If you have noticed blood in your urine, or if you are experiencing any lower abdominal pain, it is important that you take notice. This type of symptom could signal a serious underlying condition known as hematuria — which occurs when there is blood present in the urine due to an injury or infection. In many cases, this can be a sign of kidney stones, bladder infections, enlarged prostate glands and other conditions that require urgent medical attention. In this blog post we will go over the symptoms and causes of hematuria as well as look at how changing one's lifestyle may help treat or prevent it from occurring again in the future.
What is hematuria (blood in urine)?
Hematuria, or blood in the urine, is a common medical symptom which can indicate infection, trauma, blood disorder or other health issues. It occurs when blood cells enter the urinary tract and are released with the urine. Most hematuria aren’t serious and can be easily treated; however if left untreated, it can cause further damage to kidneys and bladder as well as put someone at risk of developing complicated medical conditions. Recognizing blood in the urine early is important, as this will help determine the severity of the problem and prompt treatment that could prevent long-term health care concerns.
What are the types of hematuria?
Hematuria, or blood in the urine, may present itself in a number of ways and has several potential causes.
Gross hematuria
Gross hematuria is the most direct type of blood in the urine and is characterized by red- or brown-colored urine. Microscopic hematuria is subtler and tends to require testing to identify, as it occurs when too few red blood cells are detected in the urine for the naked eye to see.
Microscopic hematuria
Another type of hematuria that may be indicative of medical conditions such as kidney diseases or bladder infections is Dysmorphic Hematuria. This form of blood in urine appears after screening kidney pain, blood pressure fluctuations, proteinuria, fever and other urinary symptoms. Ultimately, all forms of blood-tinged urine should be brought to the attention of a medical professional for evaluation and appropriate management.
How common is blood in urine?
Blood in urine, or hematuria, is surprisingly common although it can indicate serious issues. Medically, blood in urine may indicate diseases such as cancer or kidney stones. In many cases, blood in urine is relatively harmless and may be caused by strenuous physical activity or a urinary tract infection. It is important for individuals to get tested for blood in the urine if symptoms are present so that any serious health risks can be ruled out. Although blood in the urine might not be serious, it should still be taken seriously and checked out by a medical professional.
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What are the causes of hematuria?
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
A urinary tract infection, or UTI, occurs when bacteria enter and infect the urinary system. It causes symptoms like painful urination and a frequent need to pee. People with UTIs may also experience hematuria, or blood in their urine. Causes of hematuria can range from bladder or kidney infections, trauma to the urinary tract, tumor growth, inflammation from sexually transmitted diseases, and excess exercise. Many UTIs can be traced back to E. coli bacteria entering the body through the urethra after contact with feces on toilet seats, hands or contaminated objects. For most people, UTIs are mild and easily treatable but if left untreated they may cause major health complications like permanent damage to your kidneys or recurring episodes.
Pyelonephritis
Pyelonephritis is a type of urinary tract infection that causes inflammation of the kidneys. While it can affect people of all ages, women are more commonly affected by this condition due to their anatomy. Causes of pyelonephritis can range from an obstruction in the urinary system, to medical procedures and even an infection being introduced from any part of the body. One common symptom of pyelonephritis is hematuria - which refers to bloody urine resulting from causes such as bladder or kidney stones, trauma, and infections. Pyelonephritis diagnosis typically begins with a physical examination and lab tests including urinalysis and imaging tests can also be used for further confirmation. Often treated with antibiotics, patients who experience recurrent bouts may need additional treatments like surgery or long-term antibiotic treatment.
Cystitis
Cystitis, an infection of the bladder, causes uncomfortable and annoying symptoms like pain in the lower abdomen area, frequency of passing urine, and cloudy or bloody urnine. The causes of cystitis can vary from a bacterial or viral infection to causes unrelated to a health condition like hygiene-related issues that cause an itching, burning sensation when passing water. However, one of the most common causes is hematuria – this occurs when blood is present in urine due to problems with the kidneys or urinary tract. Other causes of hematuria include bladder cancer, kidney infections, enlarged prostate or tumors. Those suffering from cystitis should consider visiting their doctor who can provide further information as well as diagnose any underlying causes; it’s important to start treating this condition early so it does not become more serious over time.
Urinary stone disease
Urinary stone disease is an uncomfortable yet surprisingly common medical condition. It occurs when mineral deposits form on the lining of the urinary tract and bladder, causing painful obstructions which often lead to a condition known as hematuria – the presence of blood in the urine. Though causes can vary widely, it is often associated with dietary habits such as eating too much protein or calcium-rich foods, dehydration and certain medical conditions such as high uric acid levels in blood or gout. Treatment may involve medicines or even surgery depending on the severity and size of the stones. Therefore, regular physical examinations are recommended to monitor urinary health, especially if you experience any symptoms at all.
