Hematuria occurs when red blood cells leak into the urinary tract, causing the urine to change color from light pink, bright red to dark brown. Doctor Nguyen The Truong, Deputy Head of the Department of Urology - Andrology, Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi, said that not only red urine is dangerous, but even small changes in color can reflect kidney damage. There are cases of microscopic hematuria, meaning that the amount of blood is very small, invisible to the naked eye and only detected through testing.

According to Doctor Truong, among the many causes of hematuria, glomerulonephritis is considered the most worrisome factor. The glomeruli act as the body's filters, removing waste and toxins while retaining essential blood cells and proteins. When the glomeruli are inflamed, this structure weakens, allowing red blood cells to easily escape, causing the urine to change color and become foamy. Patients may experience accompanying symptoms such as facial swelling, leg swelling, reduced urination, fatigue, and high blood pressure. These are all signs that the kidneys are suffering serious damage.

Doctor Truong examines and advises a patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Doctor Truong examines and advises a patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Glomerulonephritis can progress silently, especially in the chronic form. Patients may not notice obvious symptoms for a long time. By the time it is detected, kidney function has significantly declined, perhaps even leading to kidney failure, requiring regular dialysis or a kidney transplant to maintain life. Many cases are discovered incidentally during health checkups or tests for other issues.

If there are any changes in the color and nature of urine, individuals should seek medical attention early to determine the cause and differentiate glomerulonephritis from other conditions such as urinary tract stones, cystitis, and urinary tract tumors. Blood and urine tests, kidney ultrasounds, CT scans, or kidney biopsies in some cases allow doctors to make an accurate diagnosis.

If detected early, glomerulonephritis can be completely controlled. Depending on the cause and extent of the damage, patients are prescribed treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants, antibiotics or supportive treatments to reduce blood pressure, control edema, and balance water and electrolytes.

Lifestyle changes play an important role in protecting kidney function. Patients should maintain a low-salt diet, avoid excessive alcohol, tobacco, and limit the use of pain relievers and herbal medicines of unknown origin as they can be toxic to the kidneys. Regularly checking blood pressure, blood sugar, and having regular health checkups helps to detect abnormalities early and prevent dangerous complications.

Doctor Truong noted that hematuria is an important clinical sign, not only found in glomerulonephritis but also potentially related to many other diseases of the urinary system such as kidney tumors, ureteral tumors, bladder tumors, and prostate tumors. When this symptom appears, it is necessary to go to the hospital early for a specialist in nephrology - urology to accurately determine the cause and provide timely and appropriate treatment.

Thu Giang