What are the causes of blood in urine?
1. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI):
- UTIs are bacterial infections that can affect the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra.
- They can cause inflammation and irritation, leading to the presence of red blood cells (RBCs) in the urine.
2. Kidney Disease:
- Various kidney diseases, such as glomerulonephritis, interstitial nephritis, or kidney stones, can cause damage to the filtering units (glomeruli) or tubules in the kidneys.
- This damage can allow RBCs to leak into the urine.
3. Urinary Tract Stones:
- Kidney stones or bladder stones can obstruct the flow of urine, causing pressure and injury to the urinary tract.
- This can lead to bleeding and the presence of RBCs in the urine.
4. Prostate Problems:
- In men, an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) or prostate cancer can put pressure on the urethra, affecting urine flow.
- This can cause irritation, inflammation, and bleeding, resulting in blood in the urine.
5. Medications and Toxins:
- Certain medications, such as anticoagulants (blood thinners) or some antibiotics, can cause the urine to turn red or pink.
- Exposure to certain toxins, like heavy metals or harsh chemicals, can also cause hematuria.
6. Trauma or Injury:
- Physical injury or trauma to the kidneys, ureters, or bladder can result in bleeding and blood in the urine.
7. Urethral Stricture:
- A urethral stricture occurs when the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body, becomes narrow or obstructed.
- This can cause difficulty urinating and lead to hematuria.
8. Cancer:
- In rare cases, blood in the urine can be a sign of bladder cancer or kidney cancer.
It's important to consult a healthcare professional if you notice blood in your urine, as it can help determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment or further evaluation.