HEMATURIA (BLOOD IN THE URINE) SYMPTOMS | CAUSES | DIAGNOSIS | TREATMENT
INTRODUCTION TO HEMATURIA Hematuria is the presence of blood or blood cells in the urine. Hematuria can be called either gross or microscopic. Simply when there is sufficient blood present to color the color red or brown
Gross hematuria occurs when there is enough blood present in the urine that it is visible to the naked eye. Can turn toilet water colour pale pink or bright red. Microscopic hematuria is a result of there being an amount of blood in the urine that can only be seen through a microscope.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HEMATURIA Although blood in the urine is not always a significant symptom of disease, it can be an important warning sign to a possible health problem. Bloody urine should never be ignored. Contact your doctor right away if there is blood in your urine, especially if you are also suffering from:
Frequent, painful or urgent urination Sometimes, however the blood cannot be seen by the naked eye. Nausea, vomiting, fever, or pain in your abdomen
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF HEMATURIA? There can be a number of different causes of hematuria, some more serious than others. These conditions include, but are not limited to:
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Pyelonephritis (UTI that has reached as far as the kidney) Urinary stone disease
Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy)
Injury to the urinary tract Kidney (renal) disease
Bladder cancer
Kidney cancer Prostate cancer
HOW IS HEMATURIA DIAGNOSED?
Urinalysis: A test on a urine sample
Complete blood count (CBC): A test on a blood sample that
measures red and white blood cell levels, platelet levels, and iron levels Cystoscopy: A test that uses a device called a cytoscope to look at the inside of the bladder and urethra Computed tomography (CT) scan: A test that uses X-rays and computers to make cross-sectional images of the abdomen and pelvis Abdominal ultrasound: A test that uses sound waves to make an image of the abdomen, including the kidneys
HOW IS HEMATURIA TREATED? The treatment of hematuria depends strongly on the actual cause of blood in the urine. The information collected from the medical history, physical exam, and any test results will be used to determine the best treatment option. For hematuria that is caused by a urinary tract infection, for example, a common treatment is the use of antibiotics. These antibiotics work to kill the bacteria causing the urinary tract infection, which should stop the bleeding.Â
WHO IS AT RISK FOR HEMATURIA? People who are most likely to have blood in their urine are those with existing diseases that are known to cause hematuria, such as the ones listed in the section related to causes of hematuria. However, certain actions may increase a person’s chances of having blood in their urine. These include: Smoking Overuse of pain medications Exposure to certain chemicals Exposure to radiation Running or jogging for long distances Avoiding these actions may decrease the chances of having blood in your urine.
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