The presence of red blood cells in the urine is known as hematuria and is usually associated with kidney problems, however it can also be a consequence of performing very intense physical activity, although this is rare, or due to the menstrual period, for example.
Hematuria usually does not cause symptoms and is mainly noticed by changing the color of the urine, which turns pink or red and, in some cases, cloudy. Therefore, if there is a change in the color of the urine, it is important to go to the doctor so that tests can be done and the most appropriate treatment can be started.
What can it be
The presence of red blood cells in the urine is usually not accompanied by symptoms, it is only noticed that the urine is pink or red, in addition to cloudy, and is most often associated with kidney problems. The main causes of red blood cells in the urine are:
- Urinary tract infections; Inflammation of the kidneys, which is usually a consequence of infection, such as glomerulonephritis and pyelonephritis, for example; Changes in the prostate, in the case of men; Kidney diseases; Use of some medications, mainly anticoagulants; Presence of kidney stones or in the bladder; Kidney cancer.
In the case of women, it is also possible to observe the presence of blood in the urine during the menstrual period and, therefore, it is not recommended that urine collection be performed during this period, as the presence of red blood cells will be indicated in the examination. However, if the presence of blood outside the menstrual period is verified, it is important that the woman consult the gynecologist so that more specific tests are performed.
Although it is often related to changes in the kidneys, it is also possible that red blood cells in the urine happen due to excessive physical activity, which can happen as a result of bladder damage or dehydration, for example, however hematuria due to exercise is rare.
Therefore, if any change in urine is noticed, it is important that the person goes to the general practitioner or urologist so that tests can be done and appropriate treatment can be started.
Know other causes of blood in the urine.
How to identify red blood cells in urine
The presence of red blood cells in the urine is perceived mainly through the color of the urine, which changes to pink, bright red or dark depending on the amount of red blood cells. In addition, from the visualization of the urine microscopically, the presence of several or numerous intact red blood cells can be verified, as well as products of their degradation, such as hemoglobin, which is identified by means of the tape test.
In this situation it is also possible to identify the presence of hematic cylinders, which are structures formed by red blood cells, and, in some cases, the presence of numerous leukocytes and crystals.
Learn how to understand the urine test.
How treatment should be done
The treatment for hematuria is indicated by the doctor according to the cause, that is, in case the high red blood cells in the urine are due to infections, the doctor may recommend the use of antibiotics to fight the infectious agent and, thus, reduce the amount of red blood cells present in the urine.
If it happens due to the presence of kidney or bladder stones, removal is usually recommended, which is most often done through a small surgical procedure. After this procedure it is normal for the person to continue to perceive red urine, however as the recovery happens, the urine returns to its normal color.
