BLOOD IN THE URINE
Hematuria
The presence of blood in the urine, either visible or detected only on testing, with many possible causes including infections, stones, kidney disease and rarely cancer. Needs careful workup.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is Hematuria
Haematuria refers to the presence of blood in the urine. It can be visible to the naked eye (gross or macroscopic haematuria), making the urine appear red, pink or brown, or detected only on urine testing (microscopic haematuria). Causes are broad and include urinary tract infections, kidney stones, glomerular diseases such as IgA nephropathy, prostate disease in men, certain medications (including blood thinners), strenuous exercise, and, importantly, urinary tract tumours — particularly bladder and kidney cancer in older patients and smokers. Some patients also have benign causes such as benign familial haematuria. Associated features may include pain, urinary symptoms, fever, weight loss or other clues to the cause. Diagnosis involves a detailed history, examination, urine tests, blood tests, imaging (ultrasound or CT) and, in selected cases, cystoscopy. Treatment depends on the identified cause. Unexplained haematuria, especially in older patients or smokers, needs urgent and careful workup. Dr. Patnam Pravallika Reddy provides comprehensive evaluation of haematuria at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Urinary tract infections
- Kidney stones
- Glomerular diseases such as IgA nephropathy
- Prostate enlargement or inflammation in men
- Bladder and kidney cancer
- Certain medications including blood thinners
- Strenuous exercise and trauma
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Urine tests, blood tests, ultrasound or CT imaging and cystoscopy in selected cases
Visible (macroscopic) · Microscopic
Older age, smoking history, persistent haematuria or associated symptoms
Cause-specific therapy
Often needed — urology and nephrology depending on the cause
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Structured Workup with Cause-Specific Therapy
The most effective approach is a structured workup including urine and blood tests, imaging and, where indicated, cystoscopy to identify the underlying cause, followed by cause-specific therapy. Unexplained haematuria in older patients or smokers needs urgent evaluation.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Dr. Pravallika reviews symptoms, smoking and medical history, examines the patient and arranges urine tests, blood tests and imaging.
- 2
Treatment Planning
A personalised plan is created based on the identified or likely cause, with specialist referral when needed.
- 3
Medical Management
Cause-specific therapy — antibiotic therapy for infections, stone management, kidney-protective therapy for glomerular causes, and so on.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Follow-up review to confirm resolution and arrange further investigations or specialist referral for persistent or unexplained haematuria.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Identifying the Underlying Cause
A careful workup determines whether the cause is infection, stone, glomerular disease, prostate disease, tumour or another condition.
Cause-Specific Therapy
Treatment is directed at the underlying cause — antibiotic therapy for urinary infections, stone management, prostate treatment, kidney-protective therapy and so on.
Urology Evaluation for Unexplained Hematuria (Referral for urology)
Persistent or unexplained haematuria, particularly in older patients or smokers, needs urology evaluation including cystoscopy and imaging.
Nephrology Evaluation for Glomerular Causes (Referral for nephrology)
Patients with features suggesting glomerular disease — protein loss, abnormal blood pressure, kidney function changes — need nephrology evaluation.
Long-Term Follow-up When Indicated
Patients with persistent microscopic haematuria need periodic follow-up to detect any new findings or progression.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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