Hematuria

Haematuria: What is it?

Blood in the urine is known as haematuria.  Red or pink urine may indicate the presence of blood in the urine and is referred to as

 “visible” or “gross” haematuria.  Sometimes blood is present in the urine but is invisible to the human eye; this condition is known as “microscopic” haematuria because it is only visible under a microscope.

 You are frequently asked to provide a urine sample for testing during routine checkups with your physician.  Blood can be detected under a microscope or with a chemical strip, also known as a dipstick.  These methods of detecting blood could indicate “microscopic haematuria.”

 Haematuria: What Causes It?

 Blood in the urine can have a variety of causes.  The majority are not concerning, but some might require your healthcare provider’s attention.  Blood in urine is frequently caused by urinary infections.

·   Prostate enlargement in elderly men

·   Stones in the kidneys or bladder

·   Women’s periods

·   Prostate infections

·   Kidney disease

·   Kidney trauma

·   Bladder cancer

·   Kidney cancer

·   Cancer of the urinary tract lining

·   Anti-swelling medications (pain and swelling pills for joints)

·   Intense exercise

  When blood is discovered in the urine, medical professionals want to make sure that there isn’t a serious condition, like a kidney, bladder, or urinary tract tumour.  Blood in the urine is rarely caused by urologic cancers, although they can be fatal.

How is a diagnosis of haematuria made?

Your physician will want to investigate the reasons behind the blood in your urine.  To determine your cancer risk, this frequently entails an examination and review of your complete medical history.  Additionally, if there is blood in your urine, the doctor will check for non-cancer reasons like recent trauma, a UTI, or other procedures.

Your physician will schedule any necessary tests.  Your doctor may determine that you have a low, intermediate, or high risk of developing cancer if no explanation for the blood in your urine is found.  These risk levels are predicated on established risks for bladder cancer, including:

  • Symptoms, age, gender, and history of smoking

  The quantity of red blood cells in the urine; specific chemotherapy regimens; a family history of bladder cancer, urinary tract lining cancer, or Lynch syndrome; and occupational exposures to chemicals like benzene or aromatic amines

  • Spending extended periods of time with a catheter in your urinary tract