April 15th, 2014
Hematuria is the condition when blood is found in the urine. Even if the blood is not easily detected, a test can find traces of it. The blood can come from multiple sources in the urinary tract including the kidneys, bladder, urethra or the ureters.
The causes of blood in the urine can be attributed to the following:
When kidney disease is the cause of hematuria is the cause, the filters within the kidneys (or glomeruli) are compromised and not able not able to properly filter the blood. The results then is a leakage of blood cells through and into the urine.The diagnosis of a renal problem causing the blood appearance in urine can then further be determined by specifying other components in the urine.
The doctor will conduct a physical exam as well as a urine test to check for red blood cells. In order to properly diagnose a renal cause of hematuria and whether the kidneys need medication, an x-ray, CT scan, MRI or an ultrasound is used to view them for abnormalities. Blood tests can also be used to test for signs of kidney-affecting diseases, as well as testing for normal function.
The two blood tests used to measure the functioning of the kidneys includes levels for Creatinine and BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen). In addition, a biopsy may be taken and observed under a microscope. A cystoscopy may also be used to examine the bladder and urethra with an endoscopic camera.
While this condition of hematuria doesn’t have a treatment plan, doctors will use the following treatments to address the root cause: