Hematuria Child
Overview
Definition
Hematuria means blood in the urine. Normally, urine does not contain any blood. There are 2 kinds of hematuria:
- Microscopic hematuria—Urine contains a very small amount of blood. It cannot be seen with the naked eye.
- Gross hematuria—Urine appears red or tea-colored.
The Urinary Tract |
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Causes
Hematuria can be caused by many conditions, such as:
- Vigorous exercise
- Injury to the abdomen, pelvis, or internal organs of the urinary tract
- Conditions that affect the urinary tract, such as infection, vesicoureteral reflux , blockage or abnormalities, or tumors
- Cancer of the kidney or bladder
- Kidney disease
- Kidney stones
- Bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia
- Certain congenital diseases, such as polycystic kidneys
- Certain medications
Sometimes the exact cause is not found.
SymptomsandDiagnosis
Symptoms
In some cases, there may be other symptoms with hematuria. These other symptoms will depend on the underlying condition that is causing the hematuria. For example, if a urinary tract infection is the cause, your child may have to urinate often. There may also be a burning feeling during urination.
Call your child's doctor if you see blood in the urine.
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your child’s symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.
Tests to look for infections and signs of kidney trouble may include:
- Urine tests—to confirm the presence of blood and look for protein, bacteria, or cancer cells in the urine
- Blood tests—to check how well the kidneys are functioning and to look for conditions that cause hematuria
Your child's doctor may also need to look at the kidneys and urinary tract. Imaging tests may include:
- X-ray
- Ultrasound
- CT scan
- MRI scan
Other tests that may be done include:
- Cystoscopy —to look at the lining of the bladder
- Kidney biopsy (done in rare cases)—to remove a small sample of kidney tissue for testing
Treatments
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
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a (Blood in the Urine—Child)
RESOURCES
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians http://www.familydoctor.org
National Kidney Foundation http://www.kidney.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES
BC Health Guide http://www.healthlinkbc.ca
The Kidney Foundation of Canada http://www.kidney.ca
References
Hematuria. Boston Children's Hospital website. Available at: http://www.childrenshospital.org/az/Site1000/mainpageS1000P0.html. Accessed March 20, 2018.
Hematuria: Blood in the urine. National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse website. Available at: http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/hematuria. Updated July 2016. Accessed March 20, 2018.
Hematuria in children. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T576483/Hematuria-in-children . Updated June 16, 2017. Accessed March 20, 2018.
Urination problems. Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/health-tools/search-by-symptom/urination-problems.html. Accessed March 20, 2018.