Microscopic hematuria is a condition in which there occurs a small amount of blood in urine. The quantity of blood is so little, that it is invisible to the naked eye. It can only be seen through microscopic examination in the urine test. The amount of blood is negligible to alter the colour of urine. Though it is not a serious condition, but may be an indication of kidney disease, so referred to a doctor. It is not a contagious disease. It can disappear quickly after some time, but it may prolong also, due to certain major causes.

Symptoms

The significant symptom is blood in urine, which is invisible to the naked eye. Sometimes there may be swelling or high blood pressure. Symptoms arise due to the cause of hematuria and vary depending on the condition.

Causes of microscopic hematuria

Kidney allows blood cells to leak into the urine, in the case of hematuria. There may be many causes. Some of the common causes are

   Heavy exercise for prolonged time:

It causes blood in urine, but the condition becomes normal after some time. It is more common in males than females. Mainly strenuous exercise causes this problem.

   Urinary tract infection:

Infection of any part of the kidney which may be bladder or ureter.

   Certain microbial infections and sexually transmitted infections.

   Sexual activities

   Trauma:

Injury due to trauma in any part of the urinary system may cause hematuria.

   Drugs:

Certain drugs cause hematuria, such as heparin, aspirin, warfarin, penicillins, and Cytoxan.

   Stone in gall bladder or kidney:

When the stone is trapped in ureter it causes intense pain, nausea, vomiting and hematuria.

   Genetic disease such as cystic kidney disease:

   Glomerulonephritis:

Inflammation of glomeruli occurs. Maybe due to bacterial or viral infection. It can also be due to autoimmune disease.

   Enlarged prostate gland:

   Blood clots:

   Polycystic kidney disease:

   Bleeding disorders:

Certain bleeding disorders cause hematuria, which can be due to hemophilia or Willebrand’s disease.

Diagnosis

The urine test helps detects abnormalities in urine. In this test known as urinalysis, the urine is analysed in the laboratory to look for proteins, red cells or white cells to check for kidney or bladder infection. The doctor can repeat urine tests at regular intervals. The doctor may recommend women for pelvic examination and men for the prostate examination. A blood test should also be done to know for kidney disease. This checks for urinary tract infection, kidney failure or anemia, bleeding disorders, or abnormally high level of blood chemical which can lead to kidney stones.

An imaging test is also required in this condition. It may include ultrasound wherein sound waves are used to find out any abnormality in the kidney. An X-Ray of urinary tract should also be done which is called IVP or intravenous pyelogram. In this, a typical dye is injected into veins of person’s arm. This dye travels into body organs and enters kidney. Urine becomes visible on X-Ray plate. Any problem related with hematuria can be detected through this method. Cystoscopy is also performed. In this, a small tube and camera are inserted into the urinary bladder. This test is done with the help of local anaesthesia or sedation. It is only to detect any abnormality in urinary bladder and urethra. The kidney biopsy is also done. A piece of kidney tissues should be taken to be examined. If kidney disease is the cause of hematuria then the biopsy should be performed.

Expected duration

How long does hematuria lasts depend on its cause of origin. Hematuria occurring due to strenuous exercise may last from 24 to 48 hrs. Hematuria occurring due to kidney stone is cured after the removal of the stone.

Prevention

Avoid strenuous exercise. You can switch to less strenuous exercises. You can follow the lifestyle, in which your urinary tract should be kept healthy. Following perfect hygiene after urination helps to prevent urinary tract infection. Drink plenty of water. You should drink eight glasses of healthy fluids or water daily. Drinking enough water prevents kidney stones. Kidney stones cause hematuria. Its quantity should be increased during the summer season. Smoking should be avoided because it can lead to urinary tract cancer. Avoid bad drugs and alcohol. Sexually transmitted infections cause hematuria. Having sex with a person suffering from infection also causes hematuria.

Treatment

Its treatment is dependent on the causes. Antibiotics can treat microscopic hematuria.

Prognosis:

In most people, hematuria occurs due to exercise, kidney stone, medication, urinary tract infection or prostatitis has chances of full recovery. Children suffering from glomerulonephritis have higher chances to recover from hematuria compared to adults. A more severe form of glomerulonephritis can lead to kidney failure. For people suffering from bladder or kidney cancer, their treatment depends on the stage of the tumor. If diagnosed early, it can be cured.