Understanding Haematuria

There are two primary types of haematuria based on visibility:

• Gross (Macroscopic) Haematuria: The blood is visible to the naked eye, turning the urine pink, red, or cola-colored.
• Microscopic Haematuria: The blood is not visible to the naked eye and can only be detected under a microscope during a routine urine test.

Haematuria can originate from the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. Common causes include:

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Infections in the bladder or urethra.
• Kidney or Bladder Stones: Hard mineral deposits that can cause irritation and bleeding.
• Enlarged Prostate (BPH): Common in older men, causing urinary symptoms and microscopic bleeding.
• Kidney Infections (Pyelonephritis): Bacteria entering your kidneys from the bloodstream or ureters.
• Urological Cancers: Tumors in the bladder, kidney, or prostate can cause visible blood in the urine.

While haematuria can be painless, depending on the cause, it may be accompanied by:

• Frequent or painful urination (often related to infections).
• Sharp pain in the lower back or side (common with kidney stones).
• Difficulty urinating or an interrupted urine stream (common with enlarged prostate).
• Passing of blood clots in the urine.

To find the exact cause, a thorough urological evaluation is required. This may involve:

• Urine Tests (Urinalysis): To check for infections, crystals, or abnormal cells.
• Imaging Tests: Ultrasound or CT scans to visualize the kidneys, ureters, and bladder.
• Cystoscopy: A procedure where a tiny camera is used to directly examine the inside of the bladder and urethra for tumors or stones.

Treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause. It may range from simple antibiotics for a urinary tract infection to minimally invasive or robotic surgeries for kidney stones, enlarged prostate, or urological cancers.