What does hematuria mean?

Hematuria refers to the presence of blood in the urine. This term is derived from the prefix "hema," which means blood, and "uria," which refers to urine. The condition can indicate a variety of underlying health issues, ranging from urinary tract infections, kidney stones, or more serious conditions affecting the kidneys or bladder. Recognizing hematuria is crucial for medical professionals because it can be a symptom of a significant medical problem that requires further investigation.

The other options refer to different medical conditions: inflammation of the urethra describes a specific condition affecting the urinary tract, swelling of the tongue pertains to glossitis or other oral health problems, and excess mucus discharge may relate to respiratory or gastrointestinal conditions. Each of these terms denotes a separate and specific health issue, which helps clarify why hematuria specifically indicates blood in the urine.