What Causes Red-Colored Urine?
Dec 31, 2021
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ding Feng
Introduction
1. Urinary tract stones: Severe pain in the lumbar and abdominal regions, accompanied by hematuria (blood-tinged urine). Some patients may not exhibit hematuria at rest; however, microscopic or gross hematuria often appears after fatigue or physical exertion.
2. Nephritis: Hematuria associated with edema, fever, proteinuria, and hypertension.
3. Urinary tract infection (UTI): Hematuria accompanied by urinary frequency, urgency, and dysuria.
These conditions can cause significant physical and psychological harm to patients.
Most people know that under normal circumstances, urine should be pale yellow in color. If you drink relatively little water or experience “internal heat” (a traditional Chinese medicine concept referring to inflammatory or hypermetabolic states), your urine may appear darker yellow—but it should never turn red. Red-colored urine warrants immediate attention, as it may indicate a urinary tract disorder or even a systemic disease. So, what causes red urine? Below, we address this question.
What Causes Red Urine?
1. Urinary Tract Stones
Red-tinged urine accompanied by severe pain in the lower back or abdomen. Although some stones may not cause symptoms, hematuria (blood in urine) often appears after fatigue or physical exertion.
2. Nephritis
Red urine associated with edema, fever, proteinuria, and hypertension.
3. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Red urine accompanied by urinary frequency, urgency, and dysuria—causing significant physical and psychological distress.
4. Hemoglobinuria
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) may present without obvious symptoms; red urine occurs specifically upon waking after sleep.
5. Hematologic Disorders
Red urine associated with widespread skin bruising and bleeding from multiple mucosal sites (e.g., gums, nose), sometimes accompanied by fever.
6. Malignancy
Asymptomatic red urine should raise suspicion for malignancy—particularly urologic cancers such as bladder or renal tumors.
The above outlines potential causes of red urine. We hope this information is helpful to you.
