Blood in Urine Routine? Causes and Treatment

There are numerous factors that can lead to the presence of blood in urine, such as infections, kidney disease, and intense physical activity. However, it is crucial not to overlook this symptom. Seeking medical assistance is important as healthcare providers can help determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.

Seeing blood in urine, medically known as hematuria, can be concerning. While sometimes it may have a harmless cause, it can also indicate a serious underlying illness. The blood may be easily seen or present in such small quantities that it’s not visible to the naked eye. Regardless, any presence of blood in the urine should not be ignored, as it can be a sign of a significant health issue, even if it occurs only once. Neglecting hematuria can lead to the progression of severe conditions like kidney disease and cancer. Therefore, it’s crucial to consult your doctor promptly and undergo a urine test. So, let’s delve into the causes of hematuria and available treatment options.

Types of Hematuria

There are two primary types of hematuria. These are:

• Gross Hematuria: This refers to the presence of enough blood in the urine that it can be seen without the aid of a microscope. This can cause the color of toilet water to appear bright red or pale pink.

• Microscopic hematuria: It occurs when there is blood in the urine, but the amount is too small to be visible to the naked eye. A microscope is required to detect it. In such a scenario, your doctor may ask you to undergo a urine test.

Causes of Hematuria

Hematuria, the presence of blood in urine, can be caused by various conditions affecting the kidneys or urinary tract, including:

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Bacteria entering the urethra can cause bladder infections, leading to bleeding and urine discolouration. Symptoms include frequent urination, pain, and strong-smelling urine.

• Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis): Bacteria can infect the kidneys, resulting in similar symptoms as UTIs but often accompanied by fever and back, groin, or side pain.

• Bladder or Kidney Stones: Mineral crystals in the urine can form stones, causing blood in urine and potential blockages or pain during urination.

• Enlarged Prostate: With age, the prostate gland can enlarge and obstruct urine flow, causing difficulties in urination, urgency, and blood in the urine. Prostatitis (prostate infection) can also lead to these symptoms.

• Kidney Disease: Glomerulonephritis, a kidney disease characterized by inflammation of the kidney filters, can cause blood in urine only visible through a urine test. It may occur independently or as part of a systemic condition like diabetes.

• Cancer: Advanced kidney, prostate, or bladder cancer may manifest as visible blood in the urine. Early-stage cancers might not produce noticeable symptoms.

• Inherited Illnesses: Conditions like sickle cell anemia, which affects red blood cells, and Alport syndrome, which damages kidney blood vessels, can result in blood in the urine.

• Kidney Injury: Trauma to the kidneys from contact sports or accidents can cause blood to appear in the urine.

• Medications: Certain drugs, such as the anti-cancer drug cyclophosphamide, the antibiotic penicillin, the blood-thinning medication heparin and the pain-relieving drug aspirin, have been associated with blood in the urine.

• Intense Exercise: Contact sports or long-distance activities like marathon running can lead to blood in urine, possibly due to bladder damage or other factors not related to an injury. In such cases, the condition typically resolves within a week.

Symptoms of Hematuria

In some cases, blood in urine may occur without any noticeable symptoms, making it asymptomatic. However, if symptoms are present, they can include painful or frequent urination, urgency to urinate, and the need to urinate immediately. Additional symptoms may include nausea, fevers, vomiting, chills, or pain in the lower abdomen or back.

How is Hematuria Diagnosed?

A urinalysis, also known as a complete urine routine test, is commonly employed to diagnose hematuria. This comprehensive examination involves multiple tests to detect abnormal components in urine, which can indicate various disorders in the body. The test analyzes the presence of residual blood cells, bacteria, bilirubin, and pus cells. Any abnormalities found during the complete urine test may suggest an underlying health condition. A routine urine test by Apollo 24|7 comprises 18 tests covering physical examination, biochemical examination, and microscopic examination. You can book the test and give the sample from the comfort of your home, and get your results within six hours.

How is Hematuria Treated?

The treatment for blood in the urine (hematuria) depends on its underlying cause. After evaluating your medical history, conducting a physical examination, and reviewing test results, your healthcare provider will work with you to determine the most appropriate treatment approach. Here are some common treatment options for different causes of hematuria:

• Infections: Antibiotics are prescribed to eliminate the bacteria causing the infection, which helps stop the bleeding.

• Enlarged Prostate: Urologists often use two classes of medications, 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors and alpha-blockers, to treat this condition. If medications are ineffective, surgery may be recommended.

• Cancer: Treatment for cancer depends on its stage and severity. It may involve surveillance, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of these approaches. The treatment plan will be personalized according to your specific goals of care.

• Sickle Cell Disease: Disease-modifying agents like pain medications, antibiotics, hydroxyurea, and drugs that prevent the sickling of blood cells may be prescribed for managing this condition.

• Kidney Disease: Medications such as diuretics, cholesterol-lowering drugs, antihypertensive drugs, and erythropoietin (to address anemia) may be prescribed based on the type and stage of kidney disease.

• Endometriosis: Hormone-related medications may be suggested by your healthcare provider to manage the symptoms associated with endometriosis.

In addition to medication-based treatments, other options that may be considered include:

• Surgery: In cases where medication does not alleviate hematuria caused by an enlarged prostate, surgical intervention may be recommended.

• Dialysis and Kidney Transplant: For kidney disease, dialysis may be required to filter waste products from the blood. In severe cases, a kidney transplant may be considered as a treatment option.

• Multidisciplinary Care Team: In cancer cases, a urologist may collaborate with other healthcare professionals as part of a multidisciplinary care team to provide comprehensive treatment.

All in all, the presence of blood in urine may indicate something serious and should never be ignored. Make sure to consult with a doctor right away if you witness blood in your urine or experience any other symptoms of hematuria.

Get all the latest news on Indian daily post.