What Causes Red-Colored Urine?
Apr 20, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Luo Yong
Introduction
Reddish urine is commonly referred to as hematuria. Most cases of hematuria are associated with diseases of the genitourinary system, such as urinary tract infections, urolithiasis, prostate disorders, tumors, and trauma. Patients with hematuria often present with additional symptoms, including acute cystitis and urethritis. Hematuria caused by urinary tract infections is frequently accompanied by bladder irritative symptoms, such as urinary frequency, urgency, and dysuria.
Everyone knows that normal urine is pale yellow. When urine changes color, it warrants attention—especially if it appears red. What causes red-colored urine?
What Causes Red-Colored Urine?
Red-colored urine is commonly referred to as hematuria. Most cases of hematuria are associated with diseases of the genitourinary system, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), urolithiasis (urinary stones), prostate disorders, tumors, or trauma. Patients with hematuria often present additional symptoms—for instance, those with acute cystitis or urethritis. Hematuria caused by UTIs frequently accompanies bladder irritation symptoms, including urinary frequency, urgency, and dysuria. Hematuria resulting from urinary stones is often accompanied by acute colicky flank pain.
For example, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) may cause microscopic hematuria—often undetectable to the naked eye but observable under a microscope. Second, inflammation: genitourinary infections in men can lead to hematuria and red-tinged urine. Other potential causes include bleeding disorders, leukemia, heart failure, sepsis, vitamin C or vitamin K deficiency, hypercalciuria, and spontaneous neonatal hemorrhage. In males, traumatic injury to the urinary system—such as blunt force trauma—can result in bleeding that mixes with urine, turning it red.
If red-colored urine results from dietary factors, urine color typically returns to normal after adjusting one’s diet. If caused by a urinary tract infection, antibiotic therapy prescribed by a healthcare provider is recommended. For urinary stones, treatment—including stone removal—depends on the stone’s location and size. We hope this information is helpful to you.
