Blood in Urine (Haematuria):

Blood occurs in the urine when part of the urinary tract has allowed blood cells to leak in. It can occur with or without pain or dysuria. If you see blood in your urine or if hematuria is related to an accident, contact your doctor immediately.

Blood in the urine can be a sign of urological disease or result from another problem. Painful hematuria suggests a urinary tract infectionsuch as cystitis (inflamed bladder). Hematuria can also indicate a kidney or bladder stone. Blood in the urine as a sign of advanced cancer in the urinary tract is rarer.

An enlarged prostate or an infection of the prostate can cause hematuria. It can also be a sign of infection of the bladder or the kidney, although a kidney infection can also cause fever and flank pain. Some inherited disorders such as sickle cell anaemia can cause blood to be in the urine.

Glomerulonephritis, a type of kidney disease, inflames the kidneys’ filtering system, which often causes hematuria. This inflammation has a number of causes. Diabetes can cause glomerulonephritis, as can viral or bacterial infections. It can also result from vascular disease or immune problems. Sometimes it occurs on its own.

Kidney injury or even strenuous exercise can allow blood to leak into the urine. A blow to the kidney from physical contact or an accident can injure the kidney. Some athletes, particularly runners, may experience hematuria after a particularly intense workout.

Finally, medications such as chemotherapy, penicillin, and blood thinners can cause bleeding in the urine.

If you have blood in your urine, consult your doctor for examination.