Occult blood in urine, also referred to as hidden blood in urine, is a medical condition that can be challenging to identify without testing. It occurs when there are red blood cells present in the urine that are not visible to the naked eye, requiring advanced diagnostic techniques to detect. Although the presence of occult blood in urine may not always show a severe underlying health condition, it is crucial to understand its potential causes and seek medical attention to determine the cause.
However, what does occult blood mean regarding your health? And how do doctors determine if you have occult blood in your urine? In this article, we will research deeper into the possible causes and necessary steps to manage this condition effectively. We will also cover the diagnostic tests that doctors use to identify occult blood in urine and the treatment options available, including lifestyle changes and medications.
What is Occult Blood and What Does it Mean Regarding Your Health?
Occult blood in urine can be an indication of an underlying health condition. Normally, urine doesn’t contain red blood cells except during menstruation in women. Though occult blood is not uncommon, a qualified healthcare professional should investigate further to determine the underlying cause of occult blood.
Blood in the urine can come from the urinary system, either from the bladder, kidney, genitals, urinary tract, or prostate. In most cases, people do not have a reason for microscopic hematuria testing, especially when it is painless occult blood. However, when there is visible blood in the urine, it becomes easier to detect.
Some of the most common causes of blood in the urine include:
Kidney Stones
Kidney or bladder stones can cause blood in the urine, as they are mineral crystals that develop inside your bladder or kidney. Enlarged stones may cause a blockage resulting in gross hematuria and microscopic bleeding. A doctor may suggest extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy therapy for breaking up the stones or other methods to pass kidney stones.
Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary Tract Infections, or UTIs, are the most common cause of blood in the urine. The infection could be in your bladder, kidney, or other parts of the urinary tract. This is caused by bacteria that moves up the urethra into the bladder or kidney, causing the urge to urinate frequently and pain.
Enlarged Prostate
Another common cause of hematuria in men is an enlarged prostate. When the prostate enlarges, mostly in middle-aged and older men, it may compress the urethra, partially blocking the urine flow and causing hematuria, persistent need to urinate, and difficulty urinating.
Cancer
Cancer of the kidney, prostate, or bladder may cause blood in the urine. That is why seeking medical attention is vital when you begin to notice blood in the urine, or if you suspect the possibility of occult blood in your urine.
Other Causes
Other common causes of occult blood in the urine include kidney diseases, kidney injury, recent surgeries, and inherited disorders like sickle cell anemia, or hemophilia.
Possible Symptoms and Tests to Determine if You have Occult Blood in Your Urine
Since occult blood in urine can result from serious medical conditions, you should see a doctor even if you don’t see blood, but experience symptoms like abdominal pain, kidney pain, and painful, frequent, or difficult urination. Your doctor may also carry out a urine analysis to confirm the presence of occult blood in urine and detect bacterial infection.
Tests doctors are likely to perform include:
Cystoscopy
Cystoscopy uses a small camera inserted into the bladder over the urethra to examine the bladder lining and check for abnormalities. A numbing gel is applied to the area to reduce discomfort. If there are any abnormalities, a biopsy is usually taken to examine it under a microscope to check for cancerous cells.
Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan
A Computerized Tomography, or CT scan is an imaging test that may be carried out to determine the cause of occult blood in urine. The test uses radiation to create an image of your body. The test examines the structure of your bladder, ureters, and kidney. A CT scan can notice kidney or bladder stones and other abnormalities in your ureters, kidneys, and bladder.
Urine Tests
Doctors take urine samples and carry out urine tests to determine the cause of hematuria. A dipstick test is often used to perform a urinalysis test to analyze the urine contents. Sometimes a microscope is used to analyze the urine.
Urine Cytology
Urine cytology may also be performed to analyze the presence of cells in the urine from the kidney or bladder lining. The doctor will ask you to leave a urine sample, analyze it under a microscope, and check for abnormalities.
Steps to Take if you Suspect Occult Blood in your Urine
The first step to take is to book an appointment with your doctor, who may then refer you to a urologist –– a doctor who diagnoses and treats conditions linked to the urinary tract. However, it is important to note that certain foods can also cause bladder irritation, leading to urinary urgency and frequency.
After running the necessary tests, the doctor will recommend treatment liable on the cause of the occult blood in the urine. Some of the common treatments include:
Antibiotics in case of urinary tract infection caused by bacteria.
Pain pills and other medications to help pass the stones in case of bladder or kidney stones. The doctor may recommend surgery if the stones are too large and will discuss with you the best treatment for a kidney stone.
Medication or surgery may be prescribed if an enlarged prostate is the cause.
If cancer is the cause of blood in the urine, many treatment options may be recommended including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.