Summary about Disease
Haematuria refers to the presence of blood in the urine. The urine may appear pink, red, or cola-colored. In some cases, the blood is not visible to the naked eye (microscopic haematuria) and is only detected during a urine test. Haematuria can be a sign of various underlying conditions, ranging from relatively benign to serious, requiring medical evaluation to determine the cause.
Symptoms
Visible blood in urine (gross haematuria): Urine appears pink, red, or cola-colored.
Microscopic haematuria: Blood is present but not visible without testing.
Painful urination (dysuria) may be present depending on the underlying cause (e.g., infection, stones).
Abdominal or flank pain (especially with kidney stones or infections).
Increased urinary frequency or urgency.
Blood clots in the urine.
Causes
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Bacteria infect the bladder, urethra, or kidneys.
Kidney or Bladder Stones: Mineral deposits that form in the kidneys or bladder.
Enlarged Prostate (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia - BPH): Common in older men, causing pressure on the urethra.
Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the kidney's filtering units (glomeruli).
Kidney Injury: Trauma or injury to the kidneys.
Certain Medications: Such as blood thinners (e.g., warfarin, aspirin) and some antibiotics.
Vigorous Exercise: "Exercise-induced haematuria" is usually temporary and resolves on its own.
Cancer: Bladder, kidney, or prostate cancer.
Inherited Diseases: Sickle cell anemia, Alport syndrome.
Kidney Diseases: Polycystic kidney disease
Medicine Used
The treatment for haematuria focuses on addressing the underlying cause. Medications may include:
Antibiotics: For urinary tract infections.
Pain relievers: For pain associated with kidney stones or infections.
Alpha-blockers or 5-alpha reductase inhibitors: For enlarged prostate (BPH).
Corticosteroids or immunosuppressants: For glomerulonephritis or other kidney diseases.
Chemotherapy or radiation therapy: For cancer.
Iron supplements: If blood loss has resulted in anemia.
Is Communicable
Haematuria itself is not communicable. However, if the haematuria is caused by a communicable disease, such as a urinary tract infection, then the infection is communicable, but the haematuria is merely a symptom.
Precautions
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, especially water.
Practice good hygiene to prevent urinary tract infections (e.g., wipe front to back after using the toilet, urinate after intercourse).
Avoid holding urine for prolonged periods.
Follow your doctor's recommendations for managing underlying conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
If you are on blood thinners, be aware of the increased risk of bleeding and discuss any concerns with your doctor.
How long does an outbreak last?
Haematuria itself is a symptom and not an "outbreak." The duration of haematuria depends on the underlying cause and how quickly it is treated.
UTIs: Haematuria may resolve within a few days to a week with antibiotic treatment.
Kidney Stones: Haematuria may persist until the stone passes or is treated.
Exercise-Induced: Usually resolves within 24-72 hours.
Chronic Conditions: Haematuria may be intermittent or persistent, requiring ongoing management.
How is it diagnosed?
Urinalysis: To detect blood and other abnormalities in the urine.
Urine Culture: To identify bacteria in the urine if infection is suspected.
Blood Tests: To assess kidney function and rule out other conditions.
Imaging Tests:
CT Scan: To visualize the kidneys, ureters, and bladder.
Ultrasound: To examine the kidneys and bladder.
Cystoscopy: A thin tube with a camera is inserted into the bladder to visualize the lining.
Kidney Biopsy: In some cases, a small sample of kidney tissue is taken for examination.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of haematuria symptoms can vary greatly depending on the cause:
Sudden Onset: Often seen with UTIs, kidney stones, or kidney injury.
Gradual Onset: May occur with glomerulonephritis, kidney disease, or cancer.
Intermittent: May occur with kidney stones that move around or certain kidney diseases.
Post-Exercise: Develops shortly after strenuous physical activity.
Asymptomatic: Microscopic haematuria may be discovered incidentally during a routine checkup.
Important Considerations
Any instance of haematuria, even if it resolves on its own, should be evaluated by a doctor.
Do not ignore haematuria, as it can be a sign of a serious underlying condition.
Patients on blood thinners should inform their doctor about any haematuria.
Follow your doctor's recommendations for further testing and treatment.
Individuals with risk factors for kidney or bladder cancer (e.g., smoking, chemical exposure) should be particularly vigilant about reporting haematuria.