Hematuria specialist in Anantapur
Hematuria, defined as the presence of blood in the urine, indicates a potential issue within the urinary tract. The occurrence of bloody urine may stem from various conditions affecting the kidneys or other components of the urinary system, including but not limited to bladder or kidney cancer, as well as infections of the bladder, kidneys, prostate, or urethra.
There are two classifications of hematuria. Gross hematuria refers to the presence of visible blood in the urine, while microscopic hematuria indicates that blood is not visible to the naked eye but can be detected through microscopic examination or identified via a urinalysis test.
Causes
There are numerous potential causes for the presence of blood in the urine. Hematuria may arise from issues affecting the kidneys or other components of the urinary system, including
- Bladder or kidney cancer
- Infections of the bladder, kidneys, prostate, or urethra
- Inflammation of the bladder, urethra, prostate, or kidneys (glomerulonephritis)
- Trauma to the bladder or kidneys
- Formation of kidney or bladder stones
- Kidney disease following strep throat (post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis), which is a frequent cause of hematuria in children - Kidney failure
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Recent procedures involving the urinary tract, such as catheterization, circumcision, surgery, or kidney biopsy.
When to visit a doctor
It is possible that blood may not be visible in your urine due to its small quantity, which may only be detectable under a microscope. Your healthcare provider might identify it during a routine examination of your urine. Do not disregard any visible blood in your urine. It is essential to consult your healthcare provider, particularly if you are experiencing additional symptoms
- Distress during urination Increased frequency of urination
- Unaccounted weight reduction
- Compelling urge to urinate
- Presence of fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, or discomfort in the abdominal, lateral, or back regions Inability to urinate
- Excretion of blood clots in urine
- Experiencing pain during sexual activity or excessive menstrual bleeding, potentially indicating an issue with the reproductive system
- Incidents of urine dribbling, nocturnal urination, or challenges in initiating urine flow, which may suggest a prostate-related condition.
The evaluation of hematuria includes a wide range of potential causes, with malignancy being a significant concern, particularly in individuals with risk factors. A comprehensive assessment requires detailed history-taking, physical examination, imaging studies, and laboratory analyses. Additionally, it is crucial to perform risk stratification based on several factors, such as age, smoking history, red blood cell count, and previous occurrences of hematuria, to inform management decisions.