How common is blood in urine in urinary tract infection?

Blood in Urine is a very common presentation of Urinary Tract Infection. The urine may look pink, red or brown, or blood may be found only through testing.

An infection can irritate the lining of the bladder, urethra or kidneys, allowing small amounts of blood to enter the urine. Burning when urinating, needing to pass urine often, lower abdominal discomfort or cloudy and strong-smelling urine can occur as well. Blood in urine can also have other causes, including stones or kidney conditions, so a urine test helps distinguish infection from other problems.

Contact a clinician for advice when you notice blood in your urine, particularly if you also have burning, urgency or pelvic discomfort. A urine sample may be checked for infection and treatment may be prescribed when appropriate. Take any prescribed medicine exactly as directed, drink fluids unless a clinician has restricted them, and avoid using leftover antibiotics.

Seek urgent care for fever, chills, pain in the side or back, vomiting, confusion, faintness, severe illness or reduced urine output. These symptoms can indicate that an infection has reached the kidneys or that another urgent urinary problem is present. Clots or inability to pass urine also require urgent help.

Ask whether you need a urine culture, how soon symptoms should improve after treatment, whether repeat testing is needed if blood remains, and which symptoms mean the infection may be affecting your kidneys.