Microscopic hematuria, blood in urine without discoloration, is often detected during routine urinalysis and may require further testing to determine the underlying cause. Treatment depends on the cause, which can range from a urinary tract infection to kidney stones. Proactive steps, such as proper hygiene and hydration, can help prevent the condition.
Urine that contains blood, known as hematuria, usually has an easily identifiable reddish or brownish tinge. In some cases, blood may have passed in the urine without the telltale discoloration, a condition known as microscopic hematuria. Often occurring in the presence of a secondary condition, treatment for microscopic hematuria is centered on remedying the underlying cause of the hemorrhage. Because individuals with microscopic hematuria are usually unaware of their condition because they remain asymptomatic, meaning they show no symptoms, the condition is often detected during the administration of a routine urinalysis.
Resulting from the introduction of red blood cells into urine as it passes through the urinary tract, this usually painless condition often requires further testing after its initial discovery. The continued presence of microscopic traces of blood in the urine during subsequent urinalysis may prompt the administration of imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and an ultrasound, to evaluate the condition of the urinary tract. Blood tests may also be done to check for markers indicative of impaired kidney function. Further tests are often needed to not only determine the cause of the bleeding but to rule out other conditions that may cause urine to pass blood.
Microscopic hematuria usually presents with a urinary tract infection (UTI), such as one affecting the bladder or kidneys, and can be diagnosed through the administration of a urinalysis. Certain conditions affecting the kidneys, such as vesicoureteral reflux, polycystic kidney disease, and kidney stones, presenting with painful urination, pronounced inflammation, or the passage of mineral deposits can also trigger urinary blood. Sometimes, this hematuria presentation can manifest as an idiopathic condition, meaning that there is no obvious reason for its occurrence.
Proactive steps can be taken to reduce the risk of developing microscopic hematuria. In most cases, a urinary tract infection can be prevented with proper personal hygiene, daily consumption of plenty of water, and timely emptying of the bladder when the need arises. Drinking enough water helps prevent the formation of kidney stones, as well as rid the body of unnecessary bacteria that can promote the development of infections. Additionally, making dietary changes, such as limiting sodium intake, may also help reduce the risk of developing hematuria.
The treatment used to remedy this type of hematuria depends entirely on the cause of the bleeding. The most common treatment employed for UTI-induced microscopic hematuria is the administration of an antibiotic and subsequent urinalysis to assess whether the individual is still passing blood. The presence of microscopic hematuria triggered by the presence of kidney stones generally does not require any treatment unless the individual passes the stones naturally, in which case surgery may be performed. Depending on the cause, impaired kidney function that presents with microscopic hematuria often requires extensive treatment to relieve inflammation and prevent complications.
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