Hematuria

Hematuria is the presence of blood in the urine and is one of the most important warning signs of possible kidney or urinary tract problems. It is not a disease by itself, but a signal the body gives when something within the kidneys, bladder, or urinary system is disturbed.

Blood in the urine may be visible to the naked eye or detected only under a microscope during routine testing. Regardless of how small the amount may seem, hematuria should never be ignored. Even microscopic traces can indicate underlying inflammation, structural damage, or systemic illness.

Hematuria occurs when the delicate lining of the urinary tract or the kidney’s filtering units are irritated, injured, or diseased. In simple terms, the barrier meant to keep blood cells inside the body becomes compromised.

Under the supervision of Dr Anish Kumar Saha, hematuria is approached as an early alert, often the first visible chapter in a deeper renal or urological condition. His clinical focus lies in identifying the origin of bleeding, assessing its severity, and intervening before permanent damage develops.

Through detailed evaluation including urine microscopy, imaging studies, and targeted laboratory investigations, the goal is to determine whether hematuria is temporary and harmless or a sign of an underlying condition requiring prompt treatment. Early clarity ensures protection, not progression.

Symptoms

Hematuria may exist without discomfort, especially in its early stages, which is why it is frequently discovered during routine urine examinations. When symptoms do occur, they often depend on the underlying cause.

Common Symptoms of Hematuria:

• Red, pink, or tea-coloured urine: Visible discolouration caused by blood mixing with urine
• Pain or burning during urination:Often associated with infection or inflammation
• Lower back, flank, or abdominal pain: Suggestive of kidney stones or kidney inflammation
• Frequent urge to urinate: With or without difficulty passing urine
• Fever or chills: Common when hematuria is linked to urinary tract infections
• Blood clots in urine: Seen in more significant or advanced bleeding

In many individuals, hematuria causes no pain or visible change, allowing the condition to progress silently. This makes routine urine testing especially important for early detection.

Causes

The causes of hematuria range from mild, temporary conditions to serious kidney or urinary tract disorders. Identifying the source of bleeding is critical, as treatment depends entirely on the cause.

Kidney-Related Causes:

These occur when the kidney’s filtering structures or tissues are inflamed or damaged.

• Glomerulonephritis
• IgA Nephropathy
• Lupus Nephritis
• Polycystic Kidney Disease
• Diabetic Kidney Disease
• Hypertensive Kidney Damage

In these conditions, damaged filters allow red blood cells to leak into the urine.

Urinary Tract Causes:

These affect structures beyond the kidneys.

• Urinary tract infections
• Kidney or bladder stones
• Bladder or kidney tumors
• Prostate enlargement or inflammation
• Trauma from injury or catheter use

Systemic and Temporary Causes:

• Intense physical exercise
• Fever or dehydration
• Certain medications such as painkillers or blood thinners
• Blood disorders affecting clotting

Genetic and Hereditary Conditions:

• Alport Syndrome
• Sickle Cell Disease

Each cause requires a different diagnostic pathway. Careful evaluation ensures that serious conditions are not mistaken for temporary findings.

When to See a Doctor

Medical consultation is essential if hematuria is detected, even if it appears only once. You should seek evaluation if you notice:

• Red or dark-coloured urine
• Blood detected during a routine urine test
• Pain during urination or persistent back pain
• Fever along with urinary discomfort
• Recurrent urinary infections
• Known diabetes or high blood pressure with abnormal urine reports

Routine screening is especially important for individuals with chronic conditions, family history of kidney disease, or long-term medication use.

Early evaluation helps distinguish benign causes from progressive disease, preventing long-term kidney damage.

Treatments

Treatment of hematuria depends on identifying and correcting its underlying cause. The primary objectives are to stop the bleeding, protect kidney function, and prevent recurrence.

Treating the Root Cause:

• Infections are treated with targeted antibiotics
• Stones may be managed with hydration, medication, or minimally invasive procedures
• Inflammatory kidney diseases may require steroids or immune-modulating therapy
• Tumors or structural abnormalities are referred for specialized intervention

Blood Pressure and Metabolic Control:

High blood pressure and diabetes significantly worsen kidney-related hematuria. Management may include:

• ACE inhibitors or ARBs
• Blood sugar control through medication and diet
• Regular monitoring of kidney parameters

Lifestyle and Dietary Support:

• Adequate hydration
• Reduced salt intake
• Avoidance of smoking and alcohol
• Maintaining healthy body weight
• Limiting medications harmful to kidneys

Monitoring and Follow-Up:

Ongoing care includes:

• Repeat urine testing
• Kidney function monitoring
• Imaging when bleeding persists
• Education to help patients understand reports and warning signs

Advanced Care:

Under the supervision of Dr Anish Kumar Saha, hematuria is approached as an early alert, often the first visible chapter in a deeper renal or urological condition. His clinical focus lies in identifying the origin of bleeding, assessing its severity, and intervening before permanent damage develops.

Through detailed evaluation including urine microscopy, imaging studies, and targeted laboratory investigations, the goal is to determine whether hematuria is temporary and harmless or a sign of an underlying condition requiring prompt treatment. Early clarity ensures protection, not progression.