Blood in the urine should never be ignored. Tell your doctor about this symptom and get an appropriate evaluation, especially if you have unexplained weight loss, burning with urination, frequent urination, or urgent urination.

Call your doctor right away if:

• You have fever, nausea, vomiting, shaking chills, or pain in your abdomen, side, or back.
• You are unable to urinate.
• You are passing blood clots.

Also call your doctor if:

• You have pain with sexual intercourse or heavy menstrual bleeding. The problem may be related to your reproductive organs.
• You have dribbling, nighttime urination, or difficulty starting your urinary flow. The problem may be related to your prostate.

• When did you first notice blood in your urine?
• What is the underlying color of your urine?
• Do you have any pain with urination?
• Has the quantity of your urine increased or decreased?
• Does your urine have an odor?
• Are you urinating more frequently?
• Do you have an urgent need to urinate?
• What medications are you taking, including over the counter drugs?
• Have you recently eaten foods that may cause discoloration, like beets, berries, or rhubarb?
• Do you have any other symptoms like pain in your back, abdomen, or side? Fever, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea? Nighttime urination? Dribbling? Discharge from penis or vagina? Pain with intercourse?
• Have you had previous urinary problems or kidney problems?
• Do you have any allergies?
• Have you had a recent injury?
• Have you had any recent diagnostic or surgical procedures involving the urinary tract?

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• Blood studies such as a CBC, blood differential, C3, and creatinine
• Urinalysis
• Urine culture
• 24-hr urine collection for creatinine, protein, calcium
• Tests for strep
• Tests for lupus
• Tests for sickle cell, bleeding problems, and other blood disorders
• Cystoscopy
• Kidney biopsy
• X-rays of the kidneys
• IVP
• Abdominal ultrasound
• CT scan of the abdomen

TREATMENT

The treatment will depend on the cause of the blood in the urine. If a urinary tract infection is confirmed, antibiotics may be prescribed. If appropriate, pain medications will be administered.