Investigating Hematuria: Diagnostic Tests and Procedures
Hematuria stands for the presence of blood or blood cells in the urine. Hematuria can be a crucial warning sign of a possible health problem. Blood in the urine is not always a significant symptom of any disease. One should never ignore the presence of blood in the urine. Hematuria treatment varies according to the source of blood in the urine. A urologist or doctor in urinary tract (UTI) disorders treats hematuria.
 |
| An ideal remedy for hematuria |
There are two main types of hematuria:
- Gross hematuria
- Microscopic hematuria.
You have gross hematuria if there is enough blood in your urine to turn it pink or red or if there are visible blood spots.
- Hematuria microscopic
Experts detect microscopic hematuria when there isn't enough blood to see since the amount is minor. Only a pathological lab test detects blood and confirms microscopic hematuria.
There are various possible explanations for blood in your pee. The blood may come from a different source in some circumstances.
- Infection
- Stones
- Enlarged prostate
- Kidney disease
- Cancer Medications
Rare blood illnesses, sickle cell anaemia, Alport syndrome, and haemophilia may cause hematuria. Vigorous exercise or a hit to the kidneys can influence hematuria.
During your visit, your doctor will take a medical history and perform a physical examination. This exam will help your doctor to understand your symptoms. Your doctor may conduct other tests. These tests may include,
Urinalysis: Analysis of your urine sample.
- Urine culture:
A urine culture can determine a urine test that detects UTIs.
Urine cytology:
- Tests to determine whether cells have abnormal changes or appearances.
Cystoscopy:
- A test that uses a cystoscope to observe the inside of the bladder and urethra.
Computed tomography (CT) scan:
- A test that uses X-rays and computers to understand photos of the abdomen and pelvis.
When should we seek medical attention for hematuria?
You should not pass over even a minor amount of blood in your urine. Contact your doctor if you do not notice blood in your urine but have frequent or painful urination, stomach discomfort, or kidney pain.
Experts treat these indications for microscopic hematuria. You may have blood in your urine along with one or more of the following:
- Frequent nausea
- Vomiting
- Persistent fever
- Chills
- Acute pain in your side, back, or abdomen
Your urologist will evaluate the cause of your hematuria and determine the treatment. In UTIs, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection. Sometimes large kidney stones may influence painful hematuria. Your urologist may prescribe some medicines and associated treatments to help you pass a stone. For some patients, your doctor may perform extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) to break up the bladder stones. Your healthcare provider may also use the scope to remove your kidney stones. If you are facing an enlarged prostate issue, they may prescribe alpha-blockers or 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. In exceptional cases, surgery may be a viable option.
- How can we prevent hematuria?
Preventing hematuria entails addressing the root causes:
You can prevent infections,
- By drinking plenty of water daily,
- Urinate immediately after sexual intercourse, and
- Practice good hygiene.
You can prevent stones,
- Drinking plenty of water
- You can avoid excess salt and certain foods.
- You can prevent bladder cancer,
- You can refrain from smoking,
- You can restrict your exposure to chemicals
Some existing diseases are more responsible for blood in their urine. However, specific actions may increase the blood in their urine.
These include:
- Frequent Smoking
- Unwanted use of pain medications
- Routine exposure to certain chemicals
- Exposure to radiation
- Running or jogging long distances
- You can avoid these actions that lower the chances of hematuria.
What are the complications associated with hematuria?
Some hematurias are significant, so if you experience these symptoms, you need to consult your urologist. If the condition is caused by cancer or bladder cancer, scorning it might cause tumours to grow to the site where treatment is impossible. Untreated infections can ultimately lead to complications and kidney failure. Your doctor may choose treatment to reduce symptoms if the cause of hematuria is an enlarged prostate. Passing over it may lead to discomfort from needing to urinate frequently, severe pain, and even cancer.