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Hematuria

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

What is hematuria?

Hematuria is blood in your urine. Your urine may be bright red to dark brown.

What other signs and symptoms might I have with hematuria?

• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain or bruising on your lower back or sides
• Pain or burning when you urinate
• More urination than usual, or the need to urinate right away
• Blood clots in the toilet after you urinate

What causes hematuria?

Ask your healthcare provider for more information about these and other causes of hematuria:

• Urinary tract infection
• Kidney or bladder stones
• Swollen prostate
• Kidney disease
• Abdomen or pelvic injury
• Kidney, bladder, or prostate cancer
• Intense exercise

How is hematuria diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask when you first saw a change in the color of your urine. Tell him or her about any medical conditions or medicines you take. Some medicines can damage your kidneys or increase your risk for bleeding. You may need any of the following:

• Blood and urine tests may show infection and how well your kidneys are working.
• An ultrasound or CT may show the cause of your hematuria. You may be given contrast liquid to help your urinary tract show up better in the pictures. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid.
• A cystoscopy may show problems inside your bladder. The cystoscope is a long tube with a lens and a light on the end.

How is hematuria treated?

Hematuria may go away without treatment. You may need medicines to treat an infection. Treatment depends on the cause of your hematuria. Ask your healthcare provider for more information about the treatment you may need.

How can I manage my symptoms?

Drink liquids as directed. You may need to drink extra liquids to help flush the blood from your body through your urine. Water is the best liquid to drink. Ask how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you.

When should I seek immediate care?

• You have blood in your urine after a new injury, such as a fall.
• You have severe back or side pain that does not go away with treatment.

When should I call my doctor?

• You are urinating very small amounts or not at all.
• You feel like you cannot empty your bladder.
• You have a fever that gets worse or does not go away with treatment.
• You cannot keep liquids or medicines down.
• Your urine gets darker, even after you drink extra liquids.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition, treatment, or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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Further information

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