Hematuria

Definition

Hematuria is the presence of blood in urine, which can indicate underlying infections or other medical conditions. It can be visible (gross hematuria) or detected only by microscopic examination (microscopic hematuria).

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hematuria can be a symptom of bacterial infections like urinary tract infections (UTIs) and kidney infections.
2. Escherichia coli is one of the most common bacteria responsible for UTIs that can cause hematuria.
3. Hematuria is diagnosed through urinalysis and sometimes confirmed with urine culture to identify the causative agent.
4. Conditions such as pyelonephritis and cystitis are often associated with hematuria in bacterial infections.
5. Treatment for hematuria caused by bacterial infection typically involves antibiotics to eradicate the infection.

Review Questions

• What are the common bacterial causes of hematuria?
• How is hematuria diagnosed in a clinical setting?
• What are some urogenital conditions associated with hematuria?

Related terms

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI):

An infection in any part of the urinary system, commonly caused by bacteria.

Pyelonephritis:

A type of urinary tract infection that affects the kidneys, often leading to symptoms including fever and flank pain.

Cystitis:

Inflammation of the bladder, commonly due to bacterial infection, resulting in painful urination and possibly hematuria.