Differential Diagnosis for Blood in the Urine
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): This is often the most common cause of hematuria (blood in the urine), especially in women. UTIs can cause inflammation and irritation in the urinary tract, leading to bleeding.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Kidney Stones: Stones in the kidney or bladder can cause bleeding due to irritation and obstruction of the urinary tract.
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Enlargement of the prostate gland can cause urinary retention, leading to bleeding.
- Trauma: Physical injury to the urinary tract, such as from a car accident or a fall, can cause bleeding.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Bladder Cancer: Although less common, bladder cancer can cause painless hematuria and is a critical diagnosis not to miss.
- Kidney Cancer: Similar to bladder cancer, kidney cancer can cause hematuria and is a potentially life-threatening condition if not diagnosed early.
- Sickle Cell Disease: This genetic disorder can cause sickling of red blood cells in the kidneys, leading to hematuria and potentially life-threatening complications.
Rare Diagnoses
- Alport Syndrome: A rare genetic disorder that affects the type IV collagen in the kidneys, leading to hematuria and progressive kidney disease.
- Goodpasture Syndrome: A rare autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in the kidneys and lungs, leading to hematuria and potentially life-threatening complications.
- Nephrocalcinosis: A rare condition characterized by the deposition of calcium salts in the kidneys, leading to hematuria and kidney damage.