working closely with healthcare providers, individuals with chronic hematuria can effectively manage their condition and maintain optimal urinary health.

Hematuria Causes – Blood in the Urine – Urologist

When a person can visibly see blood in their urine it can immediately cause alarm. In reality, blood in the urine, or hematuria, is frequently seen by urologists and is most often treatable. Still, it is advisable to seek immediate medical attention for an evaluation and diagnosis in order for the urologist to either identify or rule out a more complex medical condition. When discovering blood in the urine, it will help your provider to have as much information as possible to assist them in narrowing down possible hematuria causes. By answering the following questions, the patient will be able to help guide the urologist in making a more accurate and timely diagnosis.

What color is the blood?

Hematuria can appear as a range of colors. It is common for patients to describe their urine as reddish pink in color, to a darker cola shade, or even a vivid red. It does not take a large quantity of blood to affect the shade of urine. Even a small amount of blood cells can cause a noticeable change.  Although the doctor will perform an in-office urinalysis test, it is helpful if the patient is able to accurately describe the color of their urine when blood was first detected.

What symptoms are you experiencing?

Along with the color of their urine, it helps the urologist to know if the patient is experiencing any other unexplained symptoms. In actuality, some cases of hematuria do not appear to have any symptoms, aside from the urine change.  However, if accompanying health changes are apparent, however small, it’s important to note them and discuss them with your provider. Health changes such as body pain, painful urination, a burning sensation while urinating, or even frequent urination should be discussed. Fever, along with pain located in the flank or back, can be signs that something may be affecting the kidneys.

Have your activities changed?

Hematuria is possible among athletes due to consistent or strenuous exercise. Health experts theorize that dehydration, bladder trauma, and a breakdown of red blood cells may be the a result of these strenuous activities.  At times, exercising can have a traumatizing effect on the body, especially if it is a relatively new habit or is particularly intense.  If you notice urinary bleeding near or during times of intense exercise, alert your doctor.

What medications are you currently taking?

Carefully consider the medications you are currently taking, including supplements.  Anticoagulants, such as aspirin and blood thinners, have been known to cause urinary bleeding.  In addition, some anti-cancer drugs have been connected to this condition. Talk to your doctor about any medications you take and discuss their possible side-effects.

Possible Health Causes

Ultimately, hematuria is the symptom of an internal issue involving the urinary tract. For men, prostate issues is an added concern.  When problems such as infections, kidney stones, cysts, tumors, and enlargement of the prostate occur arise, the body responds with symptoms to raise awareness of the problem.   Hematuria is not the primary issue that needs treatment, but rather the undiagnosed condition.

When hematuria is present, it will help the physician to narrow down possible hematuria causes if they know the color of the urine, the patient’s symptoms, medications they are currently taking, and if they have had any changes in their activity level. A prompt evaluation by a physician can help reduce the chances of serious health problems.

If you have blood in your urine, contact our office to determine if you should schedule an immediate appointment, or proceed to the nearest emergency room.

What Causes Blood in Urine (Hematuria)?

Symptoms That Accompany Blood in Your Urine

If your urine is pink, red, or brown, you may be experiencing hematuria. A small amount of blood can change the color of your urine, but you may also notice that you’re passing larger blood clots. (2) 

Discolored urine, however, does not mean that you have blood in your urine. Certain foods such as blackberries, rhubarb, and beets, as well as some medications and vitamins, can change the color of your urine. (3) 

Regardless, it’s best to consult your doctor anytime that your urine is discolored to determine whether the change is harmless or more serious.

Additional symptoms that might accompany blood in urine can include: (4)

  • Discomfort or pain while urinating
  • Urgent need to urinate
  • Frequent need to urinate
  • Weight loss
  • Inability to urinate
  • Fever
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Chills

Causes of Blood in Your Urine (Hematuria)

When you experience hematuria, red blood cells leak from your kidneys or your urinary tract into your urine. Blood in your urine is not always a sign of a serious medical condition, but it should be taken as a warning sign that something could be wrong. Hematuria can be a sign of many different medical conditions, including: (2)

  • Bladder or kidney stones
  • Kidney disease
  • Kidney injury
  • Enlarged prostate
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Blood clots
  • Kidney infections
  • Cancer of kidneys, bladder, or urethra
  • Sickle cell anemia

If you notice blood at the beginning of urination, the origin of the bleeding could be the urethra. If you notice blood throughout urination, it’s possible that the origin is your bladder, kidneys, or ureters. If you notice blood at the end of a urination stream, the cause may be the bladder or prostate. (5)

If you’re over age 35 and are a smoker, blood in your urine is often a sign of bladder cancer. (5)

Certain medications can also cause urinary bleeding, including: (2)

  • cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)
  • penicillin
  • aspirin
  • heparin
  • Anticoagulants such as warfarin (Coumadin), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), dabigatran (Pradaxa), or apixaban (Eliquis)

Extreme exercise can also cause hematuria, possibly because it can cause bladder trauma, dehydration, or the breaking down of red blood cells. If you’re a runner, or have exercised strenuously, and notice blood in your urine, contact your doctor. (2)

Blood may also come from other sources, such as the vagina during menstruation, ejaculation in men (often because of a prostate problem), or a bowel movement due to hemorrhoids or other issues. (4)

What Causes Small Blood Clots in Urine?

Urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and prostate problems are common causes of small blood clots, which can sometimes look like coffee grounds. If you notice blood clots in your urine — even small ones — you should contact your doctor. Larger blood clots can block the flow of urine and cause discomfort, and they’re often a sign of a medical emergency. (6)

If you notice different shapes of blood clots in your urine, such as a wormlike form, it may be a sign that you are experiencing bleeding from the urethra or prostate. If the clots are painful, they might be coming from the tubes that connect your kidneys to your bladder, known as ureters. (5)

Can Dehydration Cause Blood in Urine?  

While dehydration is less likely to be a direct cause of blood in the urine, it can lead to conditions that can cause hematuria. For example, low urine volume due to consistent dehydration can lead to kidney stones that can cause blood in the urine. Dehydration may also be a contributor when extreme exercise causes blood in the urine. (7)

Diagnosing the Cause of Blood in Urine

More on Diagnosing Causes of Urine in Blood

10 Things You Probably Don’t Know About Blood Tests

To determine the cause of blood in urine, your doctor will usually begin by discussing your medical history with you. They may ask if you’ve had any recent infections or have a family history of hematuria. (2) You can prepare for your appointment by making a few notes about the color and odor of your urine, as well as how frequently you’ve been urinating and whether you experience any pain while urinating. You may want to take a photo of your discolored urine on your mobile phone that you can show to your doctor during your appointment.

Your doctor may also perform a number of tests. A urinalysis can detect microscopic hematuria and also test for a urinary tract infection or kidney stones. If a urinalysis does not determine the cause, your doctor may also perform a CT scan, an MRI, or an ultrasound. They may also want to examine the bladder and urethra via cystoscopy, where a tube with a camera attached is inserted into your bladder. (2) Additional tests may include: (4)

  • Antinuclear antibody test
  • Blood creatinine level
  • Kidney biopsy
  • Complete blood count (CBC)
  • Strep test
  • Blood disorder tests
  • Coagulation tests
  • Blood chemistry tests
  • 24-hour urine collection

“Many doctors and patients underestimate the importance of searching for a cause for blood in the urine,” says Anne Schuckman, MD, associate professor of urology and urologic oncology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC in Los Angeles. She recommends that patients with hematuria receive both a CT scan and a cystoscopy. “Unfortunately, many patients who have blood in the urine may also have some white cells in the urine and are treated for a presumed urinary tract infection. The antibiotics may help for a while. However, a serious underlying reason for the blood can be missed without a full investigation.

The Latest in Urine

7 Home Remedies for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Symptoms

Home remedies for urinary tract infection, or UTI, like drinking more water, may help bring relief to symptoms. Learn about more UTI remedies and how …

By Lindsey Konkel

Frequent Urination: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Frequent urination can result from drinking too many fluids or can be caused by a UTI or disease affecting parts of the urinary tract, including the kidneys…

By Kathleen Smith, PhD, LPC

What Causes Cloudy Urine in Women and Men?

Cloudy urine can be caused by a number of medical conditions, including dehydration, a urinary tract infection, sexually transmitted infections, kidney…

By Kathleen Smith, PhD, LPC

What Does Burning or Painful Urination (Dysuria) Mean?

Pain or discomfort during urination (dysuria) may feel like burning, stinging, or itching and is often caused by a bacterial infection or inflammation. ..

By Kathleen Smith, PhD, LPC

Ketones in Urine: When and Why to Test for Them and What They Mean

Testing for ketones in urine is important in people with diabetes. Too much of the acid, created when the body burns fat for fuel, can lead to a serious…

By Kathleen Smith, PhD, LPC

Urinalysis: Purposes, Types, Results

In a urinalysis, a clean urine sample is collected in a specimen cup and examined visually, microscopically, and with a dipstick test to diagnose and …

By Kathleen Smith, PhD, LPC

Protein in Urine (Proteinuria): Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

It’s normal for urine to have a little protein, but high levels of protein in urine, or proteinuria, can mean your kidneys aren’t properly filtering waste…

By Kathleen Smith, PhD, LPC

What Your Urine Says About You and Your Health

The color, odor, density, and frequency of your urine can tell you a lot about your health, as can the presence of proteins and ketones. Changes in urine…

By Kathleen Smith, PhD, LPC

How Does Your Urine Change When You’re Pregnant?

