Hematuria is a condition where traces of blood are found in the urine. Blood in the urine may be visible to the naked eye, or it may look as if the urine is normal and nothing at all is wrong. The blood may come from anywhere along the urinary tract, and it will take a urologist’s examination to pinpoint the cause.
Causes
Hematuria could result from trauma, medication, infection, BHP (enlarged prostate), STIs, UTIs, kidney stones, or there may be no identifiable cause at all. In some rare cases hematuria could be an indicator of much more serious problems, such as tumors, sickle cell anemia, or systemic lupus erythematosus.
Diagnosis
To diagnose hematuria, a urologist will take a urine sample and examine it under a microscope if it is not visible to the naked eye. Depending on the results, further tests may be run. A cystoscopy may be used to look inside the bladder, along with a blood test for kidney function, and various imaging tests that will allow an examination of the kidney, ureters, and bladder.
Treatment
The treatment for hematuria varies depending on the root cause. In some cases, the hematuria may correct itself, however it is best to follow a urologist’s instructions so if there is a serious underlying cause, it can be fixed right away.
