The 5 Most Common Causes Of Hematuria And When To See A Doctor

By Suzy Cohen, R. Ph.

The sudden appearance of pink-colored urine in your toilet can be very alarming, but the color you see depends on the amount of blood present and the concentration of the urine. Hematuria is the term which refers to the presence of blood in the urine.

The color may be pink, red or brownish in more serious cases. Usually, the intensity is a light pink tinge. It may also appear murky or cloudy. Most cases of hematuria are called “microscopic” and that just means that a lab needs to identify the presence of blood cells because you don’t see any color changes in the urine. So, in most cases, where it’s mild, your urine will appear totally normal in color - as in yellow!

Other than seeing hematuria (if you can even see it), there are other ways to evaluate yourself, such as simple urine tests (like a urinalysis or UA) or urine cytology. Additional diagnostic tests, such as imaging scans or cystoscopy, may be performed to further evaluate the urinary tract. But it usually starts with a UA, or what you might call a “pee test.”

Here are the 5 most common causes for hematuria:

1. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Infections of the urinary tract, such as bladder or kidney infections, can lead to hematuria. Other accompanying symptoms may include frequent urination, a burning sensation during urination, and lower abdominal pain.

2. Kidney Stones: These are hard mineral and salt deposits that form in the kidneys. When the stones pass through the urinary tract, they can cause bleeding, resulting in hematuria. The pain associated with kidney stones is severe and localized in your back or side.

3. Bladder or Kidney Infections: Also termed cystitis, or pyelonephritis, an infection causes inflammation and irritation, leading to hematuria. Symptoms may include pain in the lower abdomen or back, frequent urination, and fever.

4. Urinary Tract Obstruction: Obstruction in the urinary tract, like kidney stones, tumors, or an enlarged prostate gland, can cause hematuria. The blockage disrupts normal urine flow, leading to increased pressure and potential bleeding

5. Medications: Certain medications, such as blood thinners (anticoagulants) like aspirin or warfarin, can increase the risk of bleeding and result in hematuria.

When I worked in long-term care facilities, we saw a lot of patients develop hematuria. The most common cause in them was a UTI (urinary tract infection). I also saw patients on prescribed blood thinners develop hematuria, however, UTIs were more common.

A lot of times, physicians will say hematuria comes with aging, but I disagree. This condition isn’t solely attributed to becoming a senior. I’d push for a complete evaluation that starts with a UA, and basic blood tests. So when should you see a doctor? Definitely if you notice any changes to the color of your urine, or if you develop pelvic pain or pressure. I have a longer version of this article at my website, suzycohen.com

(This information is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Suzy Cohen is the author of “The 24-Hour Pharmacist” and “Real Solutions.” For more information, visit www.SuzyCohen.com) ©2023 SUZY COHEN, RPH. DISTRIBUTED BY DEAR PHARMACIST, INC.

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Hands For All

A Division of HOMES FOR ALL, INC.

A Not-For-Profit Affordable Housing Developer

680 Hooper Ave. • Building B 2nd Floor Toms River, NJ 08753 Tel: 732.286.7929 • Fax: 732.286.9698

N.J.S.A. 40:55D-18: What To Do When Your Town Refuses To Enforce Its Own Zoning Laws

By: Vincent Del Riccio, Esq. of R.C. Shea & Associates

The Municipal Land Use Law or “MLUL” sets forth the laws with which all municipalities must conform to with respect to development. Municipalities also have a wide variety of their own ordinances in place to, among other things, establish zones, dictate what uses may take place in those zones, and set limitations and restrictions on those uses. It can be frustrating however, when the individuals charged with enforcing those ordinances fail, or seemingly refuse to do so. Fortunately, the MLUL has a remedy for members of the public who face such a situation.

N.J.S.A. 40:55D-18 mandates that a municipal governing body must enforce the provisions of the MLUL, and its own ordinances. It goes on to state:

In case any building or structure is erected, constructed, altered, repaired, converted, or maintained, or any building, structure or land is used in violation of this act or of any ordinance or other regulation made under authority conferred hereby, the proper local authorities of the municipality or an interested party, in addition to other remedies, may institute any appropriate action or proceedings to

What is a “Mom & Pop” Business?

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Vincent J. DelRiccio, Esq.

prevent such unlawful erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, conversion, maintenance or use, to restrain, correct or abate such violation, to prevent the occupancy of said building, structure or land, or to prevent any illegal act, conduct, business or use in or about such premises.

In plain terms, this provision allows an interested party, such as a nearby property owner, to bring an action in Court to prevent or stop another party from violating the municipality’s land use ordinances.

If you are facing silence or indifference from your local officials with respect to a neighbor’s violation of the local development ordinance, please give the attorneys at R.C. Shea & Associates a call for a consultation. (732) 505-1212.

Senior Services June Activities

BRICK – Brick Senior Services provides residents ages 60 and over with a variety of services and access to activities and programs that are designed to improve their quality of life.

Game Show & Lunch - Enjoy Bob Scott’s interactive games while enjoying spaghetti & meatballs June 2 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Must register. Suggested donation $4.

Wood Sign Craft - Create your own wood sign for your home. Light refreshments available. Sponsored by Imperial Healthcare & Right at Home. June 9 at 1 p.m. Space is limited. Must register.

Technology Class with an IT Professional from Monmouth Computer Associates June 12 at 1:30 p.m.

BBQ at Traders Cove June 16 at 11:30 a.m. Rain date is June 23 (same time). Music provided by Nick on keyboards. Sponsored by Complete Care. Must register.

The Book Nook Club meets June 26 at 10 a.m. Join for exciting discussions and review the latest best sellers.

Talking with Jen – A Nutrition Presentation June 26 at 12 p.m. Medication Drop Box. Bring any expired and unused medications, prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines to be disposed of properly by the Brick Township Police Department June 2 at 11:30 a.m.

The Community Café Mondays and Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Lunch reservation by 11 a.m. the day before is required. Transportation provided to site. Suggested donation of $2. Call 732-9208686 for reservations.

Computers available for your personal use. Open access Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Senior Services Office is located in the Civic Plaza, 270 Chambers Bridge Road, Unit 12 and the Senior Services Activity Center is located in VFW Post 8867, 373 Adamston Road. For information call 732920-8686.