Wakad, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune, care@sunmedhospital.com
Haematuria Treatment
Haematuria, or blood in the urine, is a symptom that should never be ignored, as it may point to a variety of underlying conditions. While haematuria is not always indicative of a serious issue, it requires careful attention to identify the cause. At Sunmed Hospital, we specialize in diagnosing and treating haematuria, ensuring a thorough evaluation to determine the best course of action and provide you with effective solutions.
Haematuria refers to the presence of blood in the urine, which can either be visible (gross haematuria) or only detectable under a microscope (microscopic haematuria). While occasional blood in the urine might be harmless, persistent haematuria can signal a range of potential issues, such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or even more serious conditions like bladder or kidney cancer. A proper diagnosis is essential to rule out any life-threatening conditions.
Gross Haematuria: This occurs when the blood in the urine is visible to the naked eye, often turning the urine pink, red, or tea-colored. It can be alarming, but the cause may not always be serious.
Microscopic Haematuria: In this case, the blood is not visible, and can only be detected through a urinalysis under a microscope. It may not cause any symptoms, making it important to undergo regular urine tests to detect it early.
Haematuria can stem from various causes, and understanding these factors is crucial for treatment. Some common causes include:
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Infections in the bladder, kidneys, or urethra can cause blood to appear in the urine.
Kidney Stones: These hard deposits that form in the kidneys can irritate the urinary tract and lead to haematuria.
Bladder or Kidney Cancer: Although rare, haematuria can be a sign of cancer in the bladder or kidneys.
Trauma or Injury: Physical injury to the urinary tract, such as from accidents or medical procedures, may result in blood in the urine.
Enlarged Prostate (BPH): In men, an enlarged prostate can cause haematuria, particularly as they age.
Medications: Certain medications, such as blood thinners, can lead to haematuria.
Genetic Conditions: Inherited disorders, like Alport syndrome(genetic disorder that damages the kidney), can cause blood in the urine.
While haematuria itself is the primary symptom, other associated symptoms may include:
Painful Urination: A burning sensation when urinating could indicate an infection.
Increased Urination Frequency: An urgent need to urinate more often than usual, especially at night, might be linked to prostate issues or infections.
Pain or Discomfort: Pain in the lower back, abdomen, or pelvic area may accompany haematuria, particularly in cases of kidney stones or infection.
Fever: A fever, along with haematuria, can suggest a urinary tract infection or kidney infection.
If haematuria is left untreated, it can potentially lead to:
Chronic Kidney Disease: In cases where the haematuria is caused by kidney disease, it can lead to long-term kidney damage.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Untreated infections that cause haematuria may spread to the kidneys and cause severe complications.
Anemia: Continuous blood loss can result in anemia, characterized by fatigue, weakness, and dizziness due to a lack of red blood cells.
Diagnosing haematuria involves a detailed assessment that includes:
Medical History: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, lifestyle, and any previous conditions that may contribute to haematuria.
Physical Examination: This may include palpation of the abdomen and examination of the prostate in men to detect any abnormalities.
Urine Tests: Urinalysis is conducted to check for blood, infection, or abnormal substances.
Imaging Studies: Tests such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI may be used to identify kidney stones, tumors, or other causes.
Cystoscopy: A procedure where a thin tube with a camera is inserted into the bladder to examine the urinary tract for abnormalities like tumors, infections, or stones.
Treatment for haematuria depends entirely on its underlying cause:
Antibiotics: If haematuria is due to an infection, antibiotics will be prescribed to clear the infection and prevent it from recurring.
Medications for Kidney Stones: Pain relievers and medications that help break down kidney stones may be used, along with lifestyle changes to prevent further stones.
Surgical Intervention: In cases of bladder or kidney cancer, surgery may be required to remove the tumors.
Management of Prostate Enlargement: Medications or, in some cases, surgery may be recommended for men with an enlarged prostate (BPH) causing haematuria.
Lifestyle Changes: Staying hydrated, reducing salt intake, and avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol can help in managing some causes of haematuria.
While haematuria may not always be preventable, certain lifestyle practices can reduce the risk:
Hydrate Well: Drinking plenty of fluids helps flush out toxins and prevent urinary tract infections.
Treat Infections Promptly: Timely treatment of UTIs and other infections helps prevent them from progressing to more serious conditions.
Avoid Bladder Irritants: Avoid substances like caffeine, alcohol, or spicy foods that may irritate the bladder.
Regular Check-ups: Periodic medical check-ups can help catch conditions like kidney stones or prostate problems early, preventing complications.
At Sunmed Hospital, we provide expert care tailored to your needs. Our urologists are experienced in diagnosing and treating haematuria with a patient-focused approach. From advanced diagnostic tools like cystoscopy and CT scans to a range of treatment options, we ensure a holistic and effective care plan for every patient. Our modern facilities and compassionate staff are committed to delivering the best possible outcomes, ensuring you receive the care you deserve.
Haematuria can be caused by a variety of conditions, including urinary tract infections, kidney stones, bladder cancer, prostate enlargement, or trauma.
Not always. While it can be linked to minor issues like UTIs, haematuria can also indicate more serious conditions such as kidney or bladder cancer.
Haematuria can be detected through a urinalysis, and in some cases, further tests like imaging studies or cystoscopy are needed to pinpoint the cause.
In some cases, especially if caused by minor issues like infection, haematuria may resolve with treatment. However, it’s important to consult a doctor to identify the cause.
Treatment depends on the cause; antibiotics for infections, medications or surgery for kidney stones, and possible surgery for cancer.
While haematuria can be a symptom of bladder or kidney cancer, most cases are due to less serious conditions, such as infections or stones.
Maintaining hydration, treating infections promptly, and avoiding bladder irritants are effective ways to reduce the risk of haematuria.
Seek medical help immediately if you experience severe pain, fever, or if haematuria is accompanied by back or abdominal pain, as this could indicate a more serious condition.
Yes, intense physical activity, like long-distance running, can sometimes cause temporary haematuria due to trauma to the urinary tract.
Recovery time varies depending on the underlying cause. For infections, recovery may take days, while more serious conditions like cancer may require longer treatment and recovery periods.
While BPH is a chronic condition, treatments can effectively manage symptoms. Surgery can offer long-term relief, but symptoms may return over time in some cases.
