Blood in the urine or hematuria is a medical condition that indicates the presence of blood cells in your urine. You can have visible hematuria, i.e., your urine might turn red, pink, or other dark colors. Or, it could be microscopic (the blood cells might not be visible to you) but can be identified by a urine test recommended by a urologist in Navi Mumbai. In this post, we’ll discuss the different causes of hematuria.
Common Causes of Blood in Urine
Usually, when your kidneys make urine, they do not include blood cells. In people with a urinary tract issue, the blood cells might leak into the urine. Here’s why it occurs:
a) Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Bacteria can enter the urethra and bladder, where they multiply, leading to an infection. UTIs can cause hematuria, a burning sensation while urinating, a frequent urge to urinate, and a strong, unusual odor in urine.
b) Kidney Stones
An imbalance in the minerals in your urine can form hard crystals, which eventually turn into stones. These can be different sizes and might be in your bladder or kidneys. They might not cause symptoms unless they get stuck in the ureters or other parts of your urinary tract and block urine flow. They can also cause blood in the urine.
c) Bladder or Kidney Infections
UTIs occur in the lower urinary tract but can sometimes affect the upper part, i.e., your kidneys. If the bacteria reaches your kidneys, they might cause inflammation in the urinary tract and weaken the blood vessels. Hematuria can occur when the blood vessels break, leaking blood into your urine.
Less Common Causes
Here are a few other potential causes of hematuria.
i) Enlarged Prostate
This is a common urinary issue in men over 50. As the prostate gland grows, it puts pressure on the surrounding organs, including the bladder. This can lead to symptoms like blocked urine flow, a constant urge to pee, and hematuria. Blood might also occur due to the fragile blood vessels that tend to break under the pressure of the prostate.
ii) Genetic Diseases
Sickle Cell Anemia and other inherited blood disorders can lead to visible blood in the urine or blood drops that are too small to be seen by the naked eye.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Visit a healthcare provider to discuss the most viable blood in urine (hematuria) treatment in Navi Mumbai. While it may be harmless and not a major issue in some cases, hematuria can also indicate a serious underlying problem that requires immediate medical attention. See a urologist if you experience these symptoms:
- A considerable amount of blood in your urine
- Fever and nausea
- Pain in the back
- Blocked urine flow or frequent urge to urinate
Conclusion
Hematuria isn’t a disease in itself but a symptom that may point to an underlying health issue. It can occur as a sole symptom or accompanied by other potential issues, such as back pain, difficulty urinating, or incontinence. A urologist can diagnose the cause of hematuria and plan the most suitable treatment for your case.