Hematuria refers to the presence of blood in the urine, which can appear as red, pink, or brown discoloration, or may be detected only on laboratory testing. The treatment of hematuria is not the same for every patient because the cause can vary widely—from simple conditions like a urinary infection to more serious issues such as kidney stones, prostate problems, or kidney diseases. Therefore, management focuses on identifying the root cause and treating it appropriately to stop the bleeding and prevent it from recurring.
The first step in hematuria treatment is a thorough evaluation. This usually includes a detailed medical history, physical examination, urine analysis, and diagnostic tests like ultrasound, CT scan, or cystoscopy. Once the cause is known, a specific treatment plan is created. If the hematuria is caused by a urinary tract infection (UTI), antibiotics are prescribed, and patients are advised to increase fluid intake. UTIs usually respond quickly to the right medication, and the bleeding subsides as the infection clears.
If the cause is kidney stones, treatment depends on the size and location of the stone. Small stones often pass naturally with adequate hydration and pain relief medicines. Larger stones may require medical procedures such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), ureteroscopy, or in some cases, minimally invasive surgery. Removing the stone usually resolves the bleeding.
When hematuria is linked to prostate enlargement, especially in older men, medications to shrink or relax the prostate may be used. In more severe cases, surgical procedures such as TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate) might be recommended.
Hematuria caused by kidney diseases, such as glomerulonephritis, may require specialized treatment including immunosuppressive medications, blood pressure control, and dietary modifications. In autoimmune-related cases, steroids or other targeted therapies may be needed.
For patients where hematuria occurs due to trauma or injury, rest, hydration, and monitoring are often the first line of management, but severe cases may require surgical intervention.
Lifestyle recommendations play an important role in recovery. Patients are advised to drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous physical activity during active bleeding, and stay away from excessive salt or protein if kidney conditions are involved. Regular follow-up with a urologist is essential to monitor recovery and prevent recurrence.
