Blood in Urine in Children

There is a false notion among people that blood in urine in children is a sign of some severe illness or disease. The fact is, majority of the cases of blood in urine in children has been referred to as normal. Basically, some amount of red blood cells (RBCs) is considered normal in the urine. This is so because nearly 2.5 million dead RBCs are discharged through the urine everyday. This is how our body gets rid of inefficient and dead cells. Nevertheless, it's scary, both for the parents and children to go through such a problem, so consulting a doctor becomes a must. Normally, children who have a history of blood in urine have chances of getting affected with serious kidney diseases. Other factors that gravitates the problem of blood in urine in children is the detection of the blood in the urine. It is not always possible that you can detect the presence of blood in urine by the naked eyes. Often, it is the minerals in the blood, which are discharged in high quantities in the urine are a proof of having blood in the urine. This makes it mandatory for the parents to have a urine check up of their children.

In medical terminology, blood in urine in children is called hematuria. Hematuria in children is of two types; microscopic hematuria and macroscopic hematuria. Microscopic hematuria shows abnormal count of red blood cells but it can't be visualized by the naked eyes. In macroscopic hematuria also known as gross hematuria, the amount of blood cells is enough to cause significant changes in the color of the blood from red to pink or brown.

Causes of Hematuria in Children
Blood in urine in children or hematuria in children has many causes, however some major causes of hematuria are mentioned below.

• Kidney infections
• Hypercalciuria (presence of extra calcium)
• Urinary Tract Infection
• Urinary bladder infection
• Urine blockage
• Kidney inflammation (glomerulonephritis)
• Renal tuberculosis
• Fever
• Abdominal Pain
• Sickle cell disease
• Gentiourinary Tumors
• Ureteropelvic Junction(UPJ) Obstruction
• Urolithiasis (higher concentration of minerals in urinary tract)
• Vascular Anomolies

Symptoms of Hematuria in Children
In microscopic hematuria there are hardly any symptoms, however the associated problems may show symptoms. For instance, if the child is suffering from urinary infections, he may feel the urge to urinate frequently or may complain of burning sensation during urination. If there are urinary or kidney stone problems, then the child may experience renal colic pain. Mostly, there are no symptoms of hematuria except the presence of blood in urine.

Diagnosis of Hematuria in Children
There are various tests that the child has to go through in order to be diagnosed for hematuria. These include blood tests and cystoscopy. Cystoscopy is a test in which the urinary bladder and urinary tracts are examined through the urethra with the help of a viewing tube. However, not every child is required to go through the cystoscopy test. In most cases a renal and urinary bladder ultrasound is supposed to be enough for diagnosis. Radiographic imaging is also found to be very helpful in diagnosing hematuria in children.

Treatment of Hematuria in Children
The treatment of hematuria involves the patient's history of medications and tests. The urologist will determine the type of treatment based on the problem of the child. For example, if the child has a stone related problem then the treatment would involve a kidney transplant or removal of urinary stones. Antibiotic treatments are prescribed for children suffering from urinary tract infections.

Blood in urine in children is a problem that needs to be handled with care and patience. The health graph of the child must be observed on a regular, weekly and monthly basis. Parents should not panic as hermaturia can be easily cured with proper medication.