BLOOD IN THE URINE - WatsonsHealth

BLOOD IN THE URINE

Blood in the urine can be alarming for you. While there are many cases when the cause is not that serious, continuous blood in urine (hematuria) can be a sign of a serious disorder.

Gross hematuria is a condition wherein there is bloody urine. Urinary blood that’s visible only under a microscopic is called hematuria and is only found when your doctor tests your urine. You should determine the cause of the bleeding.

Hematuria means that there is the presence of blood, such as red blood cells, in the urine. It is actually a sign that something is causing bleeding within the genitourinary tract. The source of the bleeding may be from the kidneys, the ureters, the prostate gland in men, the urinary bladder or the urethra, where the urine passes out from the body.

Types

There are two types of hematuria: microscopic hematuria and gross hematuria.

  • Microscopic hematuria means blood in the urine in very small amounts that it can be seen only with a microscope. All normal people can have hematuria.
  • Gross or macroscopic hematuria which appears as bloody urine or urine with blood clots.

 

Symptoms

Blood in the urine often occurs with no other signs or symptoms. The best thing to do is consult your doctor.

DIAGNOSIS

The following physical tests play an important role in finding cause for blood in your urine:

  • Urine Test– A urinalysis can also check for a urinary tract infection or the presence of minerals that cause kidney stones.
  • Cystoscopy– This is a device with a narrow tube with a tiny camera that the doctor places into your bladder to look for problems in the genitourinary tract.

 

MEDICATIONS/TREATMENT

Treatment will depend on the condition you are having. This may involve taking antibiotics to treat a urinary tract infection. Prostate medicines may also be given for an enlarged prostate. Your doctor may also suggest shock wave therapy to break up kidney stones. In some cases, no other treatment is necessary.

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