Hematuria is the presence of blood in urine. In children, it may appear as pink, red, tea-colored, or even normal-looking urine with microscopic traces of blood detected on testing. While hematuria can be harmless in some cases, it may also signal underlying kidney or urinary tract issues that demand urgent evaluation.
At the forefront of pediatric urology in Nagpur, Dr. Sadashiv Bhole specializes in identifying the root cause of hematuria and providing advanced care for both benign and serious urinary conditions.
Types of Hematuria in Children
- Gross Hematuria
- Blood is visible in the urine to the naked eye
- Urine may appear pink, brown, cola-colored, or red
- Microscopic Hematuria
- Detected only via urinalysis
- No visible discoloration, but red blood cells (RBCs) present on microscopic exam
Common Causes of Hematuria in Children
Urinary Tract and Kidney Conditions
- Pediatric UTI – common in girls and infants, presents with painful urination, fever, and foul-smelling urine
- Kidney stones (Child nephrolithiasis) – sharp flank pain, vomiting, visible blood in urine
- Hypercalciuria or oxaluria – high calcium or oxalate in urine leading to crystal-induced bleeding
- Glomerulonephritis – inflammation of kidney filters; may cause swelling, high BP, or foamy urine
- Trauma – sports injury or fall leading to kidney or bladder injury
- Congenital abnormalities – like hydronephrosis, posterior urethral valves, or ureteropelvic junction obstruction
- Exercise-induced hematuria – intense activity may cause temporary bleeding in urine
- Structural defects – such as ectopic ureter, PUV, or bladder anomalies
- Tumors (rare) – Wilms tumor or bladder tumors may cause painless hematuria
Associated Symptoms to Watch For
- Painful urination (dysuria)
- Foul-smelling or cloudy urine
- Abdominal or flank pain
- Fever, chills, or vomiting
- Frequent urination or urgency
- Bedwetting or daytime wetting
- Poor urinary stream or straining
- Swelling in the face or legs (in glomerulonephritis)
If hematuria is accompanied by these signs, immediate evaluation by a pediatric urologist is recommended.
Diagnosis of Hematuria in Children
At a specialized pediatric urology clinic, evaluation includes:
- Urinalysis – confirms presence of RBCs, crystals, or infection
- Urine culture – to detect bacterial growth in UTI
- Renal ultrasound – checks for stones, swelling (hydronephrosis), or structural defects
- Serum creatinine and urea – assess kidney function
- Urine calcium and oxalate levels – screen for metabolic stone risks
- VCUG (Micturating Cystourethrogram) – in suspected reflux or voiding disorders
- Urodynamic studies – if bladder dysfunction or incontinence is present
- MRI or CT Scan – in rare or complex cases like suspected tumors or congenital defects
Treatment of Pediatric Hematuria
Treatment depends on the underlying cause:
Infection-Related
- Antibiotics to clear pediatric UTI
- Supportive care for fever and pain
- Monitor for recurrence or reflux
Stone-Related
- Hydration therapy for small stones
- Alpha-blockers for stone passage
- ESWL, URS, or PCNL for larger stones (under care of pediatric urologist)
Structural or Congenital Causes
- PUV fulguration
- Ureteric reimplantation
- Pyeloplasty for UPJ obstruction
- Robotic or laparoscopic surgeries in severe or anatomical issues
Glomerulonephritis
- Managed in collaboration with a pediatric nephrologist
- May require steroids, immunosuppressants, or blood pressure control
When to See a Pediatric Urologist in Nagpur
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Sadashiv Bhole if your child has:
- Visible blood in urine or tea-colored urine
- Persistent microscopic hematuria on repeated urine tests
- Accompanying signs like foul-smelling urine, painful urination, incontinence, or bedwetting
- Recurrent UTIs or family history of kidney disease
- Ultrasound findings suggestive of hydronephrosis, stones, or bladder wall thickening
While hematuria in children is often benign, it can sometimes signal serious kidney or bladder problems. Don’t ignore even a single episode of blood in your child’s urine. Timely evaluation can prevent long-term damage.
Connect with Dr. Sadashiv Bhole, Nagpur’s trusted expert in pediatric urinary care, for clear answers, compassionate care, and complete resolution.
