Alert - blood in the urine

Hematuria is the presence of blood in the urine. Specific issues with kidneys or any part of the urinary tract can lead to the presence of blood in the urine.

 Blood in the urine can be observed in two ways :

• Gross hematuria - blood that can be seen with naked eyes
• Microscopic hematuria - blood that is visible only when examined under the microscope 

Causes of hematuria 

 If there are issues with the kidneys or urinary tract, then it causes blood in the urine. There are various other reasons as well, such as:

• Urinary tract infections - urinary infections are caused when the bacteria enter the urethra and multiply in the bladder. This could cause severe pain, burning sensation while urinating, urge to urinate often, and foul smell from urine.
• Kidney stone - minerals in the urine might form crystals on the walls of the kidney or bladder. Sometimes these crystals will become severe and hard stones. If the stones are small, it is painless but sometimes would lead to severe pain and causes either gross or microscopic bleeding.
• Kidney infections - when bacteria enter from bloodstream or ureters to kidneys, pyelonephritis, or kidney infections begin. Symptoms are similar to bladder infections plus might get fever and flank pain.
• Cancer - gross hematuria could be a sign of prostate, bladder, or kidney cancer. It will be a challenge to find early signs.
• Enlarged prostate gland - prostate gland is just below the bladder and above the urethra. It might get enlarged for men when they are in their middle age. It blocks the urine flow by compressing the urethra. It will be difficult to urinate and can cause either gross or microscopic hematuria.
• Injuries - any injury caused on the kidney due to accidents or sports activity can also cause urine in blood.
• Heavy exercises - it is a rare scenario when the body is dehydrated, under trauma, or the breakdown of red blood cells can cause urine in the blood, which is visible.
• Medications - certain medicines will have side effects that would lead to other issues, especially medications used to treat cancer.

Medical care

Sometimes medications can treat urinary tract infections and prescribed antibiotics for the enlarged prostate gland. Shock wave therapy will be used to treat kidney or bladder stones, but in some instances, no treatment is needed. 

Treatment will be recommended based on the cause of bleeding. The reason could be anything, but if blood clots block the urine flow, then doctors would insert a tube to the bladder and will try to clear out the blood clots.

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Blog Reviewed By: Dr.Muthu Veeramani
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What You Need To Know About Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infections are the most common type of infections that affect the lower urinary system (Urethra and Bladder). Upper urinary tract infections are less frequent and more severe that involves kidney and ureters. Women are more predominantly prone to urinary infection in comparison with men, at least 1 in 3 women will have an episode of UTI during their lifetime. 

Causes

The primary cause of the urinary tract infection is the bacteria name Escherichia Coli that is present in the digestive system. The bacteria escape from the anus to the urethra when we use the washroom due to their proximity to the location. If left untreated they have a chance of traveling even to the kidney. There are three types of urinary infections based on the place they affect- Bladder infection, Urethra infection and Kidney infection.

The factors which can alleviate an individual's conditions of contracting infection might include Age, pregnancy, weak immune system, diabetes, poor personal hygiene, menopause, and sexual intercourse.

 

Symptoms

Urinary tract infections don't always cause signs and symptoms, but when they do, they may include

• A Burning feeling during urination
• A frequent or intense urge to urinate
• Urine that appears cloudy with a strong, pungent smell
• Pain or pressure in your back or lower abdomen
• Fever or chill (a sign the infection may have reached your Kidneys)
• Blood in the urine 

Diagnosis

Based on the symptoms, the doctor would recommend a urine test to detect the presence of bacteria or white blood cells in the urine. He may also suggest a urine culture test to detect the presence of bacteria or fungi that help to identify the cause of infection and to choose the right treatment.

 

Treatment

There are two types of treatments available based on whether the infection is simple or complicated.

Simple UTI: These are the infections that can be treated with a short course of antibiotics as they are uncomplicated and mild.

Complicated UTI: These require a more extended dose of antibiotics. Sometimes the antibiotic therapy may be started intravenously in the hospital. Kidney infections are an example of complicated urinary infection.

Prevention

 

To prevent the reoccurrence of urinary tract infections, individuals should drink more fluids, especially water. They should not hold urine for an extended period, urinate after sex, and keep their genitals clean.

For early diagnosis and effective treatment for urological problems contact South India Institute for Urology and Transplant (SIIUT). One of the leading and trusted urology hospital in Chennai.

Visit Us: siiut.com
Blog Reviewed By: Dr.Muthu Veeramani
Mail Us: urologyhospital123@gmail.com
Book an appointment: siiut.com/book-appointment