Urine is more than just waste—it reflects the body’s metabolic processes and helps eliminate toxins. Produced by the kidneys and stored in the bladder, urine offers valuable insights into our health. Changes in volume, color, or odor may signal underlying medical conditions.
Normal urine ranges from pale yellow to amber. If it appears red or dark brown, it may indicate hematuria—blood in the urine. Hematuria occurs when red blood cells leak into the urinary tract, which can happen anywhere from the kidneys to the urethra and is often linked to urological conditions.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common causes of hematuria. These infections occur when bacteria—most often Escherichia coli from the intestinal tract—invade the urinary system. Contrary to popular belief, most UTIs are not caused by external contamination. The infection’s classification depends on location: pyelonephritis (kidneys), cystitis (bladder), or urethritis (urethra).
In middle-aged men, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or prostate gland enlargement, can cause hematuria. The enlarged gland compresses the urethra, disrupting normal urine flow. Associated symptoms include frequent urination (more than eight times a day), nighttime urination (nocturia), urgency, difficulty starting urination, and intermittent stream.
Other causes of hematuria include medications, certain foods, or intense physical activity. When triggered by fatigue or stress, the condition often resolves with rest. Mild infections usually respond well to antibiotics or simple lifestyle changes.
One of the most serious concerns with hematuria is its potential link to cancer. Blood in the urine can be an early warning sign of urological cancers—such as bladder, kidney, ureteral, or prostate tumors—and should never be ignored.
Since hematuria may stem from a wide range of conditions, some of which are serious, any unusual change in urine color should prompt immediate medical evaluation.
Lim Hye Jung, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM
press@hinews.co.kr
