Blood in Urine (Haematuria) – Symptoms, Causes, and Risk Factors

Blood in the urine, or haematuria, is a condition that can range from being a normal occurrence to being a sign of a serious medical issue. Although it does not always mean a serious issue, haematuria must not be ignored. It is important to know the types, symptoms, causes, and risk factors of this condition to make timely diagnosis and treatment possible. This article gives a complete picture of haematuria, its symptoms, possible causes, and risk factors, to enable people to better know when to consult a doctor.

What are different types of Haematuria?

Basically, there are two different types of Haematuria, it is based whether blood is seen in the urine or not:

1. Gross Haematuria: It is characterised by the visible presence of blood in the urine, which may be pink, red, or brown in colour. Blood clots might also be seen in certain cases. The quantity of blood depends, and it can be small but is enough to alter the colour of the urine considerably. Gross haematuria tends to be more startling to people since they can see it at once.
2. Microscopic Haematuria: In this form, the blood is not visible to the naked eye and can only be seen under a microscope during a urine test. Even though it is not overt, microscopic haematuria may still signify an underlying health condition and must be evaluated by a doctor.
Both forms of haematuria require a doctor’s visit to establish the cause and necessary treatment. Either a private blood test or urinalysis can diagnose the cause and direct the course of treatment.

Symptoms Associated with Haematuria

Symptoms of haematuria may differ based on cause. when haematuria is severe, one of the most certain symptoms is the colour of the urine. It can be from pale pink to red.

These are some of the following symptoms that can be present:

• Abdominal pain: Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis may occur, especially if the haematuria is caused by an infection of the bladder or kidney.
• Fever: Fever is a symptom of an infection, such as a bladder or kidney infection that could be the cause of the haematuria.
• Weakness of the urine: Difficulty urinating or weak stream is indicative of enlarged prostate or obstruction of the urinary tract.
• Painful urination: Pain or burning during urination is commonly seen with urinary tract infections (UTIs) or kidney stones.
• Urinary urgency: Urinary urgency can be frequent and urgent with haematuria, especially when infections of the bladder or prostate cause it.
• Flank pain: Side and lower back pain, close to the kidneys, can suggest kidney stones, infections, or other kidney disorders.If you note any of these symptoms, most importantly blood that is visible in the urine, it is extremely important to visit a doctor quickly.

When to Visit a Doctor

Though haematuria is indicated by the presence of blood in the urine most clearly, there are some conditions under which one must visit a doctor immediately. These include:

• Persistent or repeated blood in the urine, even if microscopic.
• Severe abdominal, back, or pelvic pain.
• Trouble urinating or inability to urinate.
• Fever or chills, which can signal an infection.
• Incidental weight loss or weakness, which can be symptoms of an underlying condition like cancer.Early treatment and diagnosis are necessary to avoid complications and treat the cause of haematuria.

Causes of Haematuria

Haematuria may be due to a variety of reasons, both in men and women. Self-diagnosis is to be avoided and medical assessment needs to be done to find out the definite cause. The most common reasons for haematuria are:

1. Kidney Infections (Pyelonephritis): This is when the bacteria migrate into the kidneys, either from ureters or from the bloodstream, and result in infection. Symptoms are typically similar to a bladder infection but may also include fever and flank pain.

2. Bladder Infections: Also referred to as cystitis, bladder infection occurs when bacteria enter the urethra and replicate twice in the bladder. Adults develop symptoms like pain on passing urine, urgency to pass urine, and pain in the lower abdomen. Symptoms for infants might involve fever and restlessness.

3. Kidney Stones: These are mineral and salt deposits that harden in the kidneys or bladder. Small stones might pass with no symptoms, but large stones can result in severe pain, obstructions, and haematuria. The pain is usually sharp and crampy, most often arising in the lower back or abdomen.

4. Enlarged Prostate: In males, an enlarged prostate gland can press against the urethra, resulting in urinary retention and haematuria. The condition, which is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), occurs in older men and can also lead to the need to urinate frequently and to urinary tract infections.

5. Kidney Disease: Inflammation of the kidney’s filtering machinery, or glomerulonephritis, is one cause of microscopic haematuria. It may be part of systemic disease like diabetes or autoimmune diseases.

6. Cancer: Haematuria may be a sign of kidney, bladder, or prostate cancer. Most of these cancers do not produce early symptoms, so regular checkups and screenings are important for early detection.

7. Genetic Disorders: Some genetic disorders, including sickle cell anaemia or Alport syndrome, can lead to haematuria. A family history of kidney disease or renal disorders may pose a risk.

8. Drugs: Certain drugs, such as anticoagulants such as aspirin and some antibiotics, may produce blood in the urine. Moreover, medications such as phenazopyridine and rifampin may discolour urine, giving it a red or orange colour.

9. Kidney Damage: Injury or trauma to the kidneys, for example, due to a fall or accident, can result in blood visible in the urine.

10. Intense Exercise: In rare cases, intense exercise can lead to haematuria, possibly due to dehydration or damage to the bladder.

Risk Factors for Haematuria

Even though haematuria is a condition that may affect anybody, there are certain factors which may increase its chances. They include:

• Age: Men over the age of 50 years are more likely to develop an enlarged prostate, which in itself might lead to haematuria.
• Severe Exercise: Competitive athletes or individuals who engage in strenuous physical activities may be at higher risk for exercise-induced haematuria.
• Drugs: Use of certain drugs, including blood thinner drugs or antibiotics, may contribute to the development of haematuria.
• Infections: History of urinary tract or kidney infections may predispose individuals to haematuria.
• Family History: A family history of kidney disease, kidney stones, or inherited disease such as sickle cell anaemia may increase the risk.

Conclusion

Haematuria or the presence of blood in urine is a complaint that should not be overlooked under any circumstances. It may occasionally be benign but on other occasions represents a sign of a severe condition, like infection, kidney stone, or cancer. Familiarity with haematuria’s types, presentation, causes, and risk factors is essential in order to receive timely diagnosis and treatment. If you see blood in your urine or have any associated symptoms, you should seek the evaluation of a medical professional. Early detection can lead to treatment of the underlying cause and avoidance of possible complications.