Hemoglobin in the urine, scientifically called hemoglobinuria, occurs when red blood cells are destroyed and are eliminated by the urine, giving it a reddish and transparent color.
However, the presence of hemoglobin in the urine does not always cause symptoms and is only detected by chemical examination with a test strip or microscopic examination and should be treated as soon as possible by the urologist.
Hemoglobin in the urine can occur in children, adults and even in pregnancy, due to kidney infections, kidney stones or serious kidney diseases such as pyelonephritis or cancer, for example. Sometimes at the same time with hemoglobinuria hematuria occurs, which is urine with blood and it is necessary to go to the doctor to analyze the cause. Learn more at: Urine with blood.
How to Identify Hemoglobin in Urine
Hemoglobin in the urine is positive when, after chemical examination with a reagent strip, signs, traces or crosses appear on the strip and, negative when no changes occur.
Generally, the more traces or crosses are present on the strip, the greater the amount of blood in the urine. However, it is always necessary to read the instructions on the packaging of the reagent strips, since the analysis of the results depends on the laboratory of the reagent strips.
In addition to the strip test, a microscopic examination can also be done through a sediment scan, which detects the amount of blood present. In this case, it is considered normal to have less than 3 to 5 red cells per field or less than 10, 000 cells per ml. Learn more at: Urinalysis.
Symptoms of hemoglobin in urine
Hemoglobinuria does not always cause symptoms, however, there may be changes in the urine, such as red and clear urine. In severe cases, due to loss of large amount of hemoglobin, which is responsible for carrying oxygen and nutrients, can cause easy fatigue, fatigue, pallor and even anemia.
Causes of hemoglobin in urine
There is usually no hemoglobin in the urine, and when this occurs the causes can be:
- Kidney problems, such as acute nephritis or pyelonephritis;
- Severe burns;
- Kidney cancer;
- Malaria;
- Reaction to transfusion;
- Tuberculosis of the urinary tract;
- Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.
In addition, it may be due to paroxysmal nocturnal or cold hemoglobinuria, which are rare types of hemolytic anemia.
How to treat hemoglobin in urine
The treatment for hemoglobin in urine depends on the cause and should be guided by a urologist. During treatment it may be necessary to use medicines such as antibiotics or antianemics or bladder catheter application.
See too:
- What can cause urine with foam
- 5 common causes of frequent peeing
