About Hematuria (Blood in Urine)
Hematuria is the presence of blood in the urine. There are two types of hematuria:
- Gross hematuria: This is when you can see the blood in your urine with the naked eye. It may appear pink, red, or brown.
- Microscopic hematuria: This is when you cannot see the blood in your urine, but it can be detected under a microscope or through a urine test called a urinalysis.
Hematuria can occur for various reasons and may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
The causes of hematuria include:
- Infection: Hematuria can occur as a result of urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can involve the bladder, kidneys, or other parts of the urinary system. Bacteria entering the urinary tract can cause inflammation and damage to the blood vessels, leading to blood in the urine.
- Stones: The presence of stones in the bladder or kidneys can cause hematuria. These stones are formed from minerals in the urine and can cause blockages, leading to blood in the urine.
- Blood disorders: Rare blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia, Alport syndrome, and hemophilia can cause hematuria by affecting the integrity of blood vessels in the urinary system.
- Trauma: Strenuous exercise or a blow to the kidneys can result in hematuria by causing damage to blood vessels.
- Glomerulonephritis: This a kidney disease that involves damage to the kidney’s urine filters, or glomeruli.
Hematuria is a symptom of multiple possible conditions. Risk factors for hematuria are therefore related to the risk factors of the condition causing hematuria as a symptom. These may include:
- Advancing age
- Urinary tract infections
- Family history
- Use of certain medications
- Hard/intense exercise
Hematuria may result in urine that appears pink, red, or brown due to the presence of blood. Even a small amount of blood can cause a noticeable color change.
Other symptoms that may occur with hematuria may be important to note and communicate to the healthcare provider to help determine the cause of hematuria and treatment. Other symptoms may include:
- Pain during urination
- Changes in urinary habits
- Lower back pain
It's important to note that these hematuria can also be caused by many conditions, such as bladder infections. If you notice any troubling changes in your bladder habits or have concerns about blood in your urine, it is recommended to contact a doctor for further evaluation and diagnosis.
To confirm the presence of hematuria and diagnose potential causes, health care professionals commonly perform the following examinations, tests, and procedures:
- Medical history: Your health care professional will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any medications you are taking.
- Physical exam: A physical exam that may looking for areas of pain or tenderness and may include a digital rectal exam for men or a pelvic exam for women.
- Urinalysis: A urine test is used to check for the presence of blood in your urine. The urine may also be checked for signs of infection or other medical conditions.
- Blood test: Blood tests may be used to identify signs of conditions such as infection or possible problems with the kidneys, bladder, prostate, or other organs.
- Imaging studies: Ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, or other scan may be used to create detailed images of the urinary tract.
- Cystoscopy: A procedure that uses a thin instrument with a camera to examine the urethra and bladder.
- Kidney biopsy: This procedure involves taking tiny tissue samples from the kidney to examine for signs of damage or disease.
It's important to consult with your health care professional for a proper diagnosis and to determine which tests are most appropriate for your individual situation.
Treatment options may vary depending on the underlying cause and individual circumstances. In some cases, no treatment is needed. When treatment is recommended it may include:
Medications:
- Antibiotics: If a urinary tract infection is causing the hematuria, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the infection.
- Muscle relaxants: In cases where muscle spasms contribute to hematuria, muscle relaxants may be prescribed to alleviate the spasms.
Therapies and procedures:
- Surgery: In certain cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove kidney stones or treat prostate problems that are causing hematuria.
- Chemotherapy and radiation: If cancer or benign growths are identified as the underlying cause of hematuria, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be recommended.
- Blood-filtering procedures: In some instances, therapeutic procedures like plasmapheresis or blood filtration may be used to remove harmful substances from the blood that could be contributing to hematuria.
Health behavior changes:
- Lifestyle modifications: Making changes such as increasing fluid intake, avoiding irritants (e.g., caffeine), and maintaining good hygiene can help manage certain causes of hematuria
Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice. Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your health care professional about dosing for your individual situation and side effects that may occur. Check with your health care professional or read the information provided with your medication for additional side effect information.