“Blood in Urine? ⚠️ जानिए Hematuria के Causes और Risk Factors! | Dr. Arif Akhtar”

Hematuria (Blood in Urine): Causes, Risk Factors & When to Seek Medical Help | Dr. Arif Akhtar

The presence of blood in urine, medically termed hematuria, is a significant clinical symptom that can indicate a range of underlying conditions, from benign to life-threatening. Hematuria may be gross (visible to the naked eye) or microscopic (detected only under a microscope during routine urine examination). While it may sometimes occur without pain or other symptoms, it is crucial to identify its cause to rule out serious health concerns.

What Causes Hematuria?

Hematuria can originate from any part of the urinary tract, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, prostate (in males), and urethra. Some of the key causes include:

???? Infections – Urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney infections (pyelonephritis), and prostatitis can lead to blood in the urine.
???? Kidney and Bladder Stones – Hard deposits of minerals can cause irritation and bleeding.
???? Trauma or Injury – Any injury to the kidneys, bladder, or urethra can lead to hematuria.
???? Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) – Enlargement of the prostate gland in older males may lead to hematuria.
???? Cancer – Hematuria is often a warning sign of bladder cancer, kidney cancer, or prostate cancer, especially in smokers and older individuals.
???? Glomerular Diseases – Kidney disorders like IgA nephropathy, lupus nephritis, or post-infectious glomerulonephritis can cause microscopic hematuria.
???? Blood Disorders – Conditions like hemophilia, sickle cell disease, or clotting abnormalities can lead to blood in the urine.
???? Certain Medications – Blood thinners (anticoagulants like warfarin, aspirin), chemotherapy drugs, and some antibiotics may cause hematuria.
???? Exercise-Induced Hematuria – Intense physical activity, especially long-distance running, can sometimes cause temporary blood in urine.

Who is at Risk?

Certain individuals are at a higher risk of developing hematuria due to:

✅ Age – Older adults have a higher risk of bladder and kidney cancers.
✅ Smoking – Strongly linked to bladder cancer, one of the most common causes of hematuria.
✅ Family History – Genetic predisposition to kidney disease or cancer can increase risk.
✅ Frequent UTIs or Kidney Stones – Recurrent infections or stone formation may predispose to chronic hematuria.
✅ Exposure to Toxins – Industrial chemicals, dyes, and long-term radiation exposure can increase bladder cancer risk.
✅ Uncontrolled Hypertension & Diabetes – These conditions can lead to kidney damage, causing microscopic hematuria.

When Should You See a Urologist?

⚠️ Immediate evaluation is necessary if you notice:
✔️ Persistent or recurrent blood in urine
✔️ Blood clots in urine
✔️ Associated symptoms like burning sensation, pain, fever, or weight loss
✔️ Family history of kidney or bladder cancer

How is Hematuria Diagnosed?

A comprehensive evaluation includes:
✔️ Urine Analysis & Culture – To check for infection, protein, or abnormal cells.
✔️ Blood Tests – To assess kidney function and rule out systemic diseases.
✔️ Imaging (Ultrasound, CT Scan, MRI, or Cystoscopy) – To detect stones, tumors, or structural abnormalities in the urinary tract.
✔️ Urine Cytology & Biopsy – To check for cancerous cells in the urine or tissue samples.

Conclusion

Hematuria is not a disease but a warning sign of an underlying condition. While some causes may be harmless, others require urgent medical attention. Early detection through proper evaluation can prevent serious complications, including kidney failure or cancer progression.

For expert consultation and advanced urological care, visit:
???? www.drarifakhtarurology.com
???? Contact: +91 8130131982