When red blood cells (erythrocytes) are present in the urine, it is called hematuria. In other words, blood is present in the urine. Hematuria can originated from anywhere along the urinary tract, notwithstanding the kidneys, ureters, urethra, bladder and for men, prostrate. It may either be idiopathic, or of no apparent cause, or a sign of an underlying disease. To be sure, it always better to go to seek medical advice from a physician and have some tests done.
Types of Hematuria
The main cause for different types of hematuria depends on the source of the red discoloration in the urine. Some of these causes include:
- Presence of red blood cells
- Gross or macroscopic hematuria: blood is seen in the urine
- Microscopic hematuria: only seen when examined with a microscope
- Presence of hemoglobin
- Absence of red blood cells and caused by the red pigment found in hemoglobin
- Other pigments
- Myoglobinuria: presence of protein myoglobin
- Porphyria: presence of porphyrins, such as heme (pigment in red blood cells)
- Beets: presence of red dye betanin
- Drugs: Rifampicin, Phenazopyridine, etc.
Causes of Hematuria
Although blood in the urine is usually associated with disease, some nine to eighteen percent of all cases of hematuria are considered idiopathic. Sometimes, however, hematuria is a sign of an important medical condition requiring treatment. Some of the common cause of hematuria:
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Bacterial
- Viral
- Kidney or bladder infection
- Kidney stones or bladder stones
- Trauma to the kidneys
- Cancer or presence of tumors in the urinary system
- Prostatitis
- Certain medications
- Certain food
- Vigorous exercise
- Other kidney diseases
Symptoms of Hematuria
If the blood or red pigment is not evident enough in the urine, there are other symptoms of hematuria. Some of the following are:
- Pink, brownish-red or tea-colored urine but usually not painful
- Blood clots, which can be painful
- Bladder infections: burning or pain with urination, fever, pain in lower abdomen
- Kidney stones: abdominal or pelvic pain
- Kidney infections: pain in the lower back, fever and chills
- Kidney diseases: swelling
Diagnosis of Hematuria
Usually, hematuria is diagnosed by testing a urine sample, commonly called urinalysis. Other tests include:
- Blood test
- Biopsy
- Cystoscopic examination
- Kidney imaging tests
Treatment for Hematuria
Treatment for hematuria will vary depending on the underlying cause of the disease. If there is no serious condition, no treatment is necessary. However, necessary precaution should be observed, especially if it is the first time to observe blood in the urine:
- Call a doctor and set up an appointment.
- Note the symptoms.
Although immediate treatment may not always be given to people with 
hematuria, home remedies should not be attempted. Having an overall understanding of symptoms of diseases of the urinary tract such as hematuria can help when taking first aid training. If not treated, these diseases will worsen through time. In cases of hematuria, the disease must be diagnosed as soon as possible to minimize worsening of symptoms.