When red blood cells present themselves in the urine it could signal the illness called Hematuria.

Causes and Symptoms

If there is a trace of white blood cells in the urine, it could be UTI (urinary tract infection). There are two kinds of hematuria. One is the microscopic where the blood cannot be seen by the naked eye but only under a microscope. On the other hand, gross hematuria occurs when there is excessive redness in the urine and this could be a serious problem. The causes of the illness are varied and are more noticeable in the teens. They include:

-Genetic diseases

-Injuries in the urinary tract and kidneys

-Excessive calcium in the urine

-Menstruation

-Excessive workouts

-Kidney or bladder infections

-Kidney stones or disease

Tests and Treatment

Symptoms may be as indicated above – blood in the urine; but this is not a reason to panic. Rather, it is advisable to meet with a reliable doctor. Based on the extent of the condition, the physician will conduct a urine test as well as a physical exam along with details about medical history and any family related illness. Usually if the results are negative, the patient will have to undergo similar tests over a couple of weeks to ensure that there is no blood in the urine. If there are no symptoms other than the presence of blood, such as pain, fever or protein in the pee, the doctor will probably suggest a urine culture, an MRI, or a CT scan. If required, the patient may undergo a biopsy to get to the root cause.

Kids usually do not inform their parents of any illness and if there is an infection, they try to cover up the problem. This is not the right approach and even if they do not want to inform their folks about their troubles, it is advisable to at least visit the school doctor. Depending on the severity of the illness, the patient is prescribed a dose of antibiotics. If the symptoms go away, follow up tests are usually conducted after a month or two, and regularly over the next couple of years. This includes urine tests and physical examinations. However if it is more serious like sickle cell disease, the doctor will treat the condition based on the extent of the problem.

Generally

After treatment, it is important for the patient to take things a bit easy and not undertake any strenuous activities for a while. The diet can be normal but if there is an overabundance of calcium in the urine, he/she will have to cut back on it. Exercise and play are definitely necessities in the life of a teenager but these should be carried out in moderation after the treatment. He/she will eventually be able to function normally after getting a clean bill of health. This does not mean that the person has to avoid any fun or refrain from school, unless he/she is unwell. Life need not come to a standstill, unless the patient is extremely tired and unable to do anything at all. The point to note is that whenever life goes awry, it is important to address the problem immediately or you can lose out.

Dr. James S. Pendergraft opened the Orlando Women\’s Center in March 1996 to provide a full range of health care for women.
http://www.womenscenter.com/

Dr. James S. Pendergraft opened the Orlando Women\’s Center in March 1996 to provide a full range of health care for women.
http://www.womenscenter.com/

Author Bio: Dr. James S. Pendergraft opened the Orlando Women\’s Center in March 1996 to provide a full range of health care for women.
http://www.womenscenter.com/

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: