What are the causes of blood in urine? What should be done in these situations?
The presence of blood in the urine is one of the most dangerous signs that can even lead you to death. There are many causes of blood in urine, but each of them is considered a big threat to your health. In this article, we intend to introduce you to these factors. Follow along with Dr. Salam.
Red blood cells are responsible for the red color of blood. We need red blood cells to carry oxygen in the bloodstream. Red blood cells also help remove carbon dioxide from the tissues and send it to the lungs to leave the body. A high number of red blood cells in the urine may be abnormal, especially if the blood is visible to the naked eye.
Red blood cells in the urine: hematuria
The presence of red blood cells in the urine is known as hematuria in the medical world. There are two main types of hematuria, which include:
Visible hematuria
As it is known, this type of hematuria can also be seen with the naked eye. This means that there are enough red blood cells in the urine that a microscope is not needed to detect blood. The color of the urine may be pink, red-brown, red, tea-colored, or purple-red. This condition is not normal and requires medical advice.
Microscopic hematuria
This type of hematuria is not visible to the naked eye. It can only be diagnosed using a microscope or a urine strip test. If the urine dipstick test shows the presence of blood, the urine sample is examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of red blood cells in the urine. Microscopic hematuria can be as dangerous as visible hematuria, and even more so because it can go unnoticed for a long time.
What are the reasons for the presence of red blood cells in the urine?
Various reasons can cause blood in the urine. In the following, we will learn more about some of the best of them.
infection
A urinary tract infection often causes an increase in the number of red blood cells in the urine. The infection can involve any part of the urinary tract, including the kidneys, ureters, or bladder. Bacteria that enter the urinary tract from the outside can penetrate the urinary tract. This condition causes increased discomfort, burning sensation during urination and frequent urination. Visible or microscopic hematuria can occur as a result of these conditions.
Stones in the urinary tract
Stones formed from minerals can crystallize in the urinary tract. It is possible to form stones in the kidney, ureter, or bladder. If the size of the stone is large, it can block the flow of urine, irritate the mucous membrane of the urinary tract, and cause hematuria caused by inflammation.
Prostate enlargement
Prostate enlargement only occurs in men who are at least middle-aged. An enlarged prostate irritates the urethra. In this situation, there is a possibility of difficulty in urinating and waking up at night to urinate, and it can also cause the presence of blood in the urine.
kidney Diseases
Renal diseases are not as common as other causes that can be seen in the urine. Kidneys can suffer from inflammation that causes bleeding in the urinary tract. You can have primary kidney disease or secondary kidney diseases, such as those caused by diabetes mellitus. Children can develop post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, which begins with strep throat. These conditions can cause inflammation of the kidneys and the presence of blood in the urine.
Urinary cancer
Cancer of the prostate, kidneys or bladder may lead to bleeding in the urinary tract. These conditions usually occur in severe cases of cancer and can be the first sign of urinary tract cancer.
medicines
Some medications can lead to seeing blood in the urine. These drugs include blood thinners such as warfarin and heparin, aspirin, cyclophosphamide, and penicillin.
Rare reasons
Some rare diseases such as Alport syndrome, hemophilia, and sickle cell anemia can lead to blood in the urine. If you exercise too much or experience kidney damage, you may experience hematuria.
Do you need to see a doctor?
Whenever you see blood in your urine, you should see a doctor and do a urine test to determine the exact cause of this condition. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, do an exam, and run tests to find out why there is blood in your urine. These tests may include urinalysis, various blood tests, cystoscopy, kidney ultrasound, kidney biopsy, and CT scan of the urinary tract. It is not necessary to do all the tests.
What can you do to treat hematuria?
There is no specific treatment for hematuria. Instead, the doctor will identify the cause of the condition and treat it accordingly. You may need antibiotics or treatments to remove urinary tract stones. In rare cases, it may be necessary to see a specialist such as an endocrinologist or blood disorder specialist.
If there is no serious and worrisome issue, treatment will not be needed. Your doctor will monitor your condition and check your blood pressure every three to six months, especially if the problem is caused by bladder cancer.