10 causes of blood in the urine

In medical terminology, hematuria means blood in the urine and is a common health problem. It may originate from any organ of the urinary tract, called the urinary system. These organs are the kidneys, ureters ( tubes between the kidneys and bladder ), bladder ( urinary reservoir ) and urethra ( the channel connecting the bladder to outside the body ).

Blood in the urine is assessed in 2 forms

1. Visible blood in urine ( macroscopic hematuria ): Bleeding visible to the eye that turns urine red is called macroscopic hematuria.
2. Invisible blood in urine ( microscopic hematuria): Sometimes the amount of blood is too small to see. In this condition, called microscopic hematuria or dipstick-positive hematuria, blood is detected with special tests.

Blood in the urine may indicate the health problems listed below; the necessary medical precautions and treatment should be provided.

causes of blood in the urine

Urinary tract infection

Also known as cystitis, this infection generally affects young women, although it also occurs in men.

Symptoms and complaints caused by cystitis

• Bloody urine
• Burning during urination
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Lower abdominal pain

It is often mild and may resolve spontaneously within a few days.

If fever and severe flank pain accompany these symptoms, it may become a more complicated infection called pyelonephritis, sometimes requiring hospital treatment. Drinking plenty of water is important in cystitis.

Urethritis

Infection of the urethra, the channel connecting the bladder to outside the body, is called urethritis. It generally results from a sexually transmitted infection and can be treated with antibiotics.

Strenuous exercise

Although the exact causes are unknown, strenuous exercise may strain the body; bladder trauma, dehydration ( lack of body water ) or breakdown of red blood cells may cause blood in the urine. Long-distance runners are the most susceptible athletes, although it can sometimes occur in others.

Bladder or kidney stones

Kidney or bladder stones are common and cause very severe pain. If a kidney stone becomes lodged in the ureters, channels approximately 5 mm in diameter carrying urine between the kidneys and bladder, it causes severe stone pain called renal colic, and bleeding in the urine may occur. Small stones can be passed by drinking plenty of water. Larger stones may require fragmentation or surgery.

Kidney injuries

Accidents or injuries may cause urinary tract bleeding. Most cases may resolve over time, or bleeding can be stopped surgically.

Glomerulonephritis

The blood-filtering part of the kidneys can undergo inflammation , called nephritis, which is one cause of blood in the urine. It is more common in children and young people. Treatment varies according to how nephritis developed (for example, infection or certain medicines).

Benign enlargement of the prostate gland

Common in older men, this is swelling of the prostate gland that puts pressure on the bladder. Benign prostatic hyperplasia ( BPH ) is the name of this condition, which causes difficulty urinating and frequent urination as well as blood in the urine. Men with it should be careful about consuming products containing alcohol and caffeine.

Cancers affecting the urinary tract

In men, finding blood in the urine may indicate prostate cancer; in women and men, it may indicate bladder or kidney cancer. Early detection and diagnosis are vital in treating these diseases. Bladder cancers in %80 of cases present with visible, painless blood in the urine as a cancer symptom.

Inherited diseases

Blood in the urine may indicate certain inherited diseases, including polycystic kidney disease, hemophilia, sickle cell anemia and some blood clotting disorders. Familial benign hypocalciuric hypercalcemia is a less harmful inherited disease detected only by a urine dipstick test.

Diet or medication

Some foods, such as beets, can turn urine pinkish-reddish. This is completely harmless. Antibiotics such as rifampicin and nitrofurantoin, or laxatives, can also turn urine reddish-brown without causing urinary bleeding. If bleeding appears as a side effect of other medicines, a doctor should be consulted.

In conclusion

if you see blood in your urine with or without pain, experience recurrent or persistent urinary tract infections, or have burning or pain during urination, it is useful to see a specialist and undergo the necessary tests.