Taking Cipro And Pyridium For UTI. Recent Test Showed Low Hemoglobin Level. Should I Be Worried?

Posted on Sat, 13 Apr 2013

Question: Hi, being treated for a UTI, had blood in my urine. Put on Cipro and Pyridium. Told to follow up in a couple days if still having pain to get a cat scan. Went to ER today they said my UTI was clearing up but that my hemoglobin was 8.4 and to follow up with family doc. My doc isn't in until Monday should i be worried? They said I need to find out where I'm losing blood from. They only admit and transfuse people when they are under 8. (Hgb). I'm a nurse so know some of the medical terms.

Answered by Dr. Polash Sannigrahi (1 hour later)

Hello,

Thanks for your query.

The decreased Hemoglobin level can be attributed to the loss of blood in your urine.
The source can be anywhere from Kidney upto urethra.
Investigation like Ultrasound scan of the renal tract can be used to detect the source of bleeding.
X-ray KUB (kidney ureter bladder) can be used to identify renal stones(if any), although a CT scan is more precise.

The Hemoglobin level can be increased by:
1. Hematinic supplements namely Iron, Folic acid. But they take 3 weeks to show their action
2. Blood transfusion- shows immediate effect & Hb level rises by 1 gm% for each pint of blood transfused

So, kindly consult your Family Physician & discuss regarding these matters.

Appropriate management steps will be taken based on complete history, physical examination & co-relating the findings with investigation reports.

There is no need to worry, you will be fine.

Wishing you a Good Health.

Please let me know if I need to clarify further.

Thanks & take care.

Note: Consult a Urologist online for consultation about prostate and bladder problems, sexual dysfunction, kidney stones, prostate enlargement, urinary incontinence, impotence and erectile dysfunction - Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar