What does it mean if there is occult blood in the urine?
Disease description:
I noticed there was blood in my urine when I went to the bathroom. This has never happened before. What could be the cause of blood in the urine?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Cao Zhiqiang
Blood in the urine generally indicates the presence of red blood cells in the urine. The main causes of blood in the urine include the following:
1. Urinary tract infections: Conditions such as cystitis and nephritis may cause damage to the urinary tract or kidneys, allowing red blood cells to enter the urine.
2. Stones: Stones in the urinary system, such as kidney stones, ureteral stones, and bladder stones, may cause bleeding by rubbing against the urinary tract or kidneys during movement or excretion.
3. Vascular diseases: Chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes that are poorly controlled over a long period may affect the small blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to blood in the urine.
4. Exercise-induced hematuria: Some healthy individuals may experience transient hematuria after strenuous exercise, which typically does not require special treatment and resolves on its own after rest.
5. Trauma: Trauma to the waist or lower abdomen may damage the kidneys or bladder, potentially causing blood in the urine.
6. Medication factors: Certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and chemotherapy drugs, may also cause blood to appear in the urine.
