Hematuria

Definition

Hematuria is the presence of blood in the urine. It can be a sign of underlying renal issues or other medical conditions affecting the urinary tract.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hematuria can be classified as gross (visible to the eye) or microscopic (only visible under a microscope).
2. Common causes include urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and trauma to the urinary system.
3. Nutritional factors such as excessive intake of certain foods or supplements, like beets or vitamin C, can sometimes cause false positive results for hematuria.
4. Persistent hematuria warrants further investigation to rule out serious conditions like kidney disease or bladder cancer.
5. Dietary modifications, including reducing salt and protein intake, can help manage conditions that cause hematuria.

Review Questions

• What are the two types of hematuria?
• Which common dietary factors might falsely indicate hematuria?
• Why is persistent hematuria a concern that requires further medical evaluation?

Related terms

Proteinuria:

Presence of excess proteins in the urine, often indicative of kidney disease.

Glomerulonephritis:

Inflammation of the tiny filters in your kidneys (glomeruli) which can cause hematuria.

Urolithiasis: Formation of stones in the urinary system which may lead to hematuria.