HEMATURIA |
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General Information
DEFINITION--Blood in the urine. This may or may not be visible with the naked eye. It is a common occurrence in people who exercise strenuously. Hematuria following vigorous physical exercise does not necessarily represent any disease of the kidney or other parts of the urinary tract.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Bloody urine with many red blood cells present (gross hematuria).
"Smoky" colored urine. Red blood cells are visible in large quantities when urine is examined under the microscope (microscopic hematuria). Clear urine may also contain some red blood cells that are visible under the microscope.
ADDITIONAL SYMPTOMS IN ATHLETES THAT INDICATE THE NEED FOR LABORATORY STUDIES OF THE KIDNEYS:
Discomfort, frequency or urgency in urinating (may represent infection).
Colicky pain in either flank (area on the side of the abdomen under the last rib).
Hematuria lasting longer than 48 hours after exercise.
Decreased urine output for 12 hours after prolonged, strenuous exercise.
CAUSES & RISK FACTORS
Prolonged exercise, such as a running a marathon, with no underlying disease (benign hematuria).
Kidney disease.
Kidney, ureter, bladder or urethral injury.
Stone in the ureter, kidney or bladder.
Infection.
Tumor of the urinary tract.
HOW TO PREVENT
Obtain treatment for any illness of the kidney or urinary tract.
Don't get dehydrated. Drink lots of water--a minimum of 8 glasses per day--and much more during hot weather and prolonged exercise.
Include urine studies in your routine checkups every 2 to 3 months during periods of vigorous activity.
WHAT TO EXPECT
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
Laboratory studies such as: urinalysis; urine culture; blood studies; intravenous pyelogram (special kidney X-rays); cystoscopy; angiography; or sonogram (See Glossary for these).
SURGERYNecessary only if the underlying disorder requires surgery.
NORMAL COURSE OF ILLNESSIf there is no underlying disease of the urinary tract, benign hematuria usually clears spontaneously within 24 to 48 hours.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONSAnemia due to blood loss.
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
MEDICAL TREATMENTDoctor's treatment for diagnosis and treatment if an underlying urinary-tract disorder is present.
HOME TREATMENTDrink extra water, particularly during hot weather and prolonged, strenuous exercise.
MEDICATIONMedicine usually is not necessary unless blood in the urine is caused by illness. If so, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics for infection or medicine appropriate for other forms of kidney disease.
ACTIVITYNo restrictions.
DIETNo special diet.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
You have signs or symptoms of hematuria.
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