Blood in urine: causes

by Alivia Nyhan
Published: Last Updated on

Hematuria, the medical term for urine in the blood, is often a very alarming symptom. Sometimes the amount of blood is so small that it can only be detected through a urinalysis, but in others, it is a visible condition during urination. If this sign occurs and ruling out those occasions in which the blood is the product of the menstrual period, it is essential to consult a doctor as soon as possible to determine the cause of this symptom. This condition is usually due to kidney problems or various pathologies in the urinary tract that can become complicated without proper treatment. In this FastlyHealarticle, we explain the leading causes of blood in urine while you go to your doctor for a complete check-up.

How serious is blood in urine?

When detecting blood in the urine, it is normal to feel alarmed, so the first step we must take is to make an appointment with our GP or a urologist as soon as possible. If among the symptoms there are signs of infection such as fever, pain, burning during urination, an urgent sensation to urinate, or pain in the side of the back, then the consultation must be emergency, as it is likely that it is an infection urinary or renal or kidney stones.

Some conditions, such as kidney stones themselves, are not considered severe. However, various alterations can cause hematuria and whose picture is serious, such as cancers, tumors, or kidney failure. Because we cannot determine the severity of the condition, it is always necessary to consult with a specialist quickly.

Infections or inflammation in the kidneys, bladder, or prostate

Infections or inflammation in organs such as the kidneys, the bladder, or the prostate is among the most common causes of blood in the urine, being in principle conditions that must be treated quickly but are not considered of maximum seriousness.

The common symptoms in these pictures are:

  • Cloudy urine
  • Urgent feeling to urinate frequently.
  • Difficulty urinating.
  • Pain or burning when urinating.
  • If the infection or inflammation in the kidney, there are cramps and discomfort in the belly area or the backside.
  • Symptoms may include fever if the disease is severe or has spread to the kidneys.

Faced with this condition, a doctor should be seen immediately to confirm the diagnosis and offer the most appropriate treatment.

Kidney or bladder stones

The formation of kidney stones or stones in the bladder is another pathology that commonly produces blood in the urine in adults. In principle, when the rocks are formed in the kidneys, there are no symptoms; the discomfort begins when the stone moves and goes down the urinary tract; at that time, there are signs such as:

  • Pain in the side of the back or abdominal area that may spread to the groin or testicles.
  • Cloudy and bloody urine.
  • In some cases, fever, vomiting, and nausea may occur.

On the other hand, when the stones are in the bladder, they begin to cause discomfort by obstructing the passage of urine, producing symptoms such as:

  • Pain when urinating
  • Pain in the abdominal area.
  • I need to urinate frequently.
  • Interrupted, cloudy and bloody urination.

In any of these cases, a doctor should be seen immediately to determine if the stones can dissolve independently or if an intervention is necessary.

Renal insufficiency

Kidney failure is a chronic and degenerative disease that occurs when the kidneys’ blood filtering system does not work correctly, gradually deteriorating until it stops working.

This disease progresses slowly, and in the early stages, the symptoms appear with pathologies such as arterial hypertension, decreased calcium levels, increased urine and fluid retention, problems with respiratory function, and, in more cases, advanced, ammonia-smelling breath and yellowing of the skin. This pathology requires immediate medical attention.

Kidney or bladder cancer

Among the most severe conditions that can cause blood in the urine are kidney or bladder cancer. Because it shares similar symptoms with infections and inflammation of the kidneys or bladder. It is essential to go to the doctor as soon as possible when presenting the first signs to rule out any of these conditions.

In our articles kidney cancer: causes, symptoms and treatment, and bladder cancer: causes, symptoms and treatment, we explain in detail the symptoms of both conditions.

Other causes that affect the kidneys or bladder

  • Polycystic kidney disease is a hereditary condition in which various cysts form in the kidneys, which increase their size and cause symptoms such as blood in the urine, abdominal or side pain, and excessive urination.
  • Kidney disease that develops after pharyngitis is caused by a strep infection. This is one of the most common causes of hematuria in children.
  • Injury to the kidneys or bladder.
  • Blood in the urine from surgery has touched the urinary tract, such as a kidney biopsy, circumcision, or catheterization.

Blood disorders that can produce this symptom

Once any kidney, bladder, or prostate problems have been ruled out, the specialist can determine if the blood in the urine is due to a hematologic condition that is causing bleeding. Among the most common causes of this type are:

  • A blood clot in the kidneys.
  • Low platelets.
  • Sickle cell anemia is an inherited condition.
  • Intake of anticoagulant medications.
  • Various bleeding disorders.

Aspects to consider

Before determining whether the blood is coming from the urine, it is essential to rule out conditions such as:

  • Blood from the vagina is common during a woman’s menstrual period.
  • Blood that comes from ejaculation; in our article causes of blood in semen, we explain why it happens.
  • Forced stool that causes anal bleeding.
  • Ingestion of medicines or foods that add reddish color to the urine, like beets.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Blood in urine: causes , we recommend that you enter our Kidneys and urinary system category .

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