Blood in the urine is not normal and requires evaluation.
What does hematuria mean?
Hematuria is a technical term for blood in the urine. Blood may cause urine
to change color to look pink, red, or tea colored.
There are two different types of hematuria:
Gross hematuria: when blood is visible to the naked eye
Microscopic hematuria: when blood is not visible, but can be seen under a microscope
What causes blood in the urine?
Blood in the urine is not normal and always requires evaluation of the
underlying cause by a urologist. Although there are multiple benign causes
of blood in the urine, it often times is a sign of a more serious problem
including:
Kidney, bladder or prostate cancer
Kidney infection, injury, or disease
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Enlarged prostate
Kidney or bladder stones
Certain diseases (such as sickle cell anemia and cystic kidney disease)
Diagnosis for hematuria
If there is blood in your urine, it is important to get in touch with your
doctor to see if a UTI is causing the blood you are seeing. Your doctor
can help you determine whether you need to come in for testing or the
different treatments options you can begin to rule out UTI. If there is
still persistent bleeding after a UTI is ruled out, you will need to get
in touch with your Urologist for additional imaging and/or a Cystoscopy.
Treatment options for hematuria
Hematuria can be a symptom of another condition. So, treatment options
for hematuria often depend on what’s causing it. Possible treatment
options include:
Antibiotics: Antibiotics may help if the hematuria results from a bacterial infection,
such as a urinary tract infection
Surgery: If a structural issue is causing hematuria, surgery can help remove any
abnormalities. Examples include kidney stones or bladder tumors.
Medicine: Some medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs),
may help reduce pain and inflammation.
Treatment for an enlarged prostate: In men, an
enlarged prostate can cause is one of the most common causes for hematuria. Medications
to shrink the prostate or surgery to remove part of the prostate may help.
Observation: For mild cases of hematuria with no underlying cause, your provider may
suggest monitoring the condition. You’ll need to have regular urine tests.
If you have hematuria, you should work with an experienced provider who
can find the best treatment for your situation. Our
urology team at West Jefferson Medical Center is ready to help.
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