Hematuria - An Early Sign of Kidney Problem

Are you passing blood in urine? It can be amongst those early signs that your kidneys are not functioning properly or there is a problem in the urinary tract. This condition is called hematuria and it can be of two types:

Gross hematuria where you can see blood clearly in the urine. In the other type of hematuria, traces of blood are present but can be seen only under a microscope, it is called as microscopic hematuria.

What causes hematuria?

There are many causes that can lead to hematuria but some of the main causes are:

1. Urinary tract infections (UTIs): UTIs are very common in both men and women. They are often associated with painful urination and traces of blood in urine.

2. Pyelonephritis or kidney infections: This condition is generally a complication of UTI, when the infection increases from bladder to kidneys. The symptoms of UTI and pyelonephritis are similar including that of passing urine in blood.

3. Kidney stones: They often cause pain when passing through the tract and may also lead to hematuria in some cases.

4. Enlarged prostate: Passing blood in urine is one of the most common symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Prostate enlargement could be because of infection or cancer.

5. Kidney disease: Glomerulonephritis is the first stage of kidney failure. In this condition, there is an inflammation of kidney cells. Microscopic hematuria is a common symptom of this condition.

6. Cancer: Any kind of cancer related to kidney, bladder or prostate can cause hematuria.

7. Inherited diseases: Some inherited or genetic diseases like sickle cell anemia and Alport syndrome can also cause hematuria.

8. Kidney injury: Any kind of injury to kidney due to an accident or sports injury or trauma can lead to blood in your urine.

9. Medications: Some medications that are used to treat cancer or anticoagulants used for treating cardiac problems can also cause hematuria.

10. Vigorous exercise: Some exercises like running or sprinting may lead to hematuria. These exercises can cause trauma to the bladder, dehydration or the breakdown of red blood cells.

Hematuria can be a serious condition and should not be taken lightly. You should consult a doctor immediately and he/she might suggest a few tests.