Hematuria facts for kids

Hematuria is when you have blood in your urine. Normally, your urine should be clear or light yellow. Seeing blood can be a bit surprising, but it doesn't always mean something serious is wrong. Sometimes, it can be a sign of a minor issue that goes away quickly. Other times, it might point to a problem that needs a doctor's attention. It's always important to tell an adult, like a parent or guardian, if you notice blood in your urine.

What is Hematuria?

Hematuria happens when red blood cells get into your urine. Your body has a special system called the urinary system. This system includes your kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The kidneys clean your blood and make urine. The urine then travels through tubes called ureters to your bladder, where it's stored. Finally, it leaves your body through the urethra. If there's a problem anywhere in this system, blood can leak into the urine.

Types of Hematuria

There are two main ways blood can appear in your urine.

Visible Blood

This is called gross hematuria. It means you can actually see the blood. Your urine might look pink, red, or even brownish, like cola. Sometimes, you might see small blood clots. Even a tiny amount of blood can change the color of your urine.

Hidden Blood

This is called microscopic hematuria. You cannot see this blood with your eyes. The urine looks normal. Doctors find hidden blood when they test a urine sample under a microscope. This is often done during a regular check-up or if you have other symptoms.

Why Does Blood Appear?

Many different things can cause blood to appear in urine. Some causes are very common and not serious, while others need more attention.

Common Reasons

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): These are common infections, especially in girls. Germs get into the urinary system, causing swelling and sometimes bleeding. You might also feel pain when you pee or need to go to the bathroom often.
• Kidney Stones: These are like tiny, hard pebbles that can form in your kidneys. They can move through the urinary system, causing pain and sometimes bleeding as they pass.
• Strenuous Exercise: Sometimes, after very intense exercise, like long-distance running, some people might have a small amount of blood in their urine. This usually goes away on its own.
• Injuries: A strong hit or injury to your lower back or tummy area can sometimes cause bleeding in the urinary system.
• Certain Medicines: Some medicines can make you more likely to have blood in your urine.

Other Important Causes

• Kidney Diseases: Problems with the kidneys themselves, like certain kidney diseases, can cause blood to appear. These conditions might affect how well your kidneys filter blood.
• Other Conditions: Less often, blood in urine can be a sign of other health issues. This is why it's important for a doctor to find out the cause.

When to See a Doctor

You should always tell an adult right away if you see blood in your urine. Even if it goes away, it's important to get it checked out. You should also see a doctor if you have blood in your urine along with other symptoms, such as:

• Pain when you pee
• Fever or chills
• Pain in your side or back
• Needing to pee more often than usual
• Feeling sick to your stomach or throwing up

How Doctors Find the Cause

When you see a doctor for hematuria, they will ask you questions about your health and symptoms. They will also do some tests:

• Urine Test: This is the most common test. You will give a urine sample, which is then checked for blood cells, germs, or other signs of a problem.
• Blood Tests: Sometimes, blood tests are done to check your kidney function or look for signs of infection.
• Imaging Tests: The doctor might suggest imaging tests like an ultrasound or CT scan. These tests take pictures of your kidneys and bladder to look for stones, blockages, or other issues.

Treating Hematuria

The treatment for hematuria depends on what is causing it.

• If it's a urinary tract infection, you will likely get medicine called antibiotics to kill the germs.
• If it's kidney stones, the doctor might suggest drinking lots of water to help them pass. For larger stones, special procedures might be needed.
• If it's due to exercise, it usually doesn't need specific treatment and goes away with rest.
• For kidney diseases or other more serious causes, the treatment will be specific to that condition and managed by a specialist doctor.

In many cases, hematuria is not serious, but it's always best to let a doctor find out why it's happening.

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