Definition:
Hematuria (blood in urine) is a condition characterized by the presence of blood in urine. It comes in two forms; gross hematuria (blood is visible to the naked eye) and microscopic hematuria (in which blood can only be detected in the laboratory).
Diagnosis:
Gross hematuria can be diagnosed based on visible signs; while microscopic hematuria is often discovered through urinalysis. More diagnostic steps will be taken to determine the underlying cause. Usually, imaging tests such as cystoscopy and CT scan are used.
Treatment:
Hematuria (bloody urine) has no specific treatment. Therapy is focused on dealing with the underlying cause. For example, antibiotics may be prescribed for hematuria caused by urinary tract infections, etc.
Symptoms and Signs:
Hematuria (blood in urine) typically presents with only one visible sign: a pinkish, reddish, or cola-colored discoloration in the urine. Hematuria itself does not occur with any other signs or symptoms, although a bloody urine usually indicates some underlying medical condition.
Causes:
Hematuria is caused by anomalies in the kidney in particular and the urinary tract in general. With hematuria, the kidney allows blood cells to abnormally leak into the urine. The leakage itself may be attributed to: urinary tract infections; bladder or kidney stones; enlarged prostate; kidney injury; kidney disease; carcinoma; a number of hereditary disorders; strenuous exercise; plus ingesting some drugs that can cause urinary blood.
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