Your urinary output tells a lot about the situations going on in the body; therefore, keeping a regular check on its appearance is a good habit. If you ever notice a strain of pink, red, or even brown in your urine, do not panic! Most of the reasons are not something to be worried about, while others may need medical attention. Read this blog until the end to know if having blood clots in the urine is an emergency.
The Presence of Blood Clots In Urine – Hematuria
Blood in your urine can change its color from pink to red or even brown. The deviation depends on a few factors:
- The amount of blood present in it.
- How long it has been in the urine.
- The acidity level of the urine itself.
Possible Symptoms
People with hematuria might experience additional symptoms related to urinary tract disorders. These symptoms include the following:
- Presence of visible clots in urine.
- Pain in the side or back.
- Lower abdominal discomfort.
- Increased frequency and urge to urinate.
- Difficulties while urinating.
Causes of Red Urine
It is important to note that the presence of red blood cells does not always cause red urine. Other factors that can cause discoloration in urine include:
- High levels of hemoglobin in the urine due to the breakdown of red blood cells.
- Muscle protein (myoglobin).
- Porphyria, a disorder caused by enzyme deficiencies involved in the production of heme, the chemical compound responsible for the red color of blood.
- Food items such as beetroots, rhubarb, or use of food coloring.
- Certain medications, including phenazopyridine, cascara, diphenylhydantoin, etc.
Should You Go To An Emergency Room Due To Blood Clots In Urine?
Usually, visible blood in the urine is not considered an emergency. However, certain symptoms should not be ignored.
If you experience the following signs, get help.
- Lightheadedness
- Inability to urinate
- Extreme pelvic pain
Symptoms of Blood Clots in Urine
In many cases, hematuria does not show up with any noticeable symptoms other than the presence of blood clots in urine. Doctors categorize it as asymptomatic hematuria. However, some individuals may experience pain during urination, frequent urination, or even loss of urinary control.
Don’t Ignore the Signs
Whether life-altering signs are present or not, visible blood clots in urine should never be ignored or kept a secret. Get in touch with your doctor as soon as possible.
Treatment Options
The treatment depends on the underlying cause of your bleeding. However, if blood clots obstruct urine flow, doctors typically insert a flexible tube called a urinary catheter into the bladder to flush out the clot and restore normal urine flow.
Closing Note
Understanding hematuria and its root cause is essential for maintaining good overall health. Do not hesitate to reach out to San Ramon Urgent Care to learn more about this and ways we can help you. We are at 9140 Alcosta Blvd Ste D, San Ramon, CA 94583. Call (925) 361-5959 (San Ramon), (209) 825-5155 (Manteca), or (209) 983-9000 (Lathrop) for more information.