Macrohematuria is hematuria visible to the naked eye, that is, the presence of blood in the urine in such an amount that can be seen.
With gross hematuria, the urine becomes red or brown in color of varying intensity, depending on the degree of bleeding. Sometimes blood clots or blood clots may be present in the urine.
Gross hematuria may indicate pathological processes in the kidneys, urinary tract or bladder. Causes include tumors, kidney or urinary tract stones, inflammatory diseases, trauma, etc.
To identify the cause of gross hematuria, it is necessary to conduct diagnostic studies - urine tests, ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder, cystoscopy, CT or MRI, etc. Timely treatment helps prevent complications and maintain kidney health.
Gross hematuria: understanding and diagnosing blood in urine
Gross hematuria, also known as macroscopic hematuria, is a condition in which blood becomes visible in the urine. This bloody abnormality may be a sign of serious urinary tract disease and requires immediate medical attention. In this article, we will review the basic aspects of gross hematuria, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
The causes of gross hematuria can be varied. One of the most common causes is the presence of stones in the kidneys or urinary tract. When a stone passes through the urinary tract, it can damage blood vessels and cause bleeding. Another common cause is urinary tract infections such as cystitis or pyelonephritis, which can cause inflammation and bleeding in the urinary system. Trauma or damage to the kidneys or bladder can also lead to gross hematuria.
One of the main symptoms of gross hematuria is a change in the color of urine. Urine usually turns red, pink, or brown. In addition, patients may experience lower back pain, frequent urination, a burning sensation when urinating, and general weakness. It is important to note that gross hematuria may be intermittent, and blood may appear in the urine only intermittently.
Diagnosis of gross hematuria includes several stages. The doctor usually begins by taking a medical history and performing a physical examination of the patient. A urine test may then be ordered to determine the presence of blood and other abnormalities. Additional diagnostic methods, such as ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder, computed tomography, or cystoscopy, may be used to identify the underlying cause of gross hematuria.
Treatment for gross hematuria depends on the specific diagnosis and underlying cause. In some cases, especially if gross hematuria is caused by an infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. If stones are found in the urinary tract, surgical removal or destruction of the stones may be necessary. For serious conditions such as kidney or bladder cancer, surgery or other treatments may be required.
In conclusion, gross hematuria is a serious condition that requires medical attention. If you have blood in your urine or notice a change in the color of your urine, see your doctor for evaluation and diagnosis. Early detection and treatment of the underlying cause of gross hematuria can help prevent possible complications and improve the prognosis of the disease.