Blood In Urine in Chattanooga
What is Hematuria?
Blood in the urine is a common urologic condition. Hematuria means red blood cells are found in the urine during a routine urinalysis as part of a checkup (microscopic hematuria). Gross hematuria is blood you can see in your urine. Either way, blood in the urine usually is a symptom of a problem in the urinary tract.
Often there are no other symptoms. But blood in the urine must be evaluated to rule out underlying conditions, even if the bleeding has stopped, and especially if you are over the age of 35 or have a risk factor for urologic cancers like tobacco use or obesity. Your primary care or treating physician will refer you to UT Urology, or you can make an appointment yourself for a full evaluation.
Other Symptoms Associates with Blood in Urine
This may include abdominal pain, fever and chills and urinary symptoms suggesting infection, flank pain suggesting kidney stones, or burning on urination suggesting infection.
What Can Cause Blood in Urine?
Various conditions can cause blood in the urine, including:
- urinary tract infection (UTI)
- bladder infection (cystitis)
- inflammation of the urethra due to sexually transmitted diseases
- kidney or bladder stones
- blood clotting disorders like hemophilia or sickle cell disease
- obstruction, blockage or injury to the kidneys or ureters
- kidney disease, and cancer
Other common causes include:
- Enlarged prostate– Benign Hyperplastic Prostate (BPH) BPH is the most common cause of hematuria in men over age 50
- Prostate infection (prostatitis)
- Tumors in the bladder, kidney or prostate
- Vigorous exercise and trauma
- Kidney disease associated with diabetes can cause hematuria. Viral infections, strep infections, blood vessel diseases and immune problems that affect the kidneys can also be a cause
- Inherited disorders and some medications like anticoagulants can cause blood in the urine. In women, menstruation may be the cause
Risk Factors for Hematuria
Factors that increase the risk of hematuria include:
- a history of smoking tobacco
- occupational exposure to chemicals or dyes
- a history of voiding symptoms
- men over the age of 50 who are at risk for an enlarged prostate
- women who have urinary tract infections
- a recent infection
- a family history of kidney disease or kidney stones, and
- the use of aspirin or NSAIDS and antibiotics can increase the risk of urinary bleeding
How Is Hematuria Diagnosed?
Your urologist will conduct a clinical evaluation, take your medical history, perform a physical examination to detect abdominal masses and tenderness, order lab tests, check your blood pressure and test a urine sample (urinalysis), and perform a urine culture to reveal any infection in the urinary tract. Men will also receive a digital rectal exam to detect any abnormalities in the prostate. Women may receive a vaginal examination.
Diagnostic Testing for Hematuria
Your urologist can employ various tests to determine the cause, including a CT scan, urine cytology and/or cystoscopy. Examination of the prostate may also provide information on the cause. A prostate PSA blood test may be indicated to screen for prostate cancer. This is especially important for men over age 50. If you have hypertension this may indicate a problem with your kidneys. Your urologist will monitor your blood pressure and may recommend referral to a Nephrologist.
In many cases, the cause is not found. But studies show that some of these cases go on to develop into serious conditions. In that case, your urologist will recommend follow-up with repeat urinalysis, microscopic examination of the urine, and blood tests to check kidney function.
Treatment of Hematuria
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the problem. Treatment options for a diagnosis of kidney stones, BPH, and prostate cancer are discussed in separate articles in our collection.
Why Choose UT Urology
UT Urology is a regional leader in urology, providing care to the people of Chattanooga, Tennessee and Alabama. We offer state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and cutting edge solutions for all urological problems in children and adults. We have multiple fellowship-trained and general urologists who can manage any and all of your urologic issues with care, compassion and excellence.
Contact us Today
If you are suffering from hematuria, or blood in your urine, in Chattanooga, and East Ridge, TN, call our office today.
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