About this disease
What it concerns
The causes of hematuria range from harmless incidental findings to nephrologic causes to malignancies such as urogenital carcinoma.
Types
A distinction is made between macrohematuria, in which the blood is already visible to the naked eye as a red coloration of the urine, and microhematuria, which can only be detected by microscopic examination. Microhematuria without a detectable cause is relatively common. In most cases, it is a temporary and harmless phenomenon, especially in young people. In people over 50, on the other hand, even transient microhematuria may indicate cancer.
Symptoms and consequences
In macrohematuria, the urine is red or brown in color. In women of childbearing age, for example, mixing the urine with menstrual blood can simulate hematuria. In microhematuria, the blood is only visible on microscopic examination of the urine sediment or by urine test strips.
How can we help you
Examination and diagnosis
The investigation into a hematuria initially includes a history with questions about smoking, menstruation, endometriosis, etc., a clinical examination, and a urinalysis. Further investigations may include cystoscopy, computed tomography of the kidneys and intravenous pyelography.
Treatment
The procedure depends on the findings and may require further clarification.