Blood in Urine (Haematuria)
Seeing blood in your urine can be worrying, but it is important to understand that this symptom, known medically as haematuria, can be caused by a range of conditions, some serious and others less so. At healthXY, our goal is to provide you with comprehensive information about this symptom and guide you towards the care you may need.
Table of Contents
Types of Haematuria
Haematuria can be classified into two types:
- Visible Haematuria: Also known as macroscopic haematuria, this occurs when blood is clearly visible in your urine, giving it a pink, red wine, or brownish cola-like colour.
- Non-Visible Haematuria: Sometimes referred to as microscopic haematuria, this type is detected during urine tests when blood is present but not visible to the naked eye.
Common Causes of Blood in Urine
Haematuria can result from a variety of underlying issues, including:
- Cystitis (lower Urinary Tract Infections): Bacteria can infect the bladder or urethra, leading to inflammation, pain, and blood in the urine.
- Kidney Stones: Small, hard deposits of minerals and salts that form in the kidneys can cause significant pain and bleeding when they move through the urinary tract.
- Pyelonephritis (Kidney Infections): Urinary tract Infections in the kidneysse areas can lead to visible blood in the urine.
- Enlarged Prostate: In men, blood vessels within an enlarged prostate can lead to bleeding.
- Kidney Disease: A variety of kidney conditions can lead to haematuria, including glomerulonephritis, which affects the filtering units of the kidneys.
- Cancer: Tumours within the bladder, kidneys, or other parts of the urinary tract can lead to haematuria.
- Physical Exercise: Strenuous exercise can sometimes cause blood to appear in the urine, due to bladder trauma or injury to the kidney.
When to Seek Medical Advice
It is essential to seek medical attention if you notice blood in your urine, even if it only happens once. While the cause may not always be serious, haematuria can be a symptom of conditions that need timely treatment. healthXY offers consultations that can help determine the underlying causes and recommend appropriate investigations or treatments.
Diagnostic Approach
At healthXY, we take a systematic approach to identify the causes of haematuria. Our diagnostic processes may include:
- Urine Analysis: To detect blood and identify potential infections.
- Imaging Tests: Such as ultrasounds or CT scans to look for stones, tumours, or other abnormalities.
- Cystoscopy: A procedure where a small fibreoptic camera is inserted through the urethra into the bladder to examine its lining for abnormalities.
Treatment Options
The treatment for haematuria depends on its underlying cause:
- Infections: Usually treated with antibiotics.
- Kidney Stones: Small stones may pass on their own, while larger ones might require shock wave treatment or surgical removal.
- Enlarged Prostate: Treatments may involve medications or, in some cases, surgery.
- Cancer: Tumours within the urinary tract are usually treated by surgical removal, and in some cases chemotherapy or radiotherapy is required.
Prevention Tips
While not all cases of haematuria can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help reduce the risk of kidney stones and infections.
- Bladder emptying: Fully emptying your bladder every three to four hours will reduce the risk of UTIs and will protect your kidneys from damage.
- Avoid Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of bladder and kidney cancers, which can cause haematuria.
- Diet and exercise: Being overweight increases your risk of kidney cancer, so eating a healthy diet and undertaking regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight will reduce your risk.
- Practice Safe Exercise: Avoid overexertion and ensure proper hydration during physical activity.
How healthXY Can Help
At healthXY, we are committed to providing high-quality healthcare services and support. Our team of professionals can guide you through each step—from diagnosis to treatment—ensuring you get the care you need. If you are experiencing haematuria, book a consultation today, and let us help you find the answers and solutions you deserve.
Get in Touch
Get in touch with us today! Our dedicated team is here to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. We encourage you to reach out to us via email, phone, or by filling out our convenient online form. Your inquiries are important to us, and we look forward to providing you with the support you need.
Resources
What you can do next with healthXY
Book an Appointment
Schedule a consultation with our specialists and start your health journey today.
Explore FAQs
Find answers to common questions about our services and appointment process.