What is the cause of persistent hematuria (blood in urine) for 3 months?

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Differential Diagnosis for Hematuria

Single most likely diagnosis

  • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): A common cause of hematuria, especially in women, due to the shorter urethra which makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder.
  • Kidney Stones: A frequent cause of hematuria, as the stones can cause irritation and bleeding in the urinary tract.

Other Likely diagnoses

  • Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Enlargement of the prostate gland can cause urinary retention, leading to hematuria.
  • Cystitis: Inflammation of the bladder can cause bleeding, especially in the context of UTIs or other irritants.
  • Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the glomeruli, the filtering units of the kidneys, can lead to hematuria.

Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)

  • Bladder Cancer: Although less common, bladder cancer can present with painless hematuria and is critical to diagnose early for effective treatment.
  • Kidney Cancer: Similar to bladder cancer, kidney cancer can cause hematuria and is crucial to identify promptly.
  • Sickle Cell Disease: In patients with sickle cell disease, hematuria can be a sign of sickle cell nephropathy, a serious complication.

Rare diagnoses

  • Alport Syndrome: A genetic disorder affecting the type IV collagen in the kidneys, leading to hematuria and progressive kidney disease.
  • Goodpasture Syndrome: An autoimmune disease causing inflammation in the kidneys and lungs, which can present with hematuria.
  • Vasculitis: Inflammation of the blood vessels, including those in the kidneys, can lead to hematuria and is a rare but serious condition.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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