Being pregnant can change your urine. Here’s what’s normal and when your urine change may be a sign of trouble.

By Kathleen Smith, PhD, LPC

10 Medications That May Cause Increased Urination

There are several potential causes of frequent urination, and the meds you’re taking could be one of the culprits. Here is a list of medications that …

By Jessica Migala

Blood in the urine (hematuria) | Symptoms, complications, diagnosis and treatment

Blood in the urine may be a warning sign. Although in many cases the cause is harmless, blood in the urine (hematuria) can indicate a serious disorder. Treatment depends on the cause.

Blood in the urine can be referred to by two terms. If the blood is visible to the eye, that is, the urine has a pink or burgundy color, then this condition is called gross hematuria. If the urine has a normal color, but an increased content of red blood cells, that is, blood elements, is detected in the urine test, then this condition is called microhematuria. This article will focus on the visible admixture of blood in the urine (gross hematuria).

Some medicines and foods, such as beets, rhubarb, and certain types of berries, can cause urine to turn red. To determine exactly whether the cause of this discoloration of urine is an admixture of blood or not, it is necessary to pass a urine test.

Symptoms

Hematuria produces pink, red, or cola-colored urine due to the presence of red blood cells. Urine has a pink color, or the color of the color of “meat slops”. In the urine, blood clots can also be determined in the form of black “worms”, “cakes”, long threads. At the same time, there may be pain when urinating, or pain in the lumbar region.

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor any time you notice blood in your urine.

Some medications, such as laxatives and certain foods, including beets, rhubarb, and berries, can cause urine to turn red. Urine discoloration caused by drugs, food, or exercise may disappear within a few days.

Blood urine looks different, but you can’t tell the difference. Best consult a physician any time you see red-colored urine.

Causes of hematuria.

  • Urinary tract infections (most commonly acute cystitis) – this happens when bacteria enter your body through the urethra and multiply in your bladder. Symptoms may include a constant urge to urinate, pain and burning when urinating, and extremely smelly urine.
  • Kidney infection (acute pyelonephritis) – This can happen when bacteria enter the kidneys from your bloodstream or travel from the ureters to the kidneys. Signs and symptoms are often similar to bladder infections, although kidney infections are more likely to cause fever and side pain.
  • Bladder, kidney or ureter stone – Minerals in concentrated urine sometimes form crystals on the walls of the kidney or bladder. Over time, the crystals can become small, hard stones.
    Stones are generally painless, so you probably won’t know you have them unless they cause blockages or are passed on. Then usually no symptoms occur – kidney stones, especially, can cause excruciating pain. Bladder or kidney stones can also cause both severe and microscopic bleeding.
  • Enlarged prostate in older men – The prostate gland, which lies just below the bladder and surrounds the top of the urethra, often enlarges as men approach middle age. It then compresses the urethra, partially blocking the flow of urine. Signs and symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) include difficulty urinating, an urgent or persistent need to urinate, and visible or microscopic blood in the urine. An infection of the prostate gland (prostatitis) can cause the same symptoms. .
  • Infection of the prostate gland (acute prostatitis) .
  • Diseases of the kidneys (glomerulonephritis) – microscopic urinary bleeding is a common symptom of glomerulonephritis, an inflammation of the filtering system of the kidneys. Glomerulonephritis may be part of a systemic disease such as diabetes, or it may occur on its own. Viral or streptococcal infections, blood vessel disease (vasculitis), and immune problems such as IgA nephropathy that affect the small capillaries that filter blood in the kidneys (glomeruli) can cause glomerulonephritis.
  • In women, urine contamination with menstrual blood during menses.
  • Kidney Injury – Striking or other injury to the kidneys from accident or physical contact may cause visible blood in the urine. .
  • Bladder cancer (most often smokers suffer).
  • Cancer of the kidney, pelvis, ureter – Visible urinary bleeding may be a sign of kidney, bladder or prostate cancer. Unfortunately, there may be no signs or symptoms in the early stages, when these cancers are most treatable. .
  • Medications (eg, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve joint pain) – the anti-cancer drug cyclophosphamide and penicillin can cause urination. Visible urinary blood sometimes occurs if you are taking an anticoagulant such as aspirin and the thinner heparin and you also have a condition that causes bladder bleeding.
  • Intense exercise Rarely, intense exercise can lead to gross hematuria, but the cause is unknown. This may be due to bladder injury, dehydration, or the breakdown of red blood cells that occurs with prolonged aerobic exercise.

When to see a doctor.

