$Unique_ID{BRK01553}
$Pretitle{Genitourinary System}
$Title{What Could Cause Blood in One's Urine?}
$Subject{urine red causes}
$Volume{J-16}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Could Cause Blood in One's Urine?


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QUESTION:  I think I have discovered blood in my urine, at least it looks red
sometimes.  What could this be caused by?  Is it possible that the color comes
from foods I have eaten.  I think I need help.

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ANSWER:  You certainly do need some personal medical attention.  There are
about 100 causes for hematuria, the medical term for blood in the urine, most
of which aren't serious, but any condition which makes you think you have
blood in the urine requires some testing and evaluation.  Some medications and
foods can cause darkened urine that doesn't contain blood.  Foods such as
beets, blackberries, and rhubarb can redden the urine, as can certain
antibiotics.
     True hematuria can be caused by problems with blood, the kidneys, or with
the urinary system that collects the urine from the kidney and then excretes
it (the ureters, bladder and urethra).  People with blood coagulation
disorders (hemophilia, sickle cell anemia) or who are taking anticoagulant
drugs may have small amounts of blood in the urine.  Kidney stones,
infections, or tumors can also cause blood in the urine.  A kidney stone can
also injure the ureters and urethra and cause bleeding.  In some people,
strenuous exercise causes minor trauma that creates hematuria.
     Stones account for 20 percent of all cases of hematuria and another
25 percent of cases are due to urinary tract infections.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
