It would be dreadful and alarming when it comes to blood in the urine. Ever gone to the washroom and noticed pink, red, or cola-colored urine? It may be a warning sign of hematuria. People of different ages can experience it at any stage of their lives. According to research, around 9 percent to 18 percent of healthy individuals report at least some degree of hematuria.
So, understanding painless hematuria causes is important for on-time diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and long-term urinary health. The underlying causes of hematuria may seem mild and temporary. In some cases, it may pose serious urological conditions that need medical intervention from specialist doctors.
What Is Painless Hematuria?
Hematuria refers to the condition of blood in the urine. Sometimes, people may overlook it as a very small amount of blood present in the urine. However, it may turn your urine pink, red, or cola-brown in many cases. Blood in urine happens when red blood cells enter the urinary tract. It appears in three forms:
- Gross Hematuria: If the blood is visible in your urine, though in a small amount, and changes the color of the urine, it is known as gross hematuria. This condition requires immediate medical attention.
- Microscopic Hematuria: In this case, you can’t see blood in the urine through your naked eye, as it won’t change the color of your urine. During a routine urine test, it can be found under a microscope and needs further examination.
- Dipstick Hematuria: When oxidation of a dipstick (thin strips of plastic or paper with patches of chemicals) occurs, it can turn the color of your pee. This is called dipstick hematuria. It happens if your urine has particular substances; the chemicals can alter its color.
Painless Hematuria Causes
Blood in the urine happens when the kidneys or other parts of the urinary tract allow blood cells to leak into the urine. Different causes are behind it:
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
UTIs are one of the most common urinary tract infection symptoms and causes seen in urological practice, especially in women. When bacteria enter the tube through which you urinate and cause inflammation of the bladder, it is called “urethritis.” After that, the bacteria multiply in your urinary bladder. This is a bacterial infection that affects the kidneys, the bladder, or the urinary tract.
Kidney Infection
Pyelonephritis is an infection that spreads to the kidneys. It can occur when bacteria get into the kidneys from the bloodstream. Understanding kidney infection and its complications is vital because when bacteria go to the kidneys through a pair of tubes that connect the kidneys with the ureter, a kidney infection happens. It results in UTI-like symptoms, often accompanied by a fever and pain in the back, side, or groin.
Kidney or Bladder Stones
Basically, kidney stones are solid deposits of minerals and salts. The existing minerals in concentrated urine may transform into crystals and settle in the kidneys or on the urinary bladder. It may damage the urinary tract lining and lead to visible or microscopic bleeding. The size of the kidney stones may vary. Most importantly, the stones may scratch or irritate the lining of your urinary passages. As a result, you can see blood in the urine with a naked eye.
Other Kidney Diseases
Different kidney diseases, such as glomerulonephritis, can cause microscopic or gross hematuria. It is an inflammatory condition of the kidney filtering system. Glomerulonephritis may be triggered by diabetes or occur on its own. Apart from this, polycystic kidney disease may also cause blood in the urine.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
This is a condition of an enlarged prostate that has grown larger than normal but is not cancerous. It happens, especially in older people. An enlarged prostate puts pressure on the urethra and can partly block the flow of urine. It may develop trouble while peeing; an immediate or lasting need to pee, or blood in the urine. Consulting the best urologist in Gurgaon is recommended if you experience any of these persistent symptoms. Sometimes, prostatitis (infection of the prostate) may also cause the same symptoms.
Kidney, Bladder, or Prostate Cancer
In limited cases, cancer in the kidney, bladder, or prostate causes hematuria. Though it is easily treated during the early stages, prompt medical diagnosis is necessary. Early evaluation through surgical oncology services can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes when cancer is detected at a manageable stage.
Trauma Or Injuries to Organs
Blunt trauma or a direct blow to the kidneys (like a fall, automobile collision, or contact sports injury) or a penetrating injury (like a knife wound or gunshot wound) can cause blood to show up in the urine. Even injuries to your urinary tract, pelvis, or prostate may also be painless hematuria causes.
Certain Prescription Drugs
Usually, medicines that prevent blood clots are associated with hematuria. These medications keep blood cells called platelets from sticking together. So, blood thinners like aspirin, heparin, and warfarin cause blood in the urine because of their effect on blood clotting. Plus, cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) is a chemotherapy or anticancer drug, causing bladder inflammation and bleeding. Patients on such medications should consider minimally invasive urology procedures for safer diagnostic evaluation when hematuria is detected.
Exhausting Physical Exercise
After engaging in contact sports, such as football or long-distance (marathon) running, you may experience blood in your urine. It may be caused by bladder damage if you get hit. When it comes to blood in urine because of strenuous activities, it may be resolved on its own within a week.
Additional Causes
If you have inherited disorders or a family history of hemophilia, sickle cell anemia, or Alport syndrome, the risk factors of hematuria may go up. Also, CKDs (chronic kidney diseases) or PKD (polycystic kidney disease) may be passed along in families. In such cases, enrolling in preventive health screening packages can help detect early signs of kidney disease before they progress to hematuria or more serious complications.
Signs & Symptoms of Painless Hematuria that Require a Doctor Visit
Dark or red-tinted urine does not always indicate blood in the urine. Specific medications, internal medical examinations (Pap smear and more), foods, or food colors can change the color of your urine. Consider the following signs and symptoms if you have blood present in urine:
- Persistent blood in urine, lasting for 1 day
- Presence of blood clots in urine
- Associated fever, chills, nausea & vomiting
- A strong urge to pee
- Frequent urination
- Burning sensation while urinating
- Pain in the lower abdomen, flanks, or groins
- Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
Moreover, most of the hematuria symptoms are painless. So, if you encounter blood in your urine for a few days or any change in the color of your urine, you must make a doctor’s appointment. With proper medical investigation and treatment, you can prevent or cure this disease.
How SilverStreak Hospital Facilitates Painless Hematuria Causes
At SilverStreak Hospital, we prioritize upgraded technology and a patient-focused approach while diagnosing and treating any disease like painless hematuria. First, our doctors identify painless hematuria causes and then decide on certain treatments. Observing and understanding the signs and symptoms of hematuria, our urologist, Dr. Ankit Gupta, plans personalized treatments for every patient.
With 13+ years of experience, Dr. Gupta treats patients suffering from painless hematuria, irrespective of age, considering accuracy in diagnosis. He aims to use minimally invasive techniques to provide treatments for hematuria patients. No matter if it is a persistent urinary infection or kidney disease, you should make an appointment with our specialist.
Book a consultation with our urologist as fast as possible if you face any of the symptoms of painful hematuria.
Conclusion
According to the underlying painless hematuria causes, specialist doctors recommend the right treatment to help your patients recover from this disease. There are medications and therapies to treat hematuria in many ways. But sometimes, it may dissolve on its own without any need for treatment.
However, frequent blood in urine seeks medical help for children with hematuria as well as aged persons battling hematuria symptoms. If you or your loved ones develop any signs of hematuria, reach out to SilverStreak Hospital in Gurgaon. We treat the causes, not the disease itself.
FAQs
Depending on the risk factors, you should check urine every 6 months to 1 year for diagnosing hematuria. If blood in urine is detected once, you should schedule a check-up immediately within 1–2 weeks.
A urologist primarily treats painlessly. When blood in the urine is particularly caused by kidney diseases, you may consult a nephrologist. Therefore, painless hematuria helps you determine which doctor you need to visit for this.
Hematuria and hemoglobinuria both indicate the blood in the urine. But they differ in their underlying causes. “Hematuria” refers to the presence of red blood cells in the urine, due to various factors, such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or bladder or kidney diseases.
Hematuria is less common in children. A study shows that only 0.25% of children is affected by microscopic hematuria. However, persistent hematuria in children is much less common.
Hemochromatosis is a chronic and lifelong genetic condition. It does not have a permanent cure. It can keep coming back, especially when the underlying cause is still present. Iron overload can return it if you cease the treatment. With routine checkups and treatment, you can control hematuria.
