| Hematuria is the presence of red blood cells
(RBCs) in the urine. In microscopic hematuria, the urine appears normal to
the naked eye, but examination under a microscope shows a high number of
RBCs. Gross hematuria can be seen with the naked eye--the urine is red or
the color of cola.
Several conditions can cause hematuria. Most of the causes are not
serious. For example, exercise may cause hematuria that goes away in 24
hours. Many people have hematuria without any other related problems.
Often no specific cause can be found. But because hematuria may be the
result of a tumor or other serious problem, a doctor should be consulted.
In order to find the cause of hematuria, or to rule out certain causes,
the doctor may order a series of tests, including urinalysis, blood tests,
intravenous pyelogram, and cystoscopic examination.
Urinalysis is the examination of urine for various cells and chemicals.
In addition to finding RBCs, the doctor may find white blood cells that
signal a urinary tract infection or casts (groups of cells molded together
in the shape of the kidneys' tiny filtering tubes) that signal kidney
disease. Excessive protein in the urine also signals poor kidney function.
Blood tests may reveal kidney disease if the blood contains high levels
of wastes that the kidneys are supposed to remove.
An intravenous pyelogram (IVP) is an x ray of the urinary tract. An IVP
may reveal a tumor, a kidney or bladder stone, an enlarged prostate, or
other blockage to the normal flow of urine.
A cystoscope can be used to take pictures of the inside of the bladder.
It has a tiny camera at the end of a thin tube, which is inserted through
the urethra. A cystoscope may provide a better view of a tumor or bladder
stone than can be seen in an IVP.
Treatment for hematuria depends on the cause. If no serious condition
is causing the hematuria, no treatment is necessary.
For more information, contact the following organizations:
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