Introduction

Hematuria is a medical condition distinguished by the indistinct appearance of blood in the urine.

This condition may serve as an indication of an underlying health condition. Hematuria may be an indicator of a severe medical condition or a self-limiting ailment.

This article will explore what hematuria is, its causes, diagnosis, psychological impact, treatment options, and preventive measures.

What is Hematuria?

Hematuria refers to the presence of blood in the urine. The presence of red or pink urine may indicate the presence of blood in the urine, a condition referred to as "gross" or "visible" hematuria.

Occasionally, the presence of blood in the urine may not be detectable by visual observation, hence the term "microscopic" hematuria, as it necessitates examination under a microscope for identification.

During regular medical appointments, patients are frequently requested to provide a sample of their urine for diagnostic purposes.

Blood can be detected through the utilisation of a chemical strip, commonly referred to as a dipstick, or through microscopic examination.

If blood is identified using these methods, an individual may be diagnosed with "microscopic hematuria."

Causes of Hematuria

Multiple factors cause hematuria. Some of the causes of blood in urine are as follows:

Infection

One of the main reasons people have hematuria is an infection. The infection may be in your bladder, kidneys, or urinary system.

Bacteria get into the body through the urethra, which is the tube that takes urine out from the bladder. The condition can spread to the bladder and even the kidneys.

It often hurts and makes you urinate a lot. There could be big or small amounts of blood in the urine.

Stones in the Kidney or Bladder

Some people also have blood in their urine because they have stones in their kidneys or bladder. There are crystals in your urine that might deposit in your bladder or kidneys to form stones.

Large stones can stop the flow of urine, which can cause hematuria and a lot of pain.

Enlarged Prostate

For middle-aged and older men, hematuria is often caused by an enlarged prostate. This gland is close to the urethra and just below the bladder.

The urethra gets squished when the prostate gets bigger, which happens a lot to men in middle age. This makes it hard to urinate and could keep the bladder from emptying all the way.

If your prostate is enlarged, you could get a urinary tract infection (UTI) which could result in blood in the urine.

Kidney Infection

Kidney infection is another less common reason for observing blood in the urine. Hematuria can be caused by a sick or swollen kidney. This disorder can happen by itself or along with another ailment, like diabetes.

What Are the Signs of Hematuria?

Most of the time, the only sign is having blood in the urine. The doctor might say you're "asymptomatic" when blood is in microscopic amounts, which makes it difficult to notice. 

Other signs include having to go to the bathroom often, experiencing pain, or feeling like you need to go "right away." You may also feel sick, throw up, have fevers, chills, or pain in your back or lower belly.

Having blood in the urine isn't always a sign of illness, but it can be an indication that something is wrong.

Always pay attention to bloody urine. If you find blood in your urine, you should see a doctor right away because examining concerns beforehand is always helpful.

Diagnosis of Hematuria

During your visit, your doctor will ask about your medical history and do a physical exam, which may include a digital rectal exam or a pelvic exam. This will help them understand your condition better. Other tests may be asked for by your doctor, like:

Urinalysis:

A urine test, also known as urinalysis, is what your doctor will use to see if there is blood in a sample of your urine. In some cases, your doctor will test your urine again to make sure that you are suffering from hematuria.

Urine Culture:

It is a test that looks for an infection in the urine.

Psychological Impact of Hematuria

Hematuria can be emotionally upsetting for those who suffer from it. The fear of the unknown, especially when there is visible blood in the urine, can cause worry and psychological distress.

Furthermore, the uncertainty surrounding the source of hematuria, as well as its possible relationship with serious illnesses such as cancer, can have a substantial psychological impact.

Healthcare personnel must treat the psychological well-being of hematuria patients.

Providing clear and compassionate communication, as well as quick diagnosis and treatment, can help decrease anxiety and promote mental health at this difficult time.

Treatment of Hematuria

The medical practitioner will provide treatment for the underlying cause of hematuria. Subsequently, further examination will be conducted to ascertain whether there is no blood.

If hematuria persists, more diagnostic examinations may be required, or consultation with a specialised medical practitioner such as a urologist or nephrologist may be recommended.

Several potential treatments are as follows:

• Administration of antibiotics as a treatment for bacterial infections.
• The methodology employed to fragment kidney or bladder stones.
• Pharmaceutical treatment for reducing the size of an enlarged prostate gland.
• The treatment options for renal disease include medication, dialysis, and surgical interventions.

In cases when the underlying cause of hematuria cannot be identified by a medical practitioner, it is common for them to recommend periodic urine testing and blood pressure monitoring at intervals of 3 to 6 months.

This recommendation is particularly relevant for individuals who possess risk factors associated with the development of bladder cancer.

Risk factors for this condition encompass individuals who are aged 50 or over, engage in cigarette smoking, and have encountered specific industrial toxins.

(Caution: Medications should only be used under a doctor's guidance and prescription.)

Prevention of Hematuria

People who already have diseases known to cause hematuria, like urinary tract infections, urological structural abnormalities, a history of urologic diseases in their family, or certain genetic conditions, are more likely to have blood in their urine.

You may be more likely to get it if you already have kidney disease, kidney stones, or a family history of kidney disease.

Other instances when you might have blood in the urine are:

• Using tobacco.
• Taking too many painkillers.
• History of being exposed to radiation and some chemicals.
• Risks at work with metals, fumes, dyes, and rubbers.
• Being exposed to some chemicals and/or radiation.

If you avoid these situations, you might lower your chances of having blood in your urine. It is true that drinking enough fluids, ideally water, to stay hydrated is good for your body and urinary tract.

FAQs

When should you see a doctor?

Seek help if you see blood in your urine. In a day or two, call your doctor to get checked out. Some signs can mean that things need to be done right away. See a doctor right away if you are bleeding excessively or in a lot of pain.

What does blood in my urine mean?

Most of the time, having blood in your urine is due to an infection that is easy to fix. It could mean something more serious, so if you notice it, talk to your doctor.

What is the best way to get rid of blood in my urine?

How it is treated depends on what's causing it. If you have a bacterial infection, you will be given medicines. If you have kidney or bladder stones, you may need surgery.

If it's something more serious, like kidney disease or cancer, there are many ways to treat it, from medicine to surgery.

Apart from an infection, what causes blood in urine?

If your kidneys or other parts of your urinary tract are hurt, you might pass blood when you pee. Extreme exercises, like long-distance runs, can do the same thing.

You could get blood from your vagina into your urine sample by chance if you're having your period. Some medications, an enlarged prostate, kidney disease, and cancer in the urinary stream are other causes.

Conclusion

Hematuria, or the presence of blood in the urine, indicates an issue with the urinary tract. You must be examined to determine the cause. It is frequently caused by an infection, but there are also more serious possibilities.

There's no need to panic if you notice blood in your urine. It's important to remember that various factors can cause this, such as having your period or consuming certain foods like beets. Still, you should call your doctor or nurse.

Any sickness should be caught early, even if it's just a UTI. Your doctor will help you figure out what's making the blood in your urine and how to treat it effectively.

References

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