Seeing blood in your urine can be frightening. Yet, blood in the urine isn't always a matter of concern. For instance, strenuous exercise can cause blood in urine as well as a number of common drugs such as aspirin. But, urinary bleeding can indicate a serious disorder.
Types of hematuria
Hematuria is classified into two types:
- Gross
- Microscopic
1) Gross hematuria
Gross hematuria is when you can see blood in your urine because it is pink, red, purplish-red, brownish-red, or tea-colored. Contact your doctor right away if you notice blood in your urine.
2) Microscopic hematuria
Microscopic hematuria is defined as normal-colored urine with an increased amount of red blood cells visible under a microscope. Microscopic hematuria is only identified when a health care provider tests a urine sample with a dipstick.
Some common causes of hematuria
Hematuria can be due to various factors, ranging from minor concerns to more significant medical conditions. The following are a few of the most common causes:
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
These occur when bacteria enter the urethra (the tube through which urine exits the body). The bacteria then multiply in the bladder. UTIs can result in bleeding, which can make the urine seem red, pink, or brown.
Kidney stones
Urine minerals can crystallize on the walls of the kidneys or bladder. Over time, the crystals might grow into small, hard stones.
Prostate Disease In Men
The prostate gland is located directly beneath the bladder and surrounds the upper section of the urethra. It frequently grows larger as one approaches middle age. It then exerts pressure on the urethra, partially stopping urine flow.
Medicines
Blood in the urine is related to the anti-cancer medicine cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) and the antibiotic penicillin. Blood-clotting medications are also related to blood in the urine.
Common symptoms present along with hematuria
The main symptom of hematuria is the presence of blood in the urine, which may appear pink, red, or brown in color. Some other common symptoms include:
- Pain or burning during urination
- Lower back pain
- Abdominal pain
- Frequent urination
- Urgent urination
- Fatigue
Hematuria diagnosis
Your doctor will inquire about your medical history and send a urine sample for laboratory testing. It is known as urinalysis. Cytology, in which a technician examines odd cells under a microscope, could be one of the examinations. Your doctor may request blood tests to look for wastes that your kidneys are supposed to remove.
You may also need other tests like:
- CT scan
- Kidney ultrasound
- Cystoscopy (Urinary Bladder Endoscopy)
- Kidney (renal) biopsy
Treatment of hematuria
The underlying cause of hematuria decides the treatment. Urinary tract infections, kidney stones, bladder or kidney cancers, prostate problems, and certain medications are all possible causes of hematuria.
Treating the underlying condition
The first step is to identify and treat the underlying cause of the hematuria. Antibiotics, for example, may be prescribed if the cause is a urinary tract infection.
Medications
In some circumstances, medicines may be prescribed to treat the underlying condition's symptoms, such as pain or inflammation.
Surgery
Tumors or kidney stones may require surgery to cure.
Lifestyle changes
Certain changes in daily life may help minimize the risk of future hematuria. Drinking plenty of water, avoiding hot meals and alcohol, and avoiding excessive exercise may be advised.
Prevention of hematuria
Preventing hematuria means preventing the underlying causes:
- Drink enough water daily, urinate quickly after sexual intercourse, and maintain good hygiene.
- To avoid kidney stones, drink plenty of water and avoid foods high in salt, such as spinach and rhubarb.
- To avoid bladder cancer, reduce your chemical exposure, avoid smoking, and drink enough water.
Conclusion
You should seek medical assistance because early diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes and prevent potentially serious complications. Prevention measures such as maintaining good hygiene, staying hydrated, and avoiding activities that may increase the risk of infection or damage to the urinary tract may also help to reduce the risk of hematuria.
