Hematuria is the medical term for blood in urine.

Several conditions and diseases can cause hematuria. These include infections, kidney diseases, cancer, and rare blood disorders. The blood may be visible or so minor that it cannot be seen with the naked eye.

Any presence of blood in urine, even if it occurs only once, can be a sign of a serious health problem. Ignoring hematuria can lead to worsening of serious issues such as cancer and kidney disease, so it is important to consult a doctor about it as soon as possible.

The doctor will examine the urine sample, use imaging tests to determine the cause of hematuria, and then prescribe a treatment plan.

What are the types of hematuria?

Hematuria has two main types: gross hematuria and microscopic hematuria.

Gross Hematuria

If the amount of blood in urine is enough to make the urine appear pink or red, or if it has visible blood spots, the person is experiencing "gross hematuria."

Microscopic Hematuria

When the amount of blood in urine is too small to be seen with the naked eye, it is indicative of "microscopic hematuria." In this case, only a urine test or viewing the sample under a microscope can confirm microscopic hematuria.

What causes hematuria?

There are many causes of hematuria. However, in some cases, the blood may come from another source. It seems that blood can enter the urine through the vagina in women, ejaculation in men, or bowel movements in both men and women. However, if the blood is actually in your urine, it can be caused by the following reasons:

Infections - the most common cause of hematuria

Infection is one of the most common causes of hematuria. Infections may occur in the urinary tract, such as the bladder or kidneys. An infection happens when bacteria travel up the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. The infection can move into the bladder and even the kidneys, often causing pain and a frequent urge to urinate. In this case, both gross hematuria and microscopic hematuria can occur.

Kidney stones or bladder stones are another important cause of blood in urine

Another significant cause of seeing blood in urine is the presence of stones in the bladder or kidneys. Stones are actually crystals formed from minerals in urine. They can develop inside the kidneys or bladder. Large stones can cause obstruction and often lead to hematuria and severe pain.

Enlarged prostate in men is a relatively common cause of hematuria

In middle-aged and older men, a relatively common cause of hematuria is an enlarged prostate. This gland is located just below the bladder and near the urethra. When the size of the prostate increases, it compresses the urethra, causing difficulty in urination and preventing full emptying, which leads to a urinary tract infection (UTI) along with visible blood in the urine.

 

 

 

,, How can I prevent hematuria?
- To prevent infection, drink plenty of water daily. Urinate immediately after sexual intercourse and maintain proper hygiene.
- To prevent stones, drink plenty of water and avoid excessive salt and certain foods like spinach and rhubarb.
- To prevent bladder cancer, avoid smoking.
- Limit exposure to chemicals and drink plenty of water. ,,

Blood in urine due to kidney disease

A common cause of seeing blood in urine is kidney disease. A diseased or inflamed kidney can cause hematuria. This condition can occur alone or as part of symptoms of another disease, such as diabetes.

In children aged 6 to 10 years, a kidney disorder called "post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis" can lead to hematuria. This disorder may develop one to two weeks after an untreated streptococcal infection, although this is now rare due to the rapid treatment of streptococcal infections with antibiotics.

Cancers that cause blood in urine

Bladder cancer, kidney cancer, or prostate cancer can cause blood in urine. This symptom often occurs in advanced stages of cancer and may not be considered an early sign of the problem.

Which medications cause hematuria?

Some medications can also cause hematuria. These include:

• Penicillin
• Aspirin
• Blood thinners like heparin and warfarin (Coumadin)
• Cyclophosphamide, a drug used to treat certain types of cancer.

Less common causes

There are a few other causes of hematuria that are not very common. Rare blood disorders like sickle cell anemia, Alport syndrome, and hemophilia can lead to blood in urine. Intense exercise or trauma to the kidneys can also cause blood in urine.

How is the cause of hematuria diagnosed?

When you visit a doctor, you will be asked about the amount and timing of the blood in your urine. The doctor will need information about how often you urinate, any pain you experience, and the medications you're taking. A physical exam will be performed, and a urine sample will be tested. Testing the urine sample can confirm the presence of blood and, if an infection is present, identify the bacteria. The doctor may also order imaging tests such as a CT scan to diagnose the condition.

When should I seek medical care?

Since some causes of blood in urine are serious, even a small amount of blood in urine should not be ignored. You should consult a doctor as soon as you notice it. Additionally, if you do not see blood in urine but experience frequent, painful urination, abdominal pain, or kidney pain, you should see a doctor. All of these could be signs of microscopic hematuria. If you are unable to urinate or experience blood clots or any of the following symptoms, you should go to the emergency room:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Chills
• Pain in the flank, back, or abdomen

How is hematuria treated?

The treatment for hematuria depends on its cause. If an infection, stones, or other treatable conditions are the cause, those issues will be treated. If the hematuria is due to a serious condition like cancer, further treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy may be required.

Conclusion

Seeing blood in urine should never be ignored. Regardless of whether the blood is visible or microscopic, a medical professional should evaluate the condition. Identifying the cause and treating it early can prevent further complications and improve the chances of successful treatment.