The admixture of blood in the urine can be a symptom of a serious illness, so it is necessary to consult a urologist . The urologist will prescribe examinations to find a clarification of the diagnosis. First of all, it is necessary to exclude malignant lesions of the urinary system, which, although not often detected, can pose a serious threat to health

Almost everyone, including children and teenagers, can have red blood cells in their urine.

Factors that make this more likely include:

  • Age. Many men over 50 experience occasional hematuria due to an enlarged prostate.
  • Recent infection. Inflammation of the kidneys after a viral or bacterial infection (post-infectious glomerulonephritis) is one of the leading causes of visible urinary blood in children.
  • Heredity. You may be more likely to urinate if you have a family history of kidney disease or kidney stones. Sickle cell anemia, an inherited defect in hemoglobin in red blood cells, causes blood in the urine, both visible and microscopic hematuria. This can cause Alport’s syndrome, which affects the filtering membranes in the glomeruli of the kidneys.
  • Some medicines. Aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers and antibiotics such as penicillin are known to increase the risk of urinary bleeding.
  • Physical activity. Long distance runners are particularly susceptible to exercise-induced physiological bleeding. In fact, this condition is sometimes referred to as runner’s hematuria. But anyone who works hard can have the symptoms described.

Diagnostics

Your urologist will determine the presence of risk factors for urinary tract cancer and possible other causes of blood in the urine. The most common risk factors for the development of cancer are smoking, previous radiation or chemotherapy, exposure to adverse production factors (dyes, solvents). Depending on age, the presence of risk factors, symptoms, the urologist will assess the amount of the necessary examination.

Examination

The purpose of the examination is to find the source of blood in the urine. To examine the bladder, ultrasound and cystoscopy are usually performed . To examine the upper urinary tract (kidneys and ureters), ultrasound or computed tomography with contrast injection (CT urography) is necessary. Laboratory tests usually include a urine culture to rule out infection, a blood test for creatinine, and a complete blood count.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of the hematuria. In the presence of oncological diseases or stones, surgical treatment is necessary. In most other cases, medications can be dispensed with.

In the urological department of VCERM named after. Nikiforov EMERCOM of Russia you can get the full range of necessary assistance

The Urology Department occupies one of the first places in the city in terms of the quality of medical care for patients with urological pathology, including those that developed in emergency situations. Such high results were achieved thanks to the continuous professional development of the department’s doctors (6 people, most of whom have a scientific degree), including on the basis of clinics in the USA and Germany, a clear delineation of functions, as well as advanced equipment of the department, which allows performing surgical and medical treatment. diagnostic manipulations of any category of complexity.

You can get comprehensive advice on your problem from highly qualified doctors of the department.

For more information, please go to the branch page.

Hematuria or blood in the urine of a cat

Home / Articles / Useful articles / Blood in the urine of a cat

Blood in the urine of a cat. Causes. Diagnostics. Prevention

Dr. Arina Vladimirovna Volchenkova will help us understand the concept of hematuria in cats.

(P.S. We love the name Natasha, the cover was inspired by a famous cat meme 🙂

Blood in the urine of an animal (hematuria) is a pet condition in which blood appears in the urine in drops or whole clots, turning it pink / brown.

Causes of hematuria:
– Diseases of the genitourinary system
Most often, the following pathologies are diagnosed in cats: cystitis, urethritis, etc.

– Poisoning
Sending food (onions, garlic, etc.) can be the cause of hematuria.

– Urolithiasis
A disease in which a urolith (stone) forms in the cavity of the bladder.
There are breeds more predisposed to this disease.

– Altitude injury
After a fall from a height, the organs of the genitourinary system of a cat can be damaged, due to which blood appears in its urine

– Infections
Blood in the urine of cats may be due to infectious processes in the body of the animal.

– Unbalanced diet, lack of fluid in the body
Poor quality food, lack of water in the body can cause metabolic disorders. As a result, the formation of uroliths / nephroliths and blood in the urine.

– Stress
Cats are very sensitive to stress, no matter how self-sufficient and courageous they may seem. Moving, the arrival of a new member in the family, loud noises and more can be the cause of problems with urination.

What should I do if I notice blood in my cat’s urine?

If the cause is stress, remove its source. Provide several places with water. These can be dynamic fountains, several bowls (depending on the preferences of the tail). The tail should drink water at the rate of 50 ml / 1 kg. Contact the clinic, do not delay.

Clinical diagnostics
The first and most necessary procedure is an ultrasound of the bladder/kidneys. The appearance depends on age and symptoms.
Further, according to the results of the ultrasound, the doctor determines whether it is necessary: ​​
– blood tests clinical + biochemical
– urinalysis
— RTG

Prevention of hematuria in animals

– Before stressful situations, use a pheromone collar/diffuser depending on the event
– Provide the tail with a balanced diet + plenty of fluids.