Hematuria

Hematuria refers to the presence of red blood cells in the urine. This is actually a sign that there is a kidney stone or a tumor in the urinary tract (kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, prostate, and urethra), ranging from trivial to lethal.

Signs and Symptoms

Common symptoms of hematuria are:

  • Blood in urine
  • Fever
  • Frequent urination
  • Urinary urgency

Causes

The most common causes include:

  • Kidney disease
  • Trauma
  • Urinary tract blockages
  • Certain medications
  • Kidney stones and bladder stones
  • Benign prostatic hyperplasia

Treatment

Treatment ranges from antibiotic therapy to surgery, depending on the underlying cause.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) – Avoid unsuitable foods/beverages/over the counter medications. Single or a combination of two drugs is typically used. If ineffective, endoscopic surgery may be carried out.

  • Kidney and bladder stones - Procedures to break /remove the stones may be necessary.
  • Kidney disease - Treated as necessary. Dialysis if there is kidney failure.
  • Medications that induce hematuria (such as aspirin, clopilet, quinine may need to be discontinued).
  • Trauma-induced hematuria - Treated according to the problem ranging from rest to surgery
  • Urinary tract blockages - Removal of the blockage
  • Infection induced hematuria - Medications
  • Cancer caused hematuria - Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery
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