Difference between Hematuria and Proteinuria

Hematuria and proteinuria are both common urological symptoms, often caused by kidney diseases. Hematuria can be caused by kidney and urinary tract diseases such as inflammation, trauma, stones, and congenital malformations. Proteinuria can be divided into renal proteinuria and non-renal proteinuria. Hematuria is easy to detect, and patients are advised to seek medical attention promptly for diagnosis and treatment if urine abnormalities occur.

Difference between Hematuria and Proteinuria

If the kidney is damaged, hematuria and proteinuria may be observed in the urine. Hematuria refers to the presence of red blood cells in the urine, while proteinuria refers to the presence of protein in the urine. If hematuria is present in the urine, changes in urine color may be observed, depending on the degree of hematuria. Proteinuria is mainly manifested as foamy urine, but it should be noted that foamy urine does not necessarily indicate proteinuria, as proteinuria refers to persistent foamy urine that does not dissipate.

What is Hematuria?

Hematuria refers to an increase in red blood cells in the urine, including microscopic hematuria and gross hematuria. Microscopic hematuria refers to the presence of ≥3 red blood cells per high-power field in urine sediment examination, while gross hematuria refers to visible blood in the urine, which may appear as a reddish-brown, soy sauce-colored, or bloody urine.

What is Proteinuria?

Proteinuria refers to the presence of protein in the urine detected by routine urine testing. Proteinuria is considered present if the 24-hour urine protein exceeds 150mg. If routine urine testing is negative, but excessive albumin is detected in the urine using more sensitive methods (>30mg/24h), it is referred to as microalbuminuria. Large amounts of proteinuria are defined as daily urinary protein excretion exceeding 3.5g/1.73m2 or 500mg/kg body weight. Excessive proteinuria can lead to foamy urine. Proteinuria can be observed in various primary and secondary kidney diseases, as well as in conditions such as urinary tract infections, tuberculosis, stones, tumors, exercise, and fever (even without urological diseases).

With the increasing awareness of health in recent years, routine physical examinations have become common. Many chronic kidney diseases (CKD) are discovered, diagnosed, and treated promptly through the detection of proteinuria in urine tests.