Microhematuria is the presence of red blood cells in urine that can be caused by various factors, including infections, kidney stones, injuries, and cancer. It is usually detected through lab tests and treated by addressing the underlying condition.
Microhematuria is a medical condition in which red blood cells are present in a person’s urine, although they cannot be detected without a microscope. It can be caused by a number of factors, including bladder and kidney stones, urinary tract infections, kidney injury, hereditary diseases, or cancer. Most people don’t experience any symptoms or notice blood in their urine, and their condition isn’t discovered until clinical laboratory scientists find red blood cells in urine samples. There is no direct treatment for microhematuria; instead, doctors focus on treating the underlying conditions in order to provide relief and prevent potentially life-threatening situations.
Red blood cells can get into your urine for a variety of different reasons. Bacteria that cause a urinary tract or kidney infection can cause blood to leak in the urine and present with symptoms such as frequent urges to urinate, burning sensations, fatigue, and fever. Hardened kidney or bladder stones that cause blockages and severe pain often result in microscopic or visible blood in the urine. Other causes include injuries, chronic illnesses, and genetic disorders such as sickle cell disease. In some cases, microhematuria can be a symptom of prostate, bladder, or kidney cancer.
When painful, burning sensations, or other urination problems occur, doctors usually collect urine samples and order lab tests to check for blood cells. A clinical laboratory scientist carefully inspects samples under a microscope, counts blood cells and reports the results to doctors. After obtaining the results of a lab test, a doctor usually conducts a thorough physical exam, asks the patient about their medical and family history, and does ultrasound or computed tomography scans to closely investigate potential causes. Depending on the cause of microhematuria, a doctor usually has several options for providing treatment.
A doctor might prescribe antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs to treat infections and kidney disease or conduct an invasive procedure known as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy to break up stubborn kidney stones. Patients with kidney failure may need to undergo dialysis to cleanse and replenish blood, fluids and minerals in their bodies. An individual who has been diagnosed with cancer is usually instructed to take medication, receive chemotherapy or radiation treatments, or undergo surgery to eradicate the cancerous tissue. When doctors are able to detect microhematuria early in the course of a disease or other condition, the patient is likely to make a successful recovery.
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