Written by Devi Tadimalla
Blood in urine or hematuria might be a scary sight for both the child and the parents, rather it is common in children to sometimes have blood in urine. The incidence of hematuria is 5%-6% in the general population and 4% in the children’s age group. According to statistics, the incidence of hematuria is more in girls than boys (1a). Hematuria in children can be easily identified by seeing the change of color in urine to red or pink, brown, or cola color. However parents should also know that there is another type of hematuria in which the presence of red blood cells cannot be seen with the naked eye but only with microscopic evaluation. Either of the types have different causes and management of treatment.
Hematuria can be effectively treated. Confirmation of hematuria and identification of the cause plays a key role in treatment management. In few children hematuria is transient and can be resolved on its own whereas in others, blood in urine can be due to an underlying ailment and requires a mandatory medical attention. Neglected or untreated hematuria can lead to varied kidney complications.
In This Article
Hematuria means the presence of red blood cells in your child’s urine. Normally kidneys have a thick mesh of filtration structures called glomeruli that doesn’t allow filtration of blood into urine. Any disruption in these structures or in other parts of the kidney can cause leakage of red blood cells into the urine leading to hematuria (1b).
There are two different types of hematuria- gross hematuria and microscopic hematuria.
Gross hematuria means you can see the presence of blood in the urine through your naked eyes. The urine may appear in either of these colors such as red, pink, brown, cola or tea colored (1c).
In microscopic hematuria you can’t see the presence of red blood cells in the urine with the naked eye. It requires a microscopic evaluation that is performed during lab tests (2).
There may be varied reasons for hematuria in children, like-
The major sign of gross hematuria is presence of discoloration mostly with and without pain. Even a very small amount of blood can cause a change of color in urine. Pain in bladder or back pain is accompanied only when there is passing of blood clots in the urine. Flank abdominal pain or low back pain may be present in case of any inflammation.
Microscopic hematuria typically has no symptoms and can come across only through urinalysis suggested for the diagnosis of any kidney disease or condition. Hematuria itself may not have symptoms but conditions that cause hematuria may have symptoms. Hematuria can be accompanied with burning urination, frequency in urination, urge for urination can be often seen in infectious conditions. Painful urination is often a symptom in hematuria caused by kidney stones.
In case a child is suffering from hematuria, the consulting physician may do a –
Hematuria is a result of an underlying condition in kidneys. Frequent presence of blood in urine needs necessary treatment. Untreated hematuria may prolong the illness and can result in serious kidney issues and associated health problems. Early diagnosis and treatment is always best.
A doctor may start treatment of a child based on the cause of hematuria-
Blood in urine might be scary, but do not panic. But do consult a doctor if you notice any other symptoms like-
Though hematuria can be panicking to both child and parent, it is treatable by addressing the underlying cause. There are many reasons for hematuria in children. Children with no underlying cause for hematuria can resolve it without the need of treatment. However any child diagnosed with underlying ailment should follow consulting doctor’s advice for tests and treatment and further follow ups as suggested for resolving hematuria. Early detection and treatment is always better to avoid serious outcomes.
Blood in urine is always not an emergency. But it requires prompt medical attention to identify the underlying cause. Its always advised to consult a physician if you observe blood in urine and other symptoms related to hematuria in your child.
Lack of drinking fluids or water leads to darker color urine indicating dehydration. Mild dehydration doesn’t lead to blood in urine. Severe dehydration along with other conditions such as UTI, kidney stones etc. can cause blood in urine.
References
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