Hematuria
Definition:
Hematuria means blood in the urine. Normally, urine does not contain any blood.
There are two kinds of hematuria:
- Microscopic hematuria—urine contains a very small amount of blood, which is not visible to the naked eye
- Gross hematuria—urine is visibly discolored by blood, appearing red or tea-colored
Causes:
In some cases, the cause of hematuria is never found. The list of known causes is lengthy, some more common causes include:
- Injury to the abdomen, pelvis, or internal organs of urinary tract
- Vigorous exercise (resolves with rest)
- Urinary tract infection
- Cancer of the prostate, kidney, or bladder
- Kidney disease
- Kidney stones
- Bleeding disorders (e.g., hemophilia)
- Certain congenital diseases (e.g., polycystic kidneys)
- Certain medications
Risk Factors:
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
- Smoking
- Medications (e.g., certain antibiotics and pain medications)
- Radiation of the pelvis (for cancer treatment)
- Acute or chronic urinary tract infection
- Recent upper respiratory tract infection
- Family history of kidney problems
Symptoms:
Hematuria itself does not cause symptoms. However, it is often a sign of an underlying condition, which may cause symptoms. For example, kidney stones cause severe pain in the flank, abdomen, or groin and can result in hematuria.
Diagnosis:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. You may be referred to a doctor who specializes in kidney disease (nephrologist) or the urinary system (urologist).
Tests may include:
- Urine Tests—tests to confirm the presence of blood and look for protein, bacteria, or cancer cells in the urine
- Blood Tests—tests to check how well the kidneys are functioning and to look for medical conditions that cause hematuria
- X-ray—performed with contrast material injected into a vein to look at the function and structure of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder
- Ultrasound—a test that uses sound waves to create images of the kidneys and urinary tract
- CT Scan—a type of x-ray that uses a computer to create images of the kidneys and urinary tract
- MRI Scan—a test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create images of the kidneys and urinary tract
- Cystoscopy—a thin tube inserted through the urethra and into the bladder to look at its lining
Treatment:
Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of hematuria. Some causes of hematuria are benign and require no treatment (exercise-induced) or will resolve on their own (passage of a kidney stone). Other causes will respond to medication. For example, successfully treating a urinary tract infection with antibiotics will stop the hematuria. Still other causes may require surgery, such as the removal of a bladder or prostate cancer.
Prevention:
Treating the underlying conditions that cause hematuria will help prevent it from occurring. |
