What is haematuria?

What is blood in the urine (haematuria)? Hematuria or blood in the urine, can be either gross (visible) or microscopic (as defined by more than three to five red blood cells per high power field when viewed under magnification). Macroscopic hematuria may vary considerably in appearance from pale pink to dark red with blood clots. Despite the volume of blood in the urine are the different types of conditions that can cause the problem are the same and assessment or evaluation is required is the same. People with gross hematuria is usually present to their doctors that the main complaint. microscopic hematuria, on the other hand, are often discovered during a periodic medical examination of a primary care physician.

Causes
The causes of microscopic hematuria are similar and can cause bleeding anywhere in the urinary tract. It is not easy to distinguish the blood of kidneys, ureters (tubes that carry urine from kidneys to bladder), bladder and urethra. Any degree of blood in your urine should be fully evaluated by a doctor, even if it resolves spontaneously.

Infection of urine from the kidney or bladder, is a common cause of microscopic hematuria. Kidney stones and bladder can cause irritation and abrasion of urinary tract, which leads to a microscopic or gross hematuria. An injury affecting one of the components of the urinary tract or prostate can lead to blood in the urine. The hematuria may be associated with failure (kidney), and hematological disorders affecting the body's clotting system. Drugs that increase the risk of bleeding, as aspirin and warfarin (Coumadin) or clopidogrel (Plavix), may also lead to blood in the urine. Finally, cancer of any part of the urinary tract may present as hematuria.