Enlarged prostate
Enlarged prostate, medically known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition among aging men which causes the prostate to grow and can lead to symptoms like increased need to urinate, discomfort when urinating, or even blood in the urine. In some cases, causes of hematuria, or bloody urine, may come from an enlarged prostate. Other causes could be a urinary tract infection or even a kidney stone. If you experience any difficulty while urinating and/or lesions in your urine that look like blood then it is important to consult with your doctor in order to accurately diagnose and effectively treat any causes related to enlarged prostate.
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Injury to your urinary tract
An injury to your urinary tract can cause symptoms such as frequent urination, burning while urinating, difficulty with urination, or pain in the lower abdomen. One possible cause of an injury to the urinary tract is hematuria, more commonly referred to as blood in the urine. Hematuria can occur when cells are released from a damaged renal structure such as a kidney stone, infection, bladder tumor or trauma as a result of activities like contact sports. It is important to be aware if you experience any of these signs or symptoms so that you can get it treated by a medical professional and avoid further issues with your urinary tract.
Kidney (renal) disease
Kidney (renal) disease causes the kidneys to not function or filter properly, leading to various health issues. One of the major causes of kidney disease is hematuria, which refers to blood in the urine and can be caused by a wide range of things, such as infection or inflammation of the kidneys or urinary tract, physical trauma to the urinary system, an enlarged prostate, medications that can damage the kidneys, nephrotic syndrome, and in rare cases tumors. Some causes of hematuria require immediate medical attention, so if you suspect that you may have this condition it's important to speak with a doctor promptly for diagnosis and treatment.
What are the signs and symptoms of hematuria?
One sign someone may have hematuria, or presence of blood in the urine, is visibly discolored urine. Depending on its concentration, hematuria can make the urine look pink to dark red. Other less visible symptoms some people with hematuria experience includes cloudy or foamy urine, low back pain that radiates down their lower abdomen, stomach pain, cramping and mild fever. Those who suffer from urinary tract infection may notice burning sensation when they urinate or need to urinate very frequently. Furthermore, men with bladder cancer often experience frequent and painful urination. If you feel as though you may have any of these symptoms it is important to consult a doctor who can properly investigate the situation.
How is hematuria diagnosed?
Hematuria is a condition in which red blood cells are present in the urine, often indicated by the presence of pink, red or cola-colored urine. This is usually a sign that something is wrong and it should always require medical attention. The first step to diagnosing hematuria is discussing any signs and symptoms with your doctor. Possible signs and symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, swollen ankles and frequent urinary tract infections. However, many people with hematuria may not exhibit any noticeable signs or symptoms. Once they have an understanding of what might be causing these abnormalities, a doctor will move forward with further testing such as urinalysis, imaging tests and lab work. Through this process they will be able to accurately diagnose the underlying cause of hematuria and begin treatment accordingly.
How is blood in urine treated?
Blood in urine, also known as hematuria, can often be a sign of a serious health problem. Treatment for blood in urine may vary depending on the cause, which can range from excessive exercise to something more severe, such as cancer or kidney disease. In cases when infection is the underlying cause, antibiotics will usually be prescribed. Other treatments may include medications to control blood pressure and other conditions that can contribute to hematuria. If a tumor or another growth is causing the bleeding, surgery or other medical procedures may be necessary. Overall, early diagnosis and treatment of any condition that is causing blood in urine are essential for successful management of this symptom.
Medications to treat causes of blood in urine
If you experience the symptom of blood in urine, it is important to receive medical attention as soon as possible. How is blood in urine treated? Often times, treatments are dependent on the cause. Medications can be prescribed depending on what has been determined to be causing the issue. For example, cancer and infection may require antibiotics or chemotherapy drugs to clear it up; whereas bladder stones may need medications to break down the hardened material that is causing irritation. In some cases, no medical treatment may be necessary. It is always most beneficial to follow your doctor’s orders throughout treatment so that the root causes of blood in urine can be better managed and reduce symptoms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hematuria is a serious condition that requires medical attention. Many factors can be attributed to its causes such as pre-existing medical conditions, injuries and trauma, or even medication side effects. It is important to pay close attention to the symptoms of this condition in order to seek proper treatment. It might be helpful to keep track of your urine color so you can better identify any changes should they occur. If you find yourself presenting with any of the listed symptoms then make sure to seek professional advice from your healthcare provider immediately. Remember that awareness and early recognition are essential for timely care and address if hematuria has occurred, thus preventing further complications in the future.
Please book an appointment with the Best Nephrologist in Pakistan, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find a verified doctor for your disease.
