Haematuria is a condition wherein there is blood in the urine because of excessive red blood cells in it. Up to 12,500 red blood cells/mh can be occasioned in a healthy individual, but more than this may cause blood in the urine.
Types of haematuria:
Causes of macroscopic haematuria:
The red or brown discolouration of the urine is the cause of gross haematuria
Painful gross haematuria is usually caused by one of the following:
Causes of microscopic haematuria:
Glomerular (arising from the filtering systems) bleeding is frequently accompanied with proteinuria. The symptoms may include:
In glomerulonephritis, haematuria with oedema, hypertension and oliguria may be present. Other benign causes include:
Diagnosis
Your physician will examine the sample of your urine. He will ask about your family’s medical history related to kidney disease, prostate, bleeding disorders or bladder problems. Your doctor would want to know about any strenuous exercise you may have been doing, or any medication you have been on. The urine sample given for urinalysis will reveal whether you have a problem of kidneys or bladder or glomerulonephritis. Depending on this, tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, cystoscopy, blood tests etc. may be suggested.
Prevention:
Avoid smoking as it causes urine-related tumours.
Stay hydrated to improve the flow of blood in your body.
Treatment:
Haematuria caused by exercise, medication, small kidney stones, UTI or prostate problems can be cured with complete recovery. In case of tumours in the bladder and kidneys, if detected on an early stage, it can be successfully cured.