Summary about Disease
Hematuria refers to the presence of blood in the urine. The urine may appear pink, red, or cola-colored (gross hematuria), or the blood may only be detectable under a microscope (microscopic hematuria). Hematuria is a sign of an underlying issue and warrants medical evaluation to determine the cause.
Symptoms
Visible blood in urine (pink, red, or cola-colored)
Microscopic blood in urine (detectable only under a microscope)
Painful urination
Frequent urination
Urgency to urinate
Abdominal or flank pain (depending on the cause)
Blood clots in the urine
Causes
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Bacteria infecting the bladder or kidneys.
Kidney Infections (Pyelonephritis): Infection of the kidneys.
Kidney Stones or Bladder Stones: Minerals forming crystals that can irritate the urinary tract.
Enlarged Prostate (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia - BPH): Common in older men, putting pressure on the urethra.
Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the kidney's filtering units (glomeruli).
Kidney Injury: Trauma or injury to the kidneys.
Certain Medications: Blood thinners (anticoagulants), aspirin, and some antibiotics.
Cancer: Bladder cancer, kidney cancer, or prostate cancer.
Inherited Diseases: Sickle cell anemia, Alport syndrome.
Vigorous Exercise: Can cause "exercise-induced hematuria."
Idiopathic Hematuria: No identifiable cause.
Medicine Used
Medication depends entirely on the underlying cause of hematuria. Examples include:
Antibiotics: For UTIs or kidney infections.
Pain relievers: For pain associated with kidney stones.
Alpha-blockers or 5-alpha reductase inhibitors: For BPH.
Immunosuppressants or corticosteroids: For glomerulonephritis.
Chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery: For cancers.
Iron supplements: For anemia caused by blood loss.
Is Communicable
Hematuria itself is not communicable. However, if the hematuria is caused by an infectious disease like a UTI, the UTI can be communicable through routes specific to that infection (e.g., sexual contact for some UTIs).
Precautions
Precautions are dependent on the underlying cause:
UTIs: Good hygiene, frequent urination, staying hydrated.
Kidney Stones: Staying hydrated, dietary changes (as recommended by a doctor).
General: Seek medical attention promptly for hematuria to identify and treat the underlying cause. Follow prescribed medical advice.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of hematuria depends entirely on the underlying cause and its treatment. Hematuria may resolve quickly with treatment of a UTI (days to weeks), or it may be chronic or intermittent if caused by a long-term condition like glomerulonephritis or cancer.
How is it diagnosed?
Urinalysis: To confirm the presence of blood and check for other abnormalities like infection.
Urine Culture: To identify bacteria if a UTI is suspected.
Blood Tests: To assess kidney function, blood cell counts, and other relevant markers.
Imaging Tests:
CT Scan (Computed Tomography): To visualize the kidneys, ureters, and bladder, detecting stones, tumors, or other abnormalities.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): An alternative imaging technique.
Ultrasound: Can visualize the kidneys and bladder.
Cystoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the bladder to visualize the bladder lining.
Kidney Biopsy: In some cases, a small sample of kidney tissue is taken for examination under a microscope.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline varies greatly depending on the cause.
UTI: Hematuria may appear shortly after other UTI symptoms (painful urination, frequency).
Kidney Stone: Hematuria often occurs with sudden, severe flank pain.
Cancer: Hematuria may be intermittent or persistent, and may be accompanied by other symptoms depending on the type and stage of cancer.
Exercise-Induced: Occurs during or shortly after vigorous exercise.
Glomerulonephritis: May develop gradually over time.
Important Considerations
Never ignore hematuria. Even if it's painless or intermittent, it requires medical evaluation.
Hematuria is a symptom, not a disease. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for appropriate treatment.
Certain medications or foods can cause urine discoloration that may resemble blood. A urinalysis is necessary to confirm the presence of blood.
The absence of visible blood does not rule out a serious condition. Microscopic hematuria can also be a sign of an underlying problem.
Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Treatment success depends on adherence to the prescribed plan.