A to Z: Hematuria (Blood in Urine)
May also be called: Blood in Urine
Hematuria (say: hee-ma-tur-ee-uh) means there is blood in the urine (pee).
More to Know
Blood in the urine often comes from somewhere in the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters (tube-like structures that connect the kidneys to the bladder), and the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body).
The blood may make the urine appear pink, red, or tea-colored. Other times, the blood is invisible to the naked eye and is only seen when a urine sample is viewed under a microscope. (This is called "microscopic hematuria.")
Common causes of blood in the urine include urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, irritation of the urethra, injuries, and vigorous exercise. There are many less common causes, and sometimes blood appears in the urine even though there is no underlying problem.
Keep in Mind
Hematuria is a common condition that requires medical attention. To determine the cause of the hematuria, a doctor might order several tests, including urine tests, blood tests, an ultrasound, a CT scan, or others. If a problem is found, your doctor will either treat it or refer your child to a specialist.
All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.
90825
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995-2009 The Nemours Foundation. All rights reserved.
Add your own comment
Ask a Question
Have questions about this article or topic? AskToday on Education.com
Celebrate Memorial Day! Worksheets and Activities About American History WORKBOOKS
May Workbooks are Here!
WE'VE GOT A GREAT ROUND-UP OF ACTIVITIES PERFECT FOR LONG WEEKENDS, STAYCATIONS, VACATIONS ... OR JUST SOME GOOD OLD-FASHIONED FUN!
Get Outside! 10 Playful Activities
Popular Articles
- Kindergarten Sight Words List
- The Five Warning Signs of Asperger's Syndrome
- What Makes a School Effective?
- Child Development Theories
- Why is Play Important? Social and Emotional Development, Physical Development, Creative Development
- 10 Fun Activities for Children with Autism
- Test Problems: Seven Reasons Why Standardized Tests Are Not Working
- Bullying in Schools
- A Teacher's Guide to Differentiating Instruction
- Steps in the IEP Process
