$Unique_ID{BRK02124} $Pretitle{} $Title{Causes of Bloody Urine} $Subject{urine bladder blood kidney kidneys hematuria bladder infections bladder infection kidney stones kindney stone urinary tract tumor polyps polyp} $Volume{} $Log{ Types of Urinary Tract Infections*0007101.scf Predisposing Factors for Urinary Tract Infections*0007102.scf} Copyright (c) 1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc. Causes of Bloody Urine ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ QUESTION: My husband claims that he sees blood in his urine, but refuses to do anything about it. Is it possible that this will go away by itself? He claims it comes and goes, and so can't be serious. Can you please tell him to get medical help before something tragic happens. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANSWER: Any time you can see blood in the urine it requires investigation by a doctor to determine the exact cause. There are over 100 causes of such bleeding, but a list of just some of them reveals that a serious condition requiring immediate care may be present. While about 25 percent of cases of blood in the urine (hematuria) may be caused by bladder infections, and another 1 case in 4 by stones in the urinary tract, it may also reveal the presence of a tumor in the bladder or kidney. The entire urinary tract is lined by sensitive tissues, that may bleed whenever irritation or inflammation occurs. Polyps are another frequent cause of hematuria, and they sometimes bleed and then stop on their own. Whatever the situation, the earlier that treatment is started, the less chance of serious complications. It makes no sense at all to wait until it is too late, so show this to your husband and get him to the doctor, now! ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.