Microscopic Hematuria: Common Causes of Microscopic Blood in the Urine

Hematuria is the medical term for blood in the urine. Microscopic refers to blood that cannot be seen by the naked eye. It can only be seen using a microscope. Those who have microscopic hematuria have blood in their urine, but it can’t be seen with the naked eye. Many medical conditions and disorders can cause microscopic hematuria. Some of these conditions and disorders are easily treated and some are more complex.

Causes of Microscopic Hematuria: Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections, also referred as bladder infections, can cause microscopic hematuria. This infection originates in the urinary system and can affect any part of the urinary system. It most often affects the bladder and urethra. Once a urinary tract is treated with antibiotics microscopic hematuria should resolve itself.

Glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritis, also referred to as glomerular nephritis occurs when the filtering system of the kidney swells. It can cause microscopic hematuria. This condition is a renal disease in which the small blood vessels in the kidneys, or glomeruli, become inflamed. Treatment depends on several factors and in some acute cases, glomerulonephritis will go away on its own. When this condition is treated microscopic hematuria should resolve itself.

Medications

Certain medications can cause microscopic hematuria. Medications such as Coumadin, penicillin, birth control pills, products containing aspirin and diuretics can cause microscopic hematuria. Some anti-depressants can also cause this.

Kidney or Bladder Stones

Kidney and bladder stones can cause microscopic hematuria. These stones occur when concentrated urine causes minerals in the urine to crystallize. Once these stones are passed or removed microscopic hematuria should resolve itself.

Blood Diseases

Certain blood diseases can cause microscopic hematuria. Sickle cell anemia is a common blood disorder that can cause this complication. Since sickle cell anemia is an incurable medical condition, microscopic hematuria may always be present.

Urinary Tract Tumor

A tumor in the urinary tract can cause microscopic hematuria. These tumors can be either malignant or benign. Once these tumors are removed, if removal is necessary, microscopic hematuria should resolve itself.

Causes of Microscopic Hematuria: Exercise

Sometimes exercise can cause microscopic hematuria. When exercise is the cause, microscopic hematuria will typically resolve itself within twenty-four hours. In most causes this is not serious. If it is constant then a doctor should be consulted to rule out any underlying conditions.

Resources

Family Doctor (2005). Microscopic Hematuria. Retrieved on June 23, 2009 from Website: https://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/kidney/467.html#ArticleParsysMiddleColumn0002