What is Hematuria?
Hematuria is the presence of blood in the urine. It can be classified into two types:
- Gross hematuria: When you notice blood in the urine.
- Microscopic hematuria: When you cannot see the blood in the urinate, it may be detected under a microscope or identified with a urine test called a urinalysis.
Causes of Hematuria
There are several potential causes of hematuria, including:
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Get A Second Opinion- Kidney or bladder cancer
- Infection of the bladder, kidney, prostate, or urethra
- Inflammation of the bladder, urethra, prostate, or kidney (glomerulonephritis)
- Injury to the bladder or kidney
- Kidney or bladder stones
- Kidney disease following strep throat (post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis), a common cause in children
- Kidney failure
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Recent urinary tract procedures such as catheterization, circumcision, surgery, or kidney biopsy
- Bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia)
- Blood clot in the kidneys
- Blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin or warfarin)
- Sickle cell disease
- Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
- Certain medications, beets, or other foods can also cause the urine to turn red.
Symptoms of Hematuria
Gross hematuria
Makes urine appear pink, red, or brown. It only takes a small amount of blood to cause this color change.
In most cases, gross hematuria does not cause pain or other symptoms. However, blood clots in the urine can lead to bladder or back pain and can be painful to pass during urination.
Microscopic hematuria
Does not affect the color of urine and usually has no symptoms.
When to Consult a Doctor
It&'s important to consult a doctor when you notice blood in your urine for the first time or if you experience painful and frequent urination without visible blood.
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Book an AppointmentSeek emergency help if you experience:
- Difficulty urinating
- Blood clots in the urine
- Pink or red urine
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Frequent urination
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
Treatment
Treatment for hematuria depends on the underlying cause and may include:
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections
- Procedures to break up kidney or bladder stones
- Medication to shrink an enlarged prostate
- Medication, dialysis, or surgery for kidney disease
- Cancer treatment, ranging from medication to surgery