Blood in your urine: causes and when to see a doctor
Dr. Joan J. Morales Lappot, MD3 min read · Leer en español
In briefSeeing pink or red urine is alarming, and finding blood on a routine urine test can be confusing. Either way, it deserves an explanation.
Two kinds
Gross hematuria is blood you can see: pink, red or cola-colored urine. Microscopic hematuria is found only on a urine test. Both should be evaluated, but visible blood, especially in adults over 35 or in smokers, needs prompt attention.
Causes outside the kidney filters
- Urinary or kidney infections
- Kidney or bladder stones
- An enlarged prostate
- Vigorous exercise or a recent injury
- Bladder or kidney tumors, which is why visible blood must always be checked
Causes inside the kidney filters
When blood comes with protein in the urine, swelling or rising creatinine, the filters themselves may be inflamed. Examples include IgA nephropathy, other forms of glomerulonephritis and inherited conditions such as Alport syndrome. That is where a nephrologist steps in.
How it is evaluated
Usually a repeat urine test, a urine culture, kidney function blood tests and imaging such as an ultrasound or CT scan. Many adults also see a urologist, who may look inside the bladder. If the pattern points to the kidney filters, I may recommend a kidney biopsy.