What is the Most Common Cause of Blood in Urine?
Drops of blood in the urine or a pinkish urine can be daunting. But blood in the urine, also called hematuria, can be harmless. Don’t panic. It can be a side-effect of a medication or simply a food you’ve eaten that may change the urine color. Menstruating women can see blood in the urine during periods. That said, this medical condition can also indicate a serious illness. It’s best to see a hematuria treatment doctor in Navi Mumbai to rule out any underlying condition. In the meantime, let’s explore some common causes of hematuria.
Common Causes of Blood in Urine
1) Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs):
It occurs when bacteria enter your bladder through the urethra and multiply. This can lead to a urinary tract infection, which can cause blood in the urine, a burning sensation while urinating, a foul smell, and a frequent urge to urinate. See a doctor if you notice these symptoms.
2) Kidney Stones:
Minerals in your body can form crystals that vary in size. Small stones may pass on their own through urine, while larger ones may require medical treatment (surgical removal in some cases). Kidney stones can cause blood in the urine, which may or may not be visible to the naked eye.
3) Bladder or Kidney Infection:
The infection can travel through the urethra to the bladder and kidneys, worsening the symptoms. If the infection spreads, you can catch a fever and experience pain in the back and groin.
4) Cancer:
Hematuria can also be a sign of kidney, bladder, or prostate cancer, especially if visible.
When to See a Doctor
Hematuria may not indicate anything serious, but it’s best to see a healthcare provider to identify the root cause of the issue. See a urologist immediately if you notice:
- Blood clots or heavy bleeding
- Blood in the urine that persists for weeks
- Fever
- Pain in the back or sides
- Other unusual symptoms
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Urinalysis is a common test to detect active infection in the urinary tract or kidney inflammation. Your doctor may also recommend a blood test to obtain your blood count and assess your kidney function. Based on your symptoms, an ultrasound might be needed to detect kidney stones or tumors.
Blood in urine (hematuria) treatment in Navi Mumbai is decided based on your diagnosis. You will have to start a course of antibiotics if you test positive for a bacterial infection. Kidney stones can be passed through your urine or surgically removed. Your doctor will prescribe painkillers to manage your symptoms. For more severe conditions like cancer, a combination of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy might be required.
Prevention Tips
Some lifestyle changes and hygiene habits can prevent medical illnesses that can cause hematuria. Here’s what may help:
- Keeping yourself hydrated will prevent UTIs and kidney stones
- Start small and gradually work your way up to the high-intensity exercises.
- Practice proper hygiene after urinating and passing a bowel.
- Quit smoking
With these tips, you can mitigate the risk of hematuria.