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Hematuria services offered in throughout SE Michigan
Hematuria means you have blood in your urine. Sometimes, you can see the blood, and sometimes, you can’t. You can develop hematuria from many causes, some more serious than others. Hypertension Nephrology Associates, PC, in Livonia, Michigan, specializes in diagnosing and treating hematuria. To find out what’s causing your hematuria, call the Detroit metropolitan area office or schedule an appointment online today.
Hematuria Q & A
What is hematuria?
Hematuria is a medical term for blood in the urine. There are two types of hematuria: gross hematuria and microscopic hematuria.
Gross hematuria
When you can visibly see the blood in your urine, you have gross hematuria. Blood in urine turns urine pink, red, or brown.
Microscopic hematuria
When you can’t see the blood in your urine, but it’s detectable in a urinalysis, you have microscopic hematuria.
What causes hematuria?
Many conditions cause hematuria. Though it’s natural to feel concerned when you have blood in your urine, most causes aren’t serious health issues.
Common causes of hematuria include:
- Vigorous exercise
- Sexual activity
- Menstruation
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Kidney or bladder stones
- Kidney disease
- Trauma to the kidney
- Anti-swelling medication
- Enlarged prostate
- Prostate infection
More serious causes of hematuria include bladder cancer, kidney cancer, and cancer of the lining of the urinary tract. People with hemophilia and sickle cell disease may also have hematuria.
What tests diagnose the cause of hematuria?
Your provider at Hypertension Nephrology Associates, PC, does a thorough history and physical exam when you come in for a hematuria evaluation. After reviewing the results of your urinalysis, your provider asks about your medical history, daily routine, and lifestyle habits.
Then, they perform a physical exam. To diagnose the cause of hematuria, your provider may conduct testing such as:
Cystoscopy
A cystoscopy is a diagnostic test your provider at Hypertension Nephrology Associates, PC, performs to take a closer look at your kidneys, bladder, and ureters.
During the test, they insert a cystoscope through your ureter, which sends images of your upper urinary tract to a computer screen, allowing your provider to closely evaluate the organs.
Ultrasound or CT scan
Your provider may perform an ultrasound or CT scan to get images of your upper urinary tract.
What are the treatments for hematuria?
Treatment for hematuria depends on the cause. If the cause isn’t serious, you may not need any treatment at all.
Your provider at Hypertension Nephrology Associates, PC, customizes your plan, addressing the root cause of the blood in your urine.
Though not always the sign of a serious health issue, you shouldn’t ignore blood in your urine. To schedule a hematuria evaluation, call Hypertension Nephrology Associates, PC, or schedule an appointment online today.