Hematuria is a symptom associated with a number of both common and uncommon conditions of the urinary system. The medical term “hematuria” is used whenever an individual has blood in their urine. This symptom may present itself visually, or it can also exist in microscopic quantities that may only be identified during laboratory testing.
At Florida Urology Partners, our experienced urologist, Dr. Bukkapatnam, specializes in diagnosing and treating hematuria. He is dedicated to identifying the underlying causes of your condition and creating a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific symptoms. You can contact us today at (813) 258-9565 or conveniently request an appointment online.
What are the Causes of Hematuria?
Although it is possible for hematuria to be a result of a serious medical condition such as kidney or bladder cancer, most often, blood in the urine is brought about by one of the following minor causes and conditions:
- Urinary tract infection
- Medication side effects
- Menstruation
- Infection of the prostate
- Kidney stones
- Bladder stones
- Enlarged prostate (BPH)
- Kidney infection
- Glomerulonephritis
- Intense exercise
- Trauma to the kidney
What is the Diagnosis and Treatment from Florida Urology Partners?
Individuals who notice the appearance of blood in their urine should be evaluated by a physician as soon as possible. Even though the cause of your hematuria is unlikely to be a serious threat to your health, it is still a symptom that should be corrected immediately.
If the blood is undetectable to the eye, then a urine sample will need to be collected and tested to determine if there is in fact blood in the person’s urine. This test is very simple and can often be performed within Dr. Bukkapatnam’s office in a matter of minutes.
Common Outcomes from Testing
The patient’s urine sample will be checked for the presence of more than just blood. This standard test also looks for the presence of protein within the urine, as this can provide additional insight that can lead Dr. Bukkapatnam to a definitive diagnosis.
If protein is found within the individual’s urine, then there is an increased likelihood for their hematuria to be caused by kidney disease. This is due to the fact that properly functioning kidneys will filter out any proteins from the urine before it is expelled from the body.
Those who do not have protein in their urine can still be suffering from a complication of the kidneys but will need further testing to diagnose the cause of their hematuria.
It is also possible for blood to appear within a person’s urine and never be linked to an exact cause. Dr. Bukkapatnam will continue to routinely test a patient’s urine in this case, though if all results return to normal and no other symptoms are experienced, it is likely that the unidentified issue has resolved on its own.
What are the Treatment Options for Hematuria?
Those who continue to experience blood in their urine will typically complete additional tests and blood work until a source of their symptoms is found. From here it will be necessary to treat the original cause of the individual’s hematuria in order to effectively treat its associated symptoms as well.
Schedule a Hematuria Appointment in Tampa, FL Today
If you or a loved one is experiencing hematuria and seeking expert care, don’t hesitate to reach out to our dedicated team at Florida Urology Partners in Tampa, Florida. For inquiries about diagnostic testing and comprehensive treatment options, please contact us today at (813) 258-9565. We’re here to provide compassionate care and help you on the path to recovery. Your health is our priority.
