Blood in the Urine in Children: Care Instructions

Your Care Instructions

Blood in the urine, or hematuria, may make your child's urine look red, brown, or pink. There may be blood every time your child urinates or just from time to time. You can't always see blood in the urine, but it will show up in a urine test.

Blood in the urine may be serious. It should always be checked by a doctor. Your doctor may recommend more tests. These tests may include a blood test, a CT scan, a kidney ultrasound, or a cystoscopy (which lets a doctor look inside the urethra and bladder).

Blood in the urine can be a sign of another problem. Common causes are bladder infections and kidney stones. An injury to your child's groin or genital area can also cause bleeding in the urinary tract. Very hard exercise—such as running a long race—can cause blood in the urine.

Blood in the urine can also be a sign of kidney disease.

Many cases of blood in the urine are caused by a harmless condition that runs in families. This is called benign familial hematuria. It does not need any treatment.

Sometimes your child's urine may look red or brown even though it does not contain blood. For example, this can happen if your child doesn't get enough fluids (is dehydrated). Or it can happen if your child takes certain medicines or has a liver problem. Eating foods such as beets, rhubarb, blackberries, or foods with red food coloring can make your child's urine look red or pink.