What does blood in urine feel like with sickle cell disease?

The colour can vary during an episode, and the amount may be too small to see. Blood may be found only on urine testing. Sickle cell disease can affect the kidneys and their ability to concentrate urine, which may lead to frequent urination or nighttime urination as well as haematuria.

Other causes remain possible, including infection, stones, medicines, or physical irritation. Do not assume the cause from colour alone. Your usual sickle cell care team can help decide whether testing is needed immediately.

Tell your sickle cell team or clinician about visible blood, even if it stops. Note its colour, timing, clots, pain, fever, urine amount, and recent illness or dehydration. Follow your personalised hydration and treatment plan, but seek advice before changing prescribed medicines.

Get urgent medical help for heavy bleeding, clots, reduced urine, severe pain, fever, breathlessness, chest pain, faintness, or unusual weakness. In sickle cell disease, new severe symptoms can need rapid assessment even when the urine change seems minor.

Ask whether you need urine and blood tests, how kidney involvement will be checked, and which symptoms should trigger emergency care. Ask how your pain plan, fluids, and current medicines apply during an episode of blood in urine.