Hematuria

Definition

Hematuria is the presence of blood in the urine, which can be a symptom of various underlying medical conditions related to the renal system, urinary tract, or other parts of the body. It is an important indicator that requires further evaluation and management.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hematuria can be a symptom of various conditions, including kidney stones, urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and even some cancers.
2. Microscopic hematuria is often asymptomatic and may be detected incidentally during routine urinalysis or other medical tests.
3. Glomerular hematuria is typically associated with conditions that affect the filtration function of the kidneys, such as glomerulonephritis.
4. Extraglomerular hematuria can result from trauma, tumors, or inflammation in the lower urinary tract.
5. The evaluation of hematuria often involves a comprehensive medical history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests, including urine analysis, imaging studies, and possibly cystoscopy.

Review Questions

• Explain how hematuria is related to the introduction of the renal system (33.1) and the potential for renal-associated fluid volume excess (33.2).
  • Hematuria, the presence of blood in the urine, can be a symptom of various underlying conditions affecting the renal system. In the context of the introduction to the renal system (33.1), hematuria may indicate structural or functional abnormalities in the kidneys, such as glomerular damage or inflammation. Additionally, hematuria can be associated with renal-associated fluid volume excess (33.2), as conditions like glomerulonephritis or kidney stones that cause hematuria can also lead to fluid and electrolyte imbalances.
• Describe how the evaluation and management of hematuria may involve the use of urinary anti-infectives (35.1).
  • When hematuria is present, one of the potential underlying causes may be a urinary tract infection (UTI). In such cases, the evaluation and management of hematuria would involve the use of urinary anti-infectives (35.1) to treat the underlying infection. Antimicrobial agents targeting the specific pathogens responsible for the UTI may be prescribed to resolve the infection and address the hematuria. Additionally, urinary anti-infectives may be used prophylactically in some cases to prevent recurrent UTIs, which can contribute to persistent or recurrent hematuria.
• Analyze the potential implications of hematuria for a patient's overall health and the importance of prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
  • Hematuria can be a significant indicator of underlying health issues and should not be overlooked. The presence of blood in the urine may signify serious conditions, such as kidney disease, urological cancers, or other structural or functional abnormalities in the renal or urinary system. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment of the underlying cause of hematuria are crucial to prevent potential complications, preserve kidney function, and ensure the overall health and well-being of the patient. Neglecting or delaying the evaluation and management of hematuria can lead to the progression of the underlying condition, increased risk of complications, and potentially adverse outcomes for the patient.

Related terms

Glomerular Hematuria: Hematuria caused by damage or inflammation in the glomeruli, the filtration units of the kidneys.

Extraglomerular Hematuria: Hematuria originating from sources outside the glomeruli, such as the bladder, ureters, or urethra.

Microscopic Hematuria: The presence of red blood cells in the urine that can only be detected by microscopic examination, as opposed to visible to the naked eye.