Hematuria Causes: What You Need to Know
Hematuria refers to the presence of red blood cells in the urine. It can be categorized into two types: microscopic hematuria, which is detectable only under a microscope, and gross hematuria, where the urine appears visibly red or cola-colored.
So, what are the main causes of hematuria? There are various possible reasons, but most cases involve bleeding somewhere in the urinary tract, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. The bleeding could be due to infections, inflammation, tumors, and more. Below are the common hematuria causes:
- Glomerulonephritis
- Pyelonephritis
- Kidney stones
- Cystitis
- Prostatitis
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Thrombocytopenia
- Coagulation disorders
- Excessive exercise
- Excessive calcium intake
Recent Research on Glomerulonephritis and Pyelonephritis
According to the National Kidney Foundation, glomerulonephritis leads to inflammation in the kidney’s filters, contributing to chronic kidney disease worldwide. Pyelonephritis, a kidney infection, is responsible for over 250,000 hospitalizations annually in the U.S., according to the CDC.
Kidney Stones: A Major Cause of Hematuria
Kidney stones form when minerals and salts block the urinary tract. The American Urological Association reports that 12% of men and 5% of women will develop kidney stones during their lifetime. These stones are often detected through CT scans or ultrasounds.
Hematuria in Women: Cystitis is the Leading Cause
Although men can develop cystitis, women are more susceptible to this condition. Cystitis causes frequent urination, urgency, painful urination, and a sensation of incomplete bladder emptying. Blood in the urine or foul-smelling urine may also occur.
Why Women Are More Prone to Cystitis
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) explains that women are more prone to cystitis due to their shorter urethra, which allows bacteria to reach the bladder more easily. Studies show that 50% of women will experience at least one urinary tract infection (UTI) in their lifetime. Antibiotic resistance is becoming a growing concern, with up to 10% of UTIs in the U.S. caused by resistant bacteria.
Fortunately, cystitis can be treated effectively with antibiotics within 1 to 3 days. However, if left untreated, it can become chronic, requiring long-term medication and possibly spreading to the kidneys. It’s essential to seek medical attention when symptoms suggest cystitis.
Hematuria in Men: Kidney Stones and Prostatitis
Kidney stones, or urolithiasis, occur when crystals form in the urinary tract and obstruct the flow of urine. Men are 2 to 3 times more likely than women to experience kidney stones. Symptoms include flank pain, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal bloating, with blood in the urine.
According to NIDDK, 50% of kidney stone patients will experience a recurrence within 5 to 7 years. Treatment varies from medication to surgery, depending on the stone’s size and location.
Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate. Symptoms include frequent urination, urgency, difficulty urinating, back pain, fatigue, muscle aches, and chills. If untreated, prostatitis can lead to complications like sepsis but is treatable with antibiotics.
Prostatitis affects about 10-15% of men during their lifetime. The American Urological Association notes that prostatitis is a common cause of recurrent UTIs in men, and appropriate treatment can prevent serious complications.
Serious Causes: Bladder Cancer and Kidney Cancer
Excessive exercise, trauma to the abdomen, and high calcium intake can cause hematuria. In severe cases, hematuria may signal malignant tumors in the kidneys or urinary tract, such as bladder cancer.
Cancer often remains silent in its early stages, making early detection challenging. However, if pain starts to occur, it could mean the cancer has already spread. Any unusual symptoms should prompt testing.
Bladder Cancer: A Key Cause of Painless Hematuria
If you notice blood in your urine but experience no pain, it could be a sign of bladder cancer. Historically, men had a higher incidence, but women’s rates are increasing, largely due to the rise in smoking among women.
Smoking and Bladder Cancer
Research from the American Cancer Society reveals that bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers in the U.S., with an estimated 81,000 new cases in 2023. Smoking is the leading cause, as carcinogens in cigarette smoke are filtered through the kidneys and excreted in the urine, where they can cause cancer.
Conclusion: Hematuria Can Be Caused by Minor or Serious Conditions
Hematuria can result from conditions that are easy to treat or be a symptom of a life-threatening disease. If you experience any of the following, consult a urologist:
- Red or dark-colored urine
- Frequent urination (more than 8 times a day)
- Painful urination
- Urgency to urinate
- Pain in the sides or lower abdomen
- Swelling in the lower limbs
- Chronic fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
If conditions like cystitis or kidney stones are diagnosed, treatment is required. Adopting healthier lifestyle habits, such as quitting smoking, is essential.
Preventive Measures: Hydration and Regular Check-ups
Dehydration is another common cause of hematuria, especially in cystitis. Adults should drink 1.5 to 2 liters of water daily to maintain proper hydration. Dehydration reduces urine output, allowing urine to remain in the bladder longer, increasing the risk of infections, inflammation, stones, and tumors.
The best preventive measure is to get regular health check-ups. Conditions like cystitis and pyelonephritis can be easily diagnosed through urine and blood tests. If you notice blood in your urine, especially if visible, seek immediate medical evaluation.