Hematuria

What is Hematuria?

Hematuria is the presence of blood in your urine, either visible to the naked eye (gross hematuria) or only under a microscope (microscopic hematuria).

Blood in the urine may turn your stream bright red. Other symptoms include pink or cola-colored urine and discolored urine accompanied by fever or blood clots.

Blood in the urine may show up amid other symptoms, such as aches and pains in your back or belly.

What are the Possible Causes of Blood in the Urine?

Any number of issues can cause blood in the urine — and some are more serious than others. They include:

• A urinary tract infection

• Cancer of the kidney or bladder

• Certain medications

• Enlarged prostate

• Kidney or bladder stone

• Kidney infections

• Kidney disease

• Trauma

In rare cases, extremely strenuous exercise can lead to hematuria, possibly caused by bladder trauma, dehydration, or a sudden breakdown of red blood cells.

How is the Cause of Hematuria Determined?

In some cases, the cause cannot be pinpointed. However, our team performs several tests, including a physical exam and standard urine tests to look for the presence of an infection or minerals that cause stones.

They review any accompanying symptoms, such as abdominal pain and fever, and test your kidney function and blood pressure.

The physician might order imaging tests, such as MRIs and CT scans, and you may also undergo a cystoscopy, which involves the insertion of a tiny camera into your bladder to check for signs of disease.

How is Hematuria Treated?

Treatment depends on the determined cause of blood in your urine. Infections may be treated with antibiotics. An enlarged prostate can be addressed with medications or radiofrequency therapy to try to shrink the prostate. Other therapies appropriate to cancer, kidney disease, or stones include surgery.

If the team doesn’t find a direct cause, you will undergo regular monitoring and follow-up tests, especially if you’re at risk of developing cancer due to family history or tobacco use.

In most cases, it’s not an issue if no specific cause is found and the presence of blood goes away on its own.

If you have indications that blood is present in your urine, never hesitate to call us. To receive the highest quality of treatment for hematuria, schedule an appointment today.