Nephrology Specialist Prof. Dr. Saime Paydaş pointed out that although there is usually no dangerous reason, blood in the urine is a harbinger of some diseases and advised to consult a specialist immediately.
Acıbadem Adana Hospital Nephrology Specialist Prof. Dr. Saime Paydaş said that blood in the urine, “hematuria”, can be a harbinger of many diseases ranging from urinary tract infections to kidney diseases. She stated that if blood can be seen visually during urination, it is called macroscopic hematuria; if it can only be observed in the laboratory environment, it is called microscopic hematuria.
Stating that infections, kidney diseases, stones, cysts, tumors, trauma, radiation and some medications can cause blood in the urine. Paydaş said, “Hematuria can be seen in kidney renal pelvis, ureters, bladder, prostate and urethra diseases in men. Also in the kidneys; hematuria can be seen in glomerulonephritis, vasculitis, genetically inherited diseases (polycystic kidney disease, Alport syndrome, thin membrane disease, etc.) thromboembolisms.”
Pointing out that the duration and age of onset of hematuria are important in making a diagnosis, Prof. Dr. Paydaş said, “Hematuria due to glomerular diseases can be seen at any age. Polycystic kidney disease is more common from the 20s and cancers are more common after the age of 40. Stones are more common after the age of 30, urinary system infections and trauma at any age, exercise-induced hematuria is more common in 20-50 years. Endometriosis may be the cause of hematuria in women between the ages of 20 and 50.”
“A simple cystitis can cause hematuria as well as a tumor”
Explaining that sometimes the cause of hematuria cannot be found despite all examinations and evaluations, Prof. Dr. Paydaş emphasized that hematuria in young patients is temporary, but in patients older than 35 years of age, even if hematuria is temporary, the possibility of malignant tumor should be considered.
Stating that conditions such as trauma, anticoagulant therapy, kidney stones, infections, tumors and cystic diseases of the kidney will increase the tendency of hematuria, Paydaş said that although there is sometimes a simple cause such as cystitis, it is necessary to consult a doctor immediately as it may be an important disease finding.
“If the patient also complains of pain, imaging is performed”
Speaking about the tests to be performed on the patient, Prof. Dr. Paydaş said, “A complete urinalysis is performed. Radiologic examination is appropriate. In addition, it is informative to look at values such as complete blood count, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, electrolytes, infection. If there is pain accompanying hematuria, an imaging such as non-contrast computed tomography or ultrasonography is performed.”
Prof. Dr. Paydaş stated that if there is a urinary tract infection, the patient will be treated by taking culture; 6 weeks later, it should be checked whether the problem persists, and if there is no infection, tomographic examination and cystoscopy methods applied by inserting a narrow tube into the bladder will be required after evaluation by a urologist. He added that if necessary, a specialist in the field of nephrology, that is, kidney health, should be consulted.
“The treatment method depends on the cause of the disease”
Pointing out that the treatment of hematuria varies according to the underlying cause, Prof. Dr. Paydaş said, “Antibiotic treatment is applied to clear the infection. If the bleeding is due to prostate enlargement, medication or surgery may be recommended depending on the cause. If the bleeding is caused by stones, the stones in the kidney and bladder can be broken with sound waves. If cancer is in question, a treatment process is determined under the control of a urologist,” he said.
Paydaş warned that in order to prevent hematuria, it is necessary to avoid excessive exercise and trauma, drink plenty of water against kidney stones and infection, avoid excessively salty foods and not smoke.
