About this symptom
Haematuria means red blood cells are present in urine. Sometimes urine looks pink, red or brown; at other times blood is detected only under a microscope. A colour change alone cannot identify its cause.
What matters most
Possible causes range from urinary infection or stones to kidney disease, trauma and changes affecting the bladder or prostate. Food and medicines may also change urine colour. Even one episode of visible blood deserves clinical evaluation.
Symptoms and reasons to seek help
You may notice discoloured urine, clots, burning, frequent urination or flank discomfort. Microscopic haematuria may produce no noticeable symptoms at all, so laboratory confirmation matters.
How it differs from similar conditions
Pain with urinary symptoms may suggest infection or stones, but painless blood does not rule out a serious cause. Urine that appears red after certain foods may not contain blood; neither appearance nor self-diagnosis can reliably distinguish these situations.
Assessment and investigations
Assessment usually includes history and urinalysis with microscopy, sometimes repeated to confirm a finding. Kidney function tests, urine culture, imaging or specialist investigation are selected according to age, symptoms and risk factors.
Care options and limitations
Treatment targets the identified cause rather than the urine colour. A confirmed infection, stone or other finding needs its own management plan; do not assume antibiotics are appropriate for every episode.
When emergency help is needed
Seek emergency help for heavy bleeding or clots with inability to pass urine, severe pain, high fever with chills, marked dizziness or sudden weakness. Call 103 or 112 if the bleeding or general condition is severe.
Related information
Kidney and urinary tract stones (urolithiasis); Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH); Elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA).
Signs and symptoms
You may notice discoloured urine, clots, burning, frequent urination or flank discomfort. Microscopic haematuria may produce no noticeable symptoms at all, so laboratory confirmation matters.
Diagnosis and tests
Assessment usually includes history and urinalysis with microscopy, sometimes repeated to confirm a finding. Kidney function tests, urine culture, imaging or specialist investigation are selected according to age, symptoms and risk factors.
Care and treatment approaches
Treatment targets the identified cause rather than the urine colour. A confirmed infection, stone or other finding needs its own management plan; do not assume antibiotics are appropriate for every episode.
When to seek urgent care
Seek emergency help for heavy bleeding or clots with inability to pass urine, severe pain, high fever with chills, marked dizziness or sudden weakness. Call 103 or 112 if the bleeding or general condition is severe.
Frequently asked questions
Can blood in urine be important even when there is no pain?
Yes. Painless visible haematuria can occur with significant disease and should not be ignored.
Could beetroot or a medicine change urine colour?
Yes, but a change in colour cannot by itself exclude red blood cells; a clinician may recommend urine testing.
Do I need assessment if the blood disappeared?
Yes. A single visible episode is worth discussing even if later urine looks normal.
Important information
A medical consultation is needed for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Self-treatment can be harmful to your health.
