Summary about Disease
Hematuria refers to the presence of blood in the urine. It can range from being visible to the naked eye (gross hematuria) to being detectable only under a microscope (microscopic hematuria). Hematuria isn't a disease itself but a sign of an underlying medical condition affecting the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. The causes can vary widely from benign to severe.
Symptoms
The main symptom is blood in the urine. Other symptoms, if present, depend on the underlying cause:
Gross Hematuria: Visible pink, red, or cola-colored urine. May contain clots.
Microscopic Hematuria: No visible change in urine color. Detected only through lab tests.
Associated Symptoms (depending on cause):
Painful urination (dysuria)
Frequent urination
Urgency
Flank pain (pain in the side or back)
Abdominal pain
Fever
Fatigue
Causes
Many factors can cause hematuria:
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Bacteria infecting the bladder or kidneys.
Kidney Infections (Pyelonephritis): A more serious infection of the kidneys.
Kidney or Bladder Stones: Minerals crystallizing in the urinary tract.
Enlarged Prostate (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia - BPH): Common in older men.
Kidney Disease (Glomerulonephritis): Inflammation of the kidney's filtering units.
Certain Medications: Aspirin, NSAIDs, blood thinners (anticoagulants), some antibiotics.
Strenuous Exercise: "Exercise-induced hematuria," usually temporary.
Trauma: Injury to the kidneys or urinary tract.
Cancer: Bladder cancer, kidney cancer, prostate cancer (less common).
Inherited Diseases: Sickle cell anemia, Alport syndrome.
Rare causes: Blood clotting disorders
Medicine Used
Treatment focuses on the underlying cause of the hematuria, not the hematuria itself. Medicines might include:
Antibiotics: For UTIs or kidney infections (e.g., nitrofurantoin, ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole).
Pain relievers: To manage pain associated with kidney stones or UTIs.
Alpha-blockers or 5-alpha reductase inhibitors: For BPH.
Immunosuppressants: For glomerulonephritis or other autoimmune-related causes.
Chemotherapy or Radiation Therapy: For cancers.
Blood thinners: dose adjustment or discontinuation of current medication.
Is Communicable
Hematuria itself is not communicable. However, if the hematuria is caused by an infectious agent such as a UTI, then the underlying infection is communicable, though the hematuria itself is not directly transmitted.
Precautions
Precautions depend entirely on the underlying cause:
UTIs: Drink plenty of fluids, practice good hygiene.
Kidney Stones: Stay hydrated, dietary modifications as advised by a doctor.
General: Consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Do not self-treat. Avoid irritants to the bladder (caffeine, alcohol) if bladder inflammation is suspected.
How long does an outbreak last?
There is no "outbreak" of hematuria. Hematuria is a sign, not a disease in itself. The duration of hematuria depends on the underlying cause and its treatment. For example:
UTI: Hematuria may resolve within a few days of starting antibiotics.
Kidney Stone: Hematuria may persist until the stone passes or is removed.
Cancer: Hematuria may be chronic or intermittent, depending on treatment.
Exercise-induced: Resolves within 24-72 hours.
How is it diagnosed?
Urinalysis: To confirm the presence of blood and look for other abnormalities (e.g., infection).
Urine Culture: To identify bacteria causing a UTI.
Blood Tests: To assess kidney function and look for other indicators of disease.
Imaging Studies:
CT scan: To visualize the kidneys, ureters, and bladder, looking for stones, tumors, or other abnormalities.
Ultrasound: Can be used to 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.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms varies greatly depending on the cause. Here are a few examples:
UTI: Symptoms (including hematuria) typically develop over a few days.
Kidney Stone: Sudden onset of severe flank pain, possibly with hematuria.
Cancer: Hematuria may be intermittent and painless initially, progressing over weeks or months.
Exercise-induced: Appears shortly after or during strenuous activity.
Important Considerations
Never ignore hematuria: Always seek medical evaluation, even if it resolves on its own.
Microscopic hematuria requires investigation: Even if you don't see blood, a positive urine test warrants further investigation, especially in people with risk factors for urinary tract cancers.
Risk factors: Smoking, age over 40, exposure to certain chemicals, history of urinary tract problems increase the risk of serious underlying conditions.
Prompt diagnosis is crucial: Early diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause can prevent serious complications.