What is Hematuria?
Blood in the urine is known as hematuria. Blood in the urine may be the cause of crimson or pink urine, which is referred to as “gross” or “visible” hematuria. Blood in the urine can occasionally be invisible to the human eye; this condition is known as “microscopic” hematuria since it can only be observed under a microscope.
You are frequently requested to provide a urine sample for testing during routine checkups with your physician. Blood can be detected under a microscope or with a chemical strip, sometimes known as a dipstick. These methods of detecting blood could indicate “microscopic hematuria.”
What Causes Hematuria?
Blood in the urine can have a variety of causes. The majority are not concerning, but some might require your healthcare provider’s attention. Typical reasons why blood appears in urine include:
• Urinary infection
• Enlarged prostate in older men
• Kidney or bladder stones
• Period in women
• Prostate infection
• Kidney disease
• Kidney trauma
• Bladder cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Cancer of the lining of the urinary tract
• Anti-swelling drugs (joint swelling and pain pills)
• Vigorous workout
How is Hematuria Diagnosed?
Your physician will want to investigate the reasons behind the blood in your urine. To determine your cancer risk, this frequently entails an examination and review of your whole medical history. Additionally, if there is blood in your urine, the doctor will check for non-cancer reasons such recent trauma, a UTI, or other treatments. Your physician will schedule any necessary testing. Your doctor may determine that you have a low, intermediate, or high risk of developing cancer if no explanation for the blood in your urine is uncovered. These risk categories are predicated on established factors for bladder cancer, including:
• Smoking history
• Age
• Gender
• Symptoms
• Number of red blood cells in the urine
• Certain types of chemotherapy
• Family history of bladder cancer, cancer of the urinary tract lining, or Lynch Syndrome
• Workplace exposures to chemicals such as benzene or aromatic amines
How is Hematuria Tested?
Doctors determine the type of testing required for each patient based on risk recommendations. Given their low risk of cancer, a person at low risk might be able to avoid undergoing a lot of tests. A high-risk individual requires more thorough examination. Testing for low risk. Given the rarity of cancer in low-risk people, doctors will probably go over the advantages and disadvantages of additional testing. Urine testing is frequently repeated within six months. Additional testing is carried out if the results of that test reveal blood in the urine. The patient is just monitored for symptoms if the repeat test yields no blood. More testing could be necessary. Testing for intermediate risk. Patients who are diagnosed with intermediate risk will be advised to undergo a renal ultrasound to examine the kidneys and a cystoscopy to examine the bladder. More testing could be necessary. Testing for high risk. High-risk individuals frequently undergo testing that includes a cystoscope to examine the bladder and a computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis to examine the urinary system lining. The primary distinction between an ultrasound and a CT scan is that the former can detect minute anomalies in the kidney and ureters that the latter would overlook.
How is Hematuria Treated?
The treatment of Hematuria depending upon cause of conditionusually require evaluation & necessary treatments. Early detection of this can save the lives of people with more serious conditions.