Hematuria

What is Hematuria?  

Hematuria is the presence of blood in urine. Blood in the urine can come from the kidneys (where urine is made) or anywhere in the urinary tract. Healthy kidneys filter blood in such a way that blood does not spill over in the urine. But when kidneys do not function properly, blood can get filtered through into urine. Blood in urine when visible, is known as gross hematuria and when it ca be seen only under a microscope, it is known as microscopic hematuria. Presence of blood in urine should be concerning as it may be due to an underlying, undiagnosed condition. 

Some of the causes of Hematuria are: 

• Bladder or kidney infections, which often also causes burning or pain when urinate
• Kidney stone, which usually also cause back pain
• Certain kidney diseases or genetic conditions such as such as Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD
• Trauma ( like fall off a bike and bruise a kidney )
• Blood disorders 
• Vigorous exercise 
• Enlargement of prostate called “ benign prostatic hyperplasia”, which is common in older men
• Cancer of the kidney, bladder or prostate ( cancer is an uncommon cause of blood in the urine, and it usually affect people older than 50)

Sometimes, urine can look as though it is bloody even though it isn't. This can happen if you eat a lot of beets or food dyes, or if you take certain medicines.

Signs and symptoms: 

Hematuria can present with no other symptoms or a variety of signs and symptoms. Some of them may include: 

• Fever 
• Abdominal pain 
• Change in urination  
• Dark colored urine 
• Recent throat or skin infection 
• Skin rashes 

Diagnosis and treatment: 

There are many tests that can be used to find the cause of blood in the urine such as a simple urine and blood tests or radiologic tests such as ultrasonography, CT scan, Cystoscopy or in some cases kidney biopsy. Treatment options also vary depending upon the underlying cause of blood in urine as hematuria in itself is not a disease but a result of an underlying condition. 

Disclaimer: The UCLA Health System cannot guarantee the accuracy of such information. The information is provided without warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please speak to your Physician before making any changes.