Hematuria (Blood in the urine): Symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment.

1. Hematuria (Blood in the urine)

2. What is Hematuria ? Hematuriais the presence of bloodor blood cells in theurine. Hematuria can be called either gross or microscopic.  • 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.

3. 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 • Nausea, vomiting, fever, or pain in your abdomen

4. Causes of Hematuria • 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 Urine can also change colours due to food choices. Foods such as beets, blackberries, and rhubarb, as well as food with a lot of dyes, can cause your urine to change colour. 

5. Diagnosis of Hematuria • 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

6. Treatment of Hematuria 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. 

7. Risk Factors of 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.

8. Preventions of Hematuria To prevent hematuria related to strenuous exercise, switch to a less-intense exerciseprogram. In general, you can help to prevent other forms of hematuria by following a lifestyle that fosters a healthy urinary tract: • Stay well hydrated. Drink about eight glasses of fluid daily (more during hot weather). • Avoid smoking cigarettes, which are linked to urinary tract cancers.

9. Complications of Hematuria The complications of hematuria vary based on the underlying pathological conditions. Formation of kidney stones and kidney failure are some of the general complications.

10. Contact the Doctor Blood in the urine should never be ignored. It is very important to contact yourdoctor or health care provider if you see blood in yoururineor if you have other symptoms related to hematuria. 

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