What Is Hematuria? When blood gets into urine (pee), it's called hematuria (hee-ma-TUR-ee-uh). It's pretty common and usually not serious. There are two types of hematuria: Microscopic hematuria is when blood in the urine can be seen only with a microscope. Often, this goes away without causing any problems. In fact, people might never know they have it unless they get a urine test. Gross hematuria is when you can see the blood in the pee even without a microscope. This is because there is enough blood in the pee to turn it red or tea-colored. How Does Blood Get Into the Urine? Blood leaks into the urinary tract. This can happen anywhere in the urinary tract such as: in the kidneys, which remove waste and water from the blood to make pee in the ureters, which are tubes that carry pee from the kidneys to the bladder in the bladder, which stores pee in the urethra, where pee leaves the body What Causes Hematuria? Kids can get hematuria for many reasons. Common causes include: bladder or kidney infections kidney stones high levels of calcium and other minerals in the urine a problem with the urinary tract injury to the kidneys or urinary tract taking some types of medicines, like some over-the-counter pain medicines strenuous exercise (many athletes, especially distance runners, get hematuria from time to time) In rare cases, hematuria can be a sign of kidney cancer or bladder cancer, a blood disease, or a blood clot. If something like that is going on, hematuria usually will be one of many symptoms. Sometimes what looks like hematuria might be something else. Things like food dye, some foods (like beets or blackberries), a girl's monthly period (menstruation), and some prescription medicines can make pee look red. What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Hematuria? Microscopic hematuria has no visible signs. Doctors will only know someone has it if a urine test finds it. Gross hematuria is seen because it changes the color of urine, which can happen with only a little bit of blood. Often, red or tea-colored urine is the only symptom. In some cases, hematuria can be one of many symptoms of another condition. For example, if a bladder infection is causing the hematuria, other symptoms might include fever, pain while peeing, and lower belly pain. How Is Hematuria Diagnosed? The doctor will do an exam and ask about symptoms, recent activities, and the family medical history. Your child will give a urine sample (pee in a cup) for testing. Sometimes, more tests are done, such as a: blood test urine culture kidney ultrasound MRI CT scan Kids with hematuria that doesn't go away, who have protein in the urine, and/or high blood pressure should see a nephrologist (a doctor who specializes in kidney care). How Is Hematuria Treated? Most of the time, hematuria doesn't need any treatment. If it only happens once, it's nothing to worry about. If another condition is causing the hematuria, doctors will treat that condition. For instance, hematuria from a urinary tract infection (UTI) is treated with antibiotics. If your child was treated for hematuria, the doctor probably will do follow-up tests to make sure there's no more blood in the urine. Back to Articles Related Articles Glomerulonephritis With glomerulonephritis, tiny filtering units in the kidneys stop working properly, causing problems like too much fluid in the body and swelling. Most of the time it can be treated. Find out more. Read More Blood in the Urine (Hematuria) Hematuria is pretty common, and most of the time it's not serious. Find out what causes blood in the urine and what to do about it. Read More Movie: Urinary System Watch this movie about the urinary system, which produces pee. Read More Your Urinary System You pee every day, but what makes it happen? Find out in this article for kids about the urinary system. Read More Kidneys and Urinary Tract The bean-shaped kidneys, each about the size of a child's fist, are essential to our health. Their most important role is to filter blood and produce urine. Read More Urine Tests Is your child having a urine culture or urinalysis performed? Find out why urine tests are performed, and what to expect when the doctor orders them. Read More Urine Test: Protein The urine protein test is most commonly used to screen for kidney disease and also can help monitor kidney function. Read More Ultrasound: Renal (Kidneys, Ureters, Bladder) A renal ultrasound makes images of your child's kidneys, ureters, and bladder. Doctors may order this test if they suspect kidney damage, cysts, tumors, kidney stones, or complications from urinary tract infections. Read More Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR) This problem with the urinary tract causes urine to flow backward from the bladder to the kidneys. Most cases can be treated effectively, and many kids outgrow the condition. Read More Kidney Diseases in Childhood The kidneys play a critical role in health. When something goes wrong, it could indicate a kidney disease. What are kidney diseases, and how can they be treated? Read More Kidney Stones Kidney stones mostly happen to adults, but sometimes kids and teens can get them. Find out what kidney stones are, how to treat them, and ways to help prevent them. Read More Glomerulonephritis Glomerulonephritis happens when tiny filtering units in the kidneys stop working properly. Most cases get better on their own or with treatment. Read More Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) When someone has hypertension (high blood pressure), the heart has to pump harder and the arteries are under more strain as they carry blood. Read More Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections and Related Conditions Recurrent urinary tract infections can cause kidney damage if left untreated, especially in kids under age 6. Here's how to recognize the symptom of UTIs and get help for your child. Read More Renal Tubular Acidosis This kidney problem causes acid levels in the blood to become too high, causing fatigue, muscle weakness, and other kidney problems. The condition is usually treatable. Read More Kidneys and Urinary Tract The kidneys perform several functions that are essential to health, the most important of which are to filter blood and produce urine. Read More Your Kidneys You need at least one kidney to live. Find out why in this article for kids. Read More Kidney Stones Kidney stones mostly happen to adults, but sometimes teens can get them. Find out what kidney stones are, how to treat them, and ways to help prevent them. Read More Kidney Disease Sometimes, the kidneys can't do their job properly. In teens, kidney disease is usually due to infections, structural issues, glomerulonephritis, or nephrotic syndrome. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. 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