Definition |
Causes |
Risk Factors |
Symptoms |
Diagnosis |
Treatment |
Prevention
Definition
Hematuria is blood in the urine. Normally, urine does not contain any blood.
There are 2 kinds of hematuria:
- Microscopic hematuria—Urine contains a small amount of blood, which is not visible to the naked eye.
- Gross hematuria—Urine is visibly discolored by blood, appearing red or tea-colored.
Causes
In some cases, the cause of hematuria is never found. The list of known causes is lengthy. Some more common causes include:
Risk Factors
Factors that may increase your risk of hematuria include:
-
Smoking
- Medications such as certain antibiotics and pain medications
- Family history of kidney problems
Symptoms
In some cases, there may not be additional symptoms.
But, if you have an underlying condition, you may have other symptoms. For example, kidney stones can cause blood in the urine, along with pain in the side, abdomen, or groin.
When Should I Call My Doctor?
Call your doctor any time you notice blood in your urine.
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. You may be referred to a nephrologist who specializes in kidney disease or a urologist who specializes in the urinary system.
Your doctor may need to test your bodily fluids. This can be done with:
Your doctor may need to view your bodily structures. This can be done with:
Treatment
Treatment will depend on the cause of hematuria. Some causes of hematuria require no treatment or will resolve on their own. Other causes will respond to medication. For example, treating a urinary tract infection with antibiotics will stop the hematuria. Still, other causes may require surgery, such as the removal of a tumor or treatment for
prostate cancer.
Prevention
Treating the underlying condition that causes hematuria may help prevent it from occurring.
Gross hematuria—approach to the adult. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T909566/Gross-hematuria-approach-to-the-adult. Updated June 27, 2016. Accessed September 7, 2017.
Hematuria in children. National Kidney Foundation website. Available at:
https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/hematuria. Accessed August 31, 2015.
Hematuria in children. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T576483/Hematuria-in-children. Updated June 16, 2017. Accessed August 31, 2015.
Microhematuria—approach to the adult. EBSCO DynaMed Plus websithttp://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T909568/Microhematuria-approach-to-the-adult. Updated June 21, 2017. Accessed September 7, 2017.
Thaller TR, Wang LP.
Evaluation of asymptomatic microscopic hematuria in adults. Am Fam Physician. 1999;60(4):1143-1152.
Urination problems. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at:
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/health-tools/search-by-symptom/urination-problems.html. Accessed September 7, 2017.
Last reviewed September 2017 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board Adrienne Carmack, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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