Blood in the urine of a child causes a lot of anxiety for parents. As you know, the urine of a newborn should not contain such cells in its composition. If the urine test showed them in large quantities, it means that the baby suffers from diseases of the internal organs. In some children, this is physiological and does not require treatment. Below is described the features of the phenomenon and the form of manifestation.
Baby crying
What is hematuria
In medical terminology, hematuria in a child means the presence of red blood cells in the urine. In newborns, a slight increase is considered normal. In other cases, detailed diagnostics are performed.
Problem in newborns
Why do newborns have traces of blood in their urine? This is explained by the fact that the baby gets used to new living conditions. The urinary system is imperfect. In the womb, the mother helped the baby to cope with the secretion function.
The course of the infant's adaptation period depends on the characteristics of his body. In the first month of life, the normal value of erythrocytes in the urine is 5 cells per field of view. If the norm is exceeded, then pathological processes occur. What problems do newborns have:
- tumor;
- infection;
- damage to the genitourinary organs;
- kidney injury.
An accurate diagnosis can only be made by a doctor. Based on the tests, he will prescribe the necessary treatment.
Important! If the baby is calm, feels good, eats on schedule, most likely the reason is physiological.
Symptoms in infants up to a year
If the baby pees with blood, it will be noticeable on the diaper. It will have individual red spots or pink streaks. You should consult a doctor.
True hematuria
This term is used when a large amount of blood is found in the urine. This immediately signals the development of a disease of the internal organs. Most often, the kidneys are affected. There are three types:
- Prerenal. Associated with infectious diseases, blood is secreted at the beginning of urination.
- Renal. The kidneys themselves suffer. The urine is dark orange and pink in color.
- Post-renal. The urinary tract is affected. Blood appears at the end of urination.
You should observe how the child pees, and try to consider at what moment the blood is released. This will help to make an accurate diagnosis.
Girl crying
Reasons for the appearance
Physiological
The causes of blood in the urine of a child may be physiological. This means that the body has reacted one time to any stimulus. Until the age of one year, the rate of red blood cells in the urine:
- in boys - 0-1 in the field of vision;
- girls - 0-3 in the field of view.
Even a slight increase can mean the onset of the disease. Physiological hematuria is due to:
- long stay outside in the heat;
- slight dehydration;
- bath visits;
- overheating;
- increased activity of the baby;
- taking medications;
- introducing new foods into the diet;
- stress;
- eating salted food.
In such cases, the baby feels good, his behavior does not change. He eats and sleeps as usual, continues to lead an active life.
Important! With physiological hematuria, the increase in erythrocytes is insignificant. The condition goes away on its own.
Pathology
The pathological causes of blood in the urine of a child are varied. Usually there are more than 6 cells in the field of view. Other trace elements are found mixed with them:
- leukocytes;
- bacteria;
- slime;
- cylinders;
- phosphates;
- urata;
- uric acid salts.
This urine test indicates kidney disease. The most common reasons for babies:
- kidney stone;
- pyelonephritis;
- glomerulonephritis;
- cystitis;
- tumor;
- congenital anomalies;
- polycystic kidney disease;
- rupture of the renal pelvis;
- meningitis;
- tuberculosis;
- sepsis;
- phlegmon;
- scarlet fever;
- hemolytic anemia;
- intestinal infection;
- coagulation disorder.
Boy at the doctor's appointment
In this case, the child experiences discomfort. The main symptoms are:
- heat;
- incessant crying;
- insomnia;
- Difficulty urinating
- lack of appetite;
- swelling.
The diagnosis can be made after a complete examination. They pass all tests, temporarily prescribe symptomatic treatment.
Reasons Why You Shouldn't Worry
In some cases, you should not consult a doctor, since the presence of red blood cells in the urine is considered normal and does not threaten health. Sometimes parents mistake pink urine for blood. This is not always the case - if the baby ate beets or another red product the day before, then there is a possibility of staining it in that color.
Also, some drugs cause blood cells to enter the urine. This is considered the norm, after the completion of the course of taking the pills, the symptom disappears.
Important! A one-time discharge of blood from the urethra is not scary. Most likely, it is related to nutrition.
Other possible diseases
In some situations, a child pees with blood for reasons other than kidney disease. Hematuria acts as a symptom. It occurs when:
- violations of the penetration of the walls of blood vessels;
- heart defects;
- pathologies of the bone marrow and spleen;
- typhoid fever;
- changes in the structure of erythrocytes.
In such situations, you should turn to additional diagnostic methods. This is the only way to make an accurate diagnosis.
The doctor listens to the kid
Diagnosis of hematuria in a child
The presence of blood in the urine is diagnosed with a urinalysis. To see the whole picture, additional studies are prescribed.
Differential diagnosis
First of all, a general urine test is prescribed. For urgent analysis, an express test is performed. It is done using a special cartridge with a blood reagent. It acts on the principle of a pregnancy test: they dip the strip into the urine and expect a reaction. Two bars are positive, one bar is negative.
Currently, urine analysis is carried out on analyzers. He counts the number of cells in the fluid. Later, microscopy is carried out, where all the elements in the sediment are determined. The presence of hematuria is characterized by the following parameters:
- the presence of red blood cells more than 5 cells in the field of vision;
- high protein;
- discoloration of urine.
Important! The presence of certain shaped elements in the sediment indicates a specific disease.
Additionally, the following studies are prescribed:
- General blood analysis. Elevated white blood cells and ESR indicate inflammation. A decrease in erythrocytes and hemoglobin - for bleeding.
- Biochemical study of serum. Check your creatinine and urea levels. They characterize the condition of the kidneys.
- Urine analysis according to Nechiporenko. Shows the ability of the kidneys to dilute urine.
- Ultrasound of the internal organs of the lumbar spine. Tells about the condition of the kidneys.
If all tests show a normal value, most likely the cause is hidden in a disease not related to the urinary system. Additional consultation and new tests will be required.
Jars of urine and kidney
Possible consequences
What happens if a baby has hematuria? Dr. Komarovsky says that if the reason is physiological, then there is no cause for concern. Recommends to provide the baby with peace and plenty of drink in the coming days. This will help his kidneys start working normally faster.
If the problem is in kidney disease, then it all depends on the degree of neglect and the prescribed treatment. The sooner the parents took their child to the doctor, the sooner treatment will begin and the baby will recover. Do not postpone the appointment until later, it is better to make sure everything is in order and sleep well. Consequences of pathological hematuria:
- violation of urination;
- swelling of the lower extremities;
- renal failure;
- the development of diabetes mellitus;
- increased capillary permeability;
- scarring of tissues;
- the formation of kidney stones;
- the development of tumors and cysts.
Such lesions occur at an advanced stage of the disease. Usually, parents have time to contact much earlier, and everything ends well.
Boy in black crying
Blood urine in a child is of particular concern to parents. They immediately understand that the baby has kidney problems. However, the reasons can be safe and not pose a threat to health. Attention should be paid to the general condition of the infant. If the temperature rises, the baby does not feel well, then an appointment with a doctor should be prescribed immediately.
