What is Haematuria?
Haematuria refers to the presence of blood in the urine. It can range from being visible to the naked eye to being microscopic—only detected during a urine test. While it may not always indicate a serious problem, haematuria can be a symptom of underlying conditions affecting the kidneys, bladder, or urinary tract, and should always be evaluated by a doctor.
What Are The
Types of Haematuria?
Gross haematuria
Microscopic haematuria
What Other Symptoms Might Occur with Haematuria?
Haematuria can occur with or without accompanying symptoms. If there are no other symptoms besides the blood in urine, it is known as asymptomatic haematuria. Most cases of microscopic haematuria do not come with any other noticeable symptoms.
However, sometimes you might experience the following alongside the haematuria:
- Frequent and/or urgent urination
- Burning sensation during urination
- Pain in the lower back area or abdomen
- Fever or chills
What Causes Haematuria?
Haematuria occurs because there are blood cells leaking into the urinary tract. There are various causes for this to happen:
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
A bacterial infection can inflame and irritate the lining of the bladder or urethra, leading to blood in the urine.
Bladder or kidney stones
These hard mineral deposits can cause abrasions in the urinary tract as they move, resulting in bleeding.
Enlarged prostate (BPH)
An enlarged prostate can press against the urethra and bladder, causing urinary symptoms and occasional bleeding.
Vigorous physical activity
Intense exercise, especially long-distance running, can cause minor trauma to the bladder and lead to visible blood in the urine.
Kidney infections
A bacterial infection in the kidneys can damage the kidney tissue and cause haematuria.
Urinary tract cancers
Tumours in the bladder, kidney, or prostate may damage nearby blood vessels and lead to blood in the urine.
Certain medications
Drugs like blood thinners, some antibiotics, and anti-cancer agents may irritate or damage the urinary tract lining.
How is the Cause of Haematuria determined?
When blood is detected in the urine, several tests may be used to determine the underlying cause:
Urine tests
A urinalysis checks for red blood cells, protein, and signs of infection or kidney issues. A urine culture may be done if a urinary tract infection is suspected.
Blood tests
These help assess kidney function and detect any underlying conditions, such as infections or clotting disorders.
Imaging tests
Ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI can reveal structural abnormalities, kidney stones, tumours, or blockages in the urinary tract.
Cystoscopy
A thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the urethra into the bladder to inspect the bladder lining for inflammation, growths, or sources of bleeding.
Meet Our Urologist
Dr Lincoln Tan
MBBS, MRCS(EDIN), MMED(SURG), FRCS(UROL)(RCPSG), FAMS(UROL)
Dr Lincoln Tan is a consultant urologist and accredited robotic surgeon who has worked in the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Australia.
He was the former Director of Urologic Oncology at the National University Hospital (NUH) and National Cancer Institute of Singapore (NCIS); and is experienced in managing a full range of urological problems, ranging from blood in urine to advanced cancers.
Dr Tan prioritises listening to his patients' concerns and providing empathetic, personalised care. By putting his patients first, he achieves the best possible outcomes for them.