Differential Diagnosis for Painless Hematuria
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): While UTIs often present with dysuria and frequency, some cases, especially in older adults or those with underlying medical conditions, can present with painless hematuria. The presence of bacteria in the urine can cause inflammation leading to bleeding.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Kidney Stones: Although kidney stones typically cause severe, colicky pain, smaller stones may pass without significant discomfort, leading to painless hematuria.
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Enlargement of the prostate can cause urinary retention, leading to bladder irritation and potentially painless hematuria.
- Cystitis: Interstitial cystitis or other forms of cystitis can cause hematuria without significant pain, especially in chronic cases.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Bladder Cancer: A critical diagnosis to consider, as it can present with painless hematuria. Risk factors include smoking, age, and exposure to certain chemicals.
- Kidney Cancer: Similar to bladder cancer, kidney cancer can cause hematuria without pain, especially in early stages.
- Trauma: Even if the patient does not report an injury, internal trauma (e.g., from a car accident) can cause hematuria without immediate pain.
Rare Diagnoses
- Alport Syndrome: A genetic disorder affecting the type IV collagen in the kidneys, leading to hematuria, hearing loss, and eye abnormalities.
- Goodpasture Syndrome: An autoimmune disease causing inflammation in the kidneys and lungs, which can present with hematuria.
- Sickle Cell Disease: Certain complications of sickle cell disease can lead to hematuria, though this is less common.
- Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs): Rare vascular abnormalities in the kidney or bladder that can cause hematuria without pain.