Hematuria symptoms can be scary, but it is a good idea to talk to your doctor right away if you notice blood in your urine. If it’s the first time you have noticed blood, the doctor may need a urine test to make sure that there is no serious cause for the hematuria.
Hematuria can occur in many different parts of the body, including the kidneys, bladder, urethra and prostate gland. It can be macroscopic (blood visible with the naked eye) or microscopic (only visible under a microscope).
Urinary Tract Infections
Hematitis is the most common reason why people experience blood in their urine. It is caused by bacteria, viruses or other germs that enter the urinary tract. Symptoms are usually mild and will clear up on their own.
Cancers and Rare Blood Disorders
If a person has a disease or a genetic disorder that can cause red blood cells to leak into the urine, he may develop hematuria. A condition called hepatitis C can also lead to hematuria.
Age and Family History
The risk of having hematuria increases with the age of a person. It can also increase if a person has a urinary tract infection, certain medications or some types of cancer. It can also increase if someone has a history of kidney stones or other inherited diseases that affect the urinary tract.
Males are at a higher risk of having hematuria than females. They are also more likely to have it if they have an enlarged prostate gland, a common problem for middle-aged and older men.
Certain medicines can also increase the risk of hematuria, such as antibiotics and pain relievers. Some of these can also raise the chance of blood clots.
Some drugs can also affect the number of red blood cells in the body. For example, a blood thinner like aspirin can reduce the number of red blood cells in the blood, which can lead to hematuria.
Drugs that can reduce the number of red blood cells include some anti-inflammatory medications and narcotic pain relievers. They can also increase the chance of hematuria if you take them for long periods of time or if they are used together with other medications that reduce blood flow to the urinary tract.
Hematuria can happen in children as well, especially if they have urinary tract infections or kidney disease. It isn’t usually a cause for concern, but it’s important to see your child’s doctor as soon as possible.
A doctor may use a physical examination, a urinalysis, and other tests to find out what’s causing hematuria. These tests can help your doctor figure out the cause of hematuria and decide on the best treatment.
The most common treatment for hematuria is antibiotics, which can be taken to treat the underlying infection. If the infection isn’t treated, it can worsen and cause other complications. In some cases, doctors may also need to use a catheter to draw back the urine and remove blood clots.
