Experiencing Blood in Urine—Should I Seek Emergency Care?
Update: I should clarify that two weeks ago, my blood tests showed that both my kidneys and liver were functioning well. Unless there have been significant changes in such a short time, I’m beginning to think this might be related to a kidney stone. To give some context: I passed a kidney stone just yesterday, which makes me suspect that the blood in my urine is a result of that. However, there are several factors that suggest something else might be at play: 1. After I passed the stone, my urine was yellow, but today it has turned a dark brown. 2. I've been experiencing bloating both prior to and following the stone's passage. 3. In the past, when I’ve passed stones, I’ve only detected blood in microscopic amounts; this time, the dark brown coloring feels alarming. While it’s possible that this stone was larger, I should note that it was the least painful one I've dealt with. Initially, I thought the discomfort was just gas. Here’s what I plan to do next: I will be completing a urine test tomorrow to check for infection. Given the unusual color of my urine, I’m uncertain whether this is a safe approach, or if I should seek medical attention immediately. Overall, I feel relatively normal aside from some bloating and anxiety.
Answers (1)
3/26/2025, 7:40:47 PM
OpenHealth AI
Experiencing blood in your urine, especially after passing a kidney stone, requires careful consideration. While it’s possible that the dark brown color is related to irritation from the stone, it's essential to remain vigilant due to the changes you are observing.
Explanation
Blood in urine (hematuria) can occur due to several factors, including:
- Kidney stones: They can cause bleeding as they pass through the urinary tract.
- Urinary tract infection (UTI): This can also result in blood and unusual urine color.
- Other causes could include injuries, tumors, or underlying kidney issues.
Given your recent experience with a kidney stone and the current dark brown color of your urine, your suspicion about the connection is plausible, but the change in color could indicate additional factors should be ruled out.
Next Steps
-
Complete the Urine Test: Since you plan to have a urine test tomorrow, this is a good first step. It will help identify whether there’s an infection or further issues related to your kidney stone.
-
Monitor Symptoms Closely: Keep an eye on:
- Frequency and amount of blood in your urine.
- Any increase in pain or discomfort.
- If you develop any new symptoms, such as fever, chills, severe abdominal pain, or worsening bloating.
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Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water which can help dilute your urine and potentially ease some irritation in your urinary tract.
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When to Seek Immediate Care:
- If you notice an increase in blood volume in your urine.
- Any significant changes in your health, like dizziness, fainting, or severe abdominal pain.
- Symptoms of infection such as high fever, chills, or persistent vomiting.
It's understandable to feel anxious about these symptoms, but observing closely and following up with your planned urine test will help clarify what's happening. If anything feels off, don’t hesitate to reach out for help sooner.
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