Seeing blood in a child’s urine, medically known as hematuria, indicates red blood cells are present. It can originate from any part of the urinary tract, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. Hematuria appears as gross hematuria (visible, coloring urine pink, red, or tea-colored) or microscopic hematuria (detectable only under a microscope). A medical evaluation is always necessary to determine the cause.
Common Reasons for Blood in Urine
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a frequent cause of blood in a female child’s urine. These infections occur when bacteria enter the urethra and multiply, often reaching the bladder. The resulting inflammation can lead to irritation and bleeding, with symptoms like pain or burning during urination, frequent urges, and sometimes fever.
Kidney stones, though less common in children, can also cause hematuria. These small, hard deposits form in the kidneys and can irritate the lining of the urinary tract as they pass. Girls may experience pain in their side, back, or lower abdomen if a stone is present.
Glomerulonephritis involves inflammation of the tiny filtering units within the kidneys called glomeruli. This condition can impair the kidneys’ ability to filter waste. It may be linked to recent infections, like strep throat, and can cause symptoms beyond just hematuria.
External irritation or minor injury to the genital area can cause hematuria in girls. This is relevant due to their anatomy, where the urethra is shorter and closer to the rectum. Activities like vigorous play or irritation from soaps can cause it.
Certain medications can also induce hematuria as a side effect. Some antibiotics and specific anti-cancer drugs have been linked to this. It is always important to review any medications a child is taking when hematuria is observed.
Benign familial hematuria is an inherited condition where microscopic blood is consistently present, often without other symptoms. This condition is generally considered harmless and does not typically lead to kidney disease or other complications. However, it requires a clear diagnosis to rule out other, more serious causes.
When to Contact a Doctor
Parents should seek medical attention promptly if any visible blood appears in their child’s urine. Even a small amount can cause a noticeable color change, making the urine appear pink, red, or brown. Gross hematuria always warrants a medical evaluation, regardless of other symptoms.
Medical consultation is also advised if blood in the urine is accompanied by other concerning symptoms. These can include fever, pain in the back or abdomen, vomiting, or unusual lethargy. Difficulty or pain during urination, a decreased amount of urine, or swelling in the face, hands, or feet are additional reasons to contact a healthcare provider.
Even if blood in the urine is only noticed once or is microscopic, a medical evaluation is still necessary. Recurrent episodes of hematuria, whether visible or microscopic, also warrant a prompt medical assessment to determine the underlying cause and ensure appropriate management.
How Doctors Diagnose the Cause
A doctor will begin by taking a detailed medical history, asking about recent illnesses, any medications the child is taking, and family history of kidney conditions. A physical examination will also be performed to check for signs such as tenderness in the abdomen or back, or swelling. These initial steps help guide further diagnostic decisions.
Urine tests are a primary diagnostic tool. A urinalysis will confirm the presence of blood and can also check for signs of infection, protein, or other abnormalities. If an infection is suspected, a urine culture will be performed to identify the specific type of bacteria present.
Blood tests may be ordered to assess kidney function or to look for signs of inflammation or infection in the body. These tests can provide insights into the overall health of the kidneys and help narrow down potential causes. For instance, high levels of calcium in the urine can be a sign of hypercalciuria, which can lead to kidney stones.
Imaging studies, such as an ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder, are frequently used to visualize the urinary tract. This non-invasive procedure can detect structural abnormalities, kidney stones, or signs of kidney swelling. In rare or complex cases, more specialized tests like cystoscopy (inserting a thin tube with a camera into the bladder) or a kidney biopsy may be considered.
Management and Treatment Options
Treatment for blood in a female child’s urine is highly dependent on the specific underlying diagnosis. For instance, if a urinary tract infection is identified as the cause, a course of antibiotics will be prescribed to eliminate the bacterial infection. Completing the full course of antibiotics is important to ensure the infection is fully cleared.
When kidney stones are the cause, management often involves encouraging increased fluid intake to help the stone pass naturally. In some instances, medical procedures might be needed to remove larger or problematic stones. The specific approach will depend on the stone’s size and location.
For inflammatory conditions like glomerulonephritis, treatment may involve specific medications to reduce inflammation or manage blood pressure, depending on severity. Supportive care, such as monitoring fluid intake and output, may also be part of the management plan. Regardless of the cause, follow-up care is recommended to ensure the condition resolves and to monitor for recurrence.