Hematuria (Blood in Urine)

• Causes: Common causes include:

  • Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Infections in the bladder or kidneys can lead to blood in the urine.
  • Kidney Stones: Sharp-edged stones in the urinary tract can cause irritation and bleeding.
  • Trauma: Injury to the kidneys or urinary tract from accidents or strenuous activities.
  • Medical Conditions: Such as kidney diseases, enlarged prostate, or cancer.

• Symptoms:

  • Visible Blood: Urine may appear pink, red, or cola-colored (gross hematuria).
  • No Visible Blood: Detected through urine tests (microscopic hematuria), often without other symptoms.

• Diagnosis:

  • Physical Examination: Includes medical history and physical assessment.
  • Urine Tests: To confirm the presence of blood and determine its source.
  • Imaging: CT scans or ultrasound to visualize the urinary tract and detect abnormalities.

• Treatment:

  • Underlying Cause: Treatment depends on identifying and addressing the underlying condition.
  • Medication: Antibiotics for UTIs, pain relief for kidney stones, or specific treatments for other conditions.

• Prognosis:

  • Generally, hematuria caused by benign conditions resolves with treatment.
  • Persistent or recurrent hematuria may require further evaluation to rule out serious conditions like cancer.

Hematuria should always prompt medical evaluation to determine its cause and appropriate management.