As a parent, few things are more frightening than seeing blood in your child’s urine. Your mind immediately goes to the worst-case scenario. Is something seriously wrong? Should you rush to the hospital right now?
Take a deep breath. While blood in urine in kids (called hematuria) can be alarming, it’s not always dangerous. Some causes are harmless and go away on their own, while others need medical attention. This guide will help you understand what’s happening and when to seek help.
What Is Hematuria?
Hematuria simply means blood in the urine. There are two types:
- Visible blood – You can see pink, red, or brown color in the urine
- Microscopic blood – Blood cells are there but invisible (found only through tests)
Studies show that 1-2% of children have microscopic blood in their urine at some point. Most cases turn out to be harmless.
Common Causes of Blood in Urine in Children
1. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
This is the most common reason for blood in urine in kids. UTIs happen when bacteria enter the urinary system.
Signs to watch for:
- Pain or crying when urinating
- Fever
- Needing to pee frequently
- Foul-smelling urine
UTIs need treatment with antibiotics but are not usually emergencies.
2. Foods and Medications
Sometimes what looks like blood isn’t blood at all! Certain foods and medicines can turn urine red or pink.
Common culprits:
- Beets
- Berries (especially blackberries)
- Red food coloring
- Some antibiotics
If your child ate any of these recently and has no other symptoms, the red color is probably harmless.
3. Strenuous Exercise
Did your child run hard at sports practice or gym class? Intense physical activity can cause temporary blood in urine. This usually goes away within a day or two with rest and plenty of water.
4. Kidney Stones
Yes, children can get kidney stones too. They cause:
- Severe pain in the side, back, or belly
- Crying or screaming during urination
- Nausea
Kidney stones need medical attention quickly.
5. Injury or Trauma
Falls, sports injuries, or accidents can bruise the bladder or kidneys, leading to blood in child’s urine. Depending on how serious the injury is, this may require immediate care.
6. Kidney Inflammation
Conditions like glomerulonephritis cause the kidneys to become inflamed. Warning signs include:
- Dark, tea-colored, or cola-colored urine
- Swelling in the face, hands, or feet
- High blood pressure
This needs prompt medical evaluation.
When Should You Worry? 5 Emergency Warning Signs
Rush to the doctor or emergency room if your child has:
- Severe pain in the belly, back, or side
- High fever (above 101°F)
- Can’t urinate or is peeing very little
- Swelling in the face, hands, or feet
- Looks very sick – pale, weak, or won’t stop crying
Trust your gut. If something feels wrong, get help immediately.
What to Expect at the Doctor
Your doctor will likely do a few simple tests:
- Urine test – Checks for infection and blood cells
- Blood test – Looks at kidney function
- Ultrasound – Shows pictures of the kidneys and bladder
The doctor will also ask questions:
- When did you first notice the blood?
- Is your child in pain?
- Any recent injuries or new medications?
- Does kidney disease run in your family?
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on what’s causing the hematuria in children:
- UTIs: Antibiotics for 7-10 days
- Kidney stones: Pain medicine, lots of fluids, sometimes procedures to remove them
- Exercise-related: Rest and hydration
- Kidney problems: May need special medicines or monitoring
- Trauma: Observation or treatment based on severity
How to Prevent Blood in Urine
While you can’t prevent everything, these tips help:
- Keep your child hydrated – 6-8 glasses of water daily
- Don’t let them hold their pee – Encourage regular bathroom breaks
- Teach good hygiene – Girls should wipe front to back
- Limit salty foods – Too much salt increases kidney stone risk
- Use safety gear in sports – Protects against injuries
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is blood in urine always serious? No. Many causes are minor and easily treated. But it’s always smart to have a doctor check it out.
Q2. Can dehydration cause blood in urine? Yes. When kids don’t drink enough water, concentrated urine can irritate the bladder.
Q3. My child has blood in urine but no pain. Should I worry?
Yes. Painless hematuria can still indicate a problem. A urine test is necessary.
Seeing blood in your child’s urine is scary, but try not to panic. Many causes are treatable and not dangerous. The important thing is knowing when to act quickly.
If your child has blood in their urine plus fever, pain, or looks unwell – get medical help right away.
If they’re acting normal and you think it might be from food or exercise, keep an eye on them and call your pediatrician within 24 hours.
Don’t Ignore Red or Pink Urine—Get Help Today
If you’re worried about blood in urine in your child and live in Thane, Dr. Apoorva Kulkarni at MRR Children’s Hospital can help. He is a skilled Pediatric Urologist who specializes in treating hematuria and other urinary problems in children.
Dr. Kulkarni takes time to understand your concerns and creates treatment plans that work for your child. At MRR Children’s Hospital, your child will receive caring, thorough medical attention in a friendly environment.
Don’t ignore blood in your child’s urine. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Apoorva Kulkarni at MRR Children’s Hospital in Thane today.