The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Hematuria (Blood in the Urine)

Detection of red blood cells in urine, either visible or microscopic.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) department. Book Appointment →

What is Hematuria (Blood in the Urine)?

Hematuria is the presence of abnormal levels of red blood cells in the urine. Visible red or pink discoloration is called 'gross (macroscopic) hematuria'; microscopic detection of more than 3 red blood cells per high-power field without visible redness is called 'microscopic hematuria'.

Hematuria can be caused by many different conditions: urinary tract infection, kidney stones, glomerulonephritis, polycystic kidney disease, kidney or bladder tumor, and prostate disease are among the main causes. Painless total gross hematuria is a warning sign for bladder cancer and must be investigated in those over 50.

Evaluation includes complete urinalysis and microscopy, urine culture, imaging (ultrasound, CT urography), and — when needed — cystoscopy, as well as kidney biopsy in glomerular hematuria.

Symptoms

Urine appearing red, pink, or dark brown
Burning and frequent urination (in infection-related hematuria)
Flank or back pain (in stone or kidney pathology)
Painless hematuria (in tumors or glomerular disease)
Clotted urine or difficulty voiding
Face and leg swelling (glomerular disease)

Risk Factors

Smoking (bladder cancer risk)
Male, over 50 years of age
Recurrent urinary tract infections
History of kidney stones
NSAID and anticoagulant use
Family history of kidney or bladder cancer
Occupational chemical exposure (paint, rubber industry)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • When visible blood in urine is noticed
  • Painless gross hematuria at any age should be evaluated immediately
  • Microscopic hematuria detected on routine testing
  • Hematuria with face or leg swelling (glomerular disease)

Treatment Methods

01
Treating the underlying cause is the primary goal
02
Appropriate antibiotics in urinary tract infection
03
Analgesia, hydration, and stone-passing treatment or urological intervention for kidney stones
04
Collaboration with the relevant specialty (nephrology/urology/oncology) when glomerulonephritis or a tumor is diagnosed
05
Medication adjustment for anticoagulant-related hematuria
06
Cystoscopic resection and — if needed — cystectomy when a bladder tumor is diagnosed

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Anaemia is a low haemoglobin level that reduces oxygen delivery, causing fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath. It is not a disease itself but a sign of many underlying conditions. Most cases are correctable with appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Iron deficiency anaemia develops when dietary intake, absorption, or losses create an iron shortfall, most often affecting women and children. Identifying the underlying cause is the core of management, alongside iron replacement.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anaemia, neurological symptoms, and cognitive impairment. Early treatment with intramuscular or oral B12 largely prevents irreversible complications.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Management

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hypertension is often called the silent killer because it progresses symptom-free for years and can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Regular monitoring, lifestyle change, and evidence-based drug therapy dramatically reduce cardiovascular risk.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common complications of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and can be silent in its early stages.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis B is a DNA virus infection causing acute and chronic hepatitis with risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; diagnosis integrates HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBc, and HBV DNA with management based on disease phase using nucleos(t)ide analogues (entecavir, tenofovir) and universal infant vaccination.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis C is an RNA virus causing chronic hepatitis that may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) pangenotypic regimens (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) achieve sustained virologic response over 95% in 8–12 weeks with universal adult screening and cure for nearly all patients.

Fatty Liver Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to obesity and metabolic syndrome and is largely reversible with early treatment.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.