Blood in Urine (Haematuria): Causes and Evaluation in Sangareddy
Expert Urology (Urinary & Male Health Care) care at KBR Life Care Hospitals, Sangareddy
Blood in Urine (Haematuria): Causes and Evaluation in Sangareddy
Finding blood in your urine, whether the urine is visibly red or pink (gross haematuria) or blood is only found on a dipstick test (microscopic haematuria), should always prompt a medical evaluation. In the majority of cases, the cause is benign: a urinary tract infection, a kidney stone, or strenuous exercise. But in a meaningful proportion of cases, haematuria is the first detectable sign of a serious condition such as a bladder tumour, kidney tumour, or prostate cancer.
The important principle is this: haematuria, especially painless haematuria in a person over 40, should never be dismissed. The absence of pain does not make it less significant. Bladder cancer, one of the most important causes to exclude, classically presents as painless visible haematuria that may come and go.
At KBR Life Care Hospitals, Sangareddy, haematuria is investigated systematically. We identify whether the source is the kidney, ureter, bladder, prostate, or urethra, and ensure that causes requiring urgent management are identified and acted upon promptly.
Types & Causes
Urinary Tract Infection
The most common cause of haematuria in women; accompanied by dysuria, frequency, and urgency
Kidney Stones
Blood in the urine from stone irritation or mucosal damage; often associated with flank pain
Bladder Cancer
Classically causes painless, intermittent visible haematuria; must be excluded in all patients over 40 with unexplained haematuria
Kidney (Renal) Cancer
May present as haematuria with or without a flank mass; CT urogram is key to diagnosis
Prostate Conditions
Benign prostatic enlargement, prostatitis, or prostate cancer can all cause blood in the urine in men
Glomerulonephritis
Inflammation of the kidney filtering units; produces microscopic haematuria with protein and sometimes impaired kidney function
Symptoms to Watch For
Urine that is pink, red, orange, or cola-brown in colour
Microscopic blood found incidentally on a urine dipstick during a routine check
Blood in the urine with flank or back pain (suggests kidney stone or kidney pathology)
Blood in the urine with burning and urinary frequency (suggests infection)
Painless haematuria without other urinary symptoms (a red flag requiring urgent investigation)
Blood in urine alongside reduced kidney function or ankle swelling (suggests kidney disease)
When to See a Doctor
- Any visible blood in the urine, regardless of whether pain is present, arrange same-week evaluation
- Microscopic haematuria found on two or more urine tests in the absence of infection
- Haematuria in anyone over 40, even if apparently linked to an infection, warrants follow-up to ensure clearance
- Haematuria with unexplained weight loss or fatigue
- Blood in urine in a known smoker (high-risk group for bladder cancer)
- Haematuria in a patient with a family history of kidney cancer or haematuria disorders
How We Diagnose
- Urine microscopy and culture to exclude infection as the primary cause
- Urine cytology for malignant cells in high-risk patients (smokers, persistent haematuria)
- Ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder as the initial imaging step
- CT urogram: comprehensive evaluation of the entire urinary tract; can detect kidney tumours, urothelial tumours, and stones
- Cystoscopy: direct visualisation inside the bladder using a telescope; mandatory for all adults over 40 with unexplained haematuria
- Blood tests: renal function, PSA in men, and urine protein-creatinine ratio if kidney disease is suspected
Our Treatment Approach
- UTI-related haematuria: antibiotic treatment with confirmatory urine retest after 6 weeks to ensure haematuria has cleared
- Kidney stone management: as per stone size and location
- Bladder cancer: transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) for diagnosis and initial treatment, with ongoing surveillance cystoscopy
- Kidney cancer: surgical resection (partial or radical nephrectomy) guided by tumour size and staging
- Glomerulonephritis: nephrology referral for appropriate immunosuppressive or blood pressure management
- Benign causes: reassurance, follow-up urine testing, and patient education about when to re-present
Why Choose KBR Life Care Hospitals?
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about this specialty
Ready to Consult Our Urology (Urinary & Male Health Care) Experts?
Take the first step towards better health. Our experienced team at KBR Life Care Hospitals, Sangareddy is here to provide you with the best care possible.