Hematuria

Hematuria refers to the presence of red blood cells in the urine. This is actually a sign that there is a kidney stone or a tumor in the urinary tract (kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, prostate, and urethra), ranging from trivial to lethal.

Signs and Symptoms

Common symptoms of hematuria are:

Blood in urine
Fever
Frequent urination
Urinary urgency

Causes

The most common causes include:

Kidney disease
Trauma
Urinary tract blockages
Certain medications
Kidney stones and bladder stones
Benign prostatic hyperplasia

Treatment

Treatment ranges from antibiotic therapy to surgery, depending on the underlying cause.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) – Avoid unsuitable foods/beverages/over the counter medications. Single or a combination of two drugs is typically used. If ineffective, endoscopic surgery may be carried out.

Kidney and bladder stones - Procedures to break /remove the stones may be necessary.
Kidney disease - Treated as necessary. Dialysis if there is kidney failure.
Medications that induce hematuria (such as aspirin, clopilet, quinine may need to be discontinued).
Trauma-induced hematuria - Treated according to the problem ranging from rest to surgery
Urinary tract blockages - Removal of the blockage
Infection induced hematuria - Medications
Cancer caused hematuria - Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery