Why Is Hematuria Associated With Kidney Stones

How Is Blood In Urine Treated

Treating blood in your urine depends strongly on the actual cause of the hematuria. Your provider will use the information collected from your medical history, physical exam and test results to work with you to find the best treatment.

Medications to treat causes of blood in urine

• For hematuria caused by infections, your provider will prescribe antibiotics. These antibiotics work by killing the bacteria causing the infection, which should stop the bleeding.
• For an enlarged prostate, urologists typically use two classes of medications to treat this condition: alpha-blockers and the 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors.
• For cancer, your provider will conduct treatment that best fits the stage and level of the disease and is in line with your goals of care. This may include surveillance, surgery, radiation, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or combinations of these options.
• For sickle cell disease, your provider may prescribe disease-modifying agents like hydroxyurea, pain medications, antibiotics and drugs that prevent blood cells from dying or forming into sickles.
• For kidney disease, your provider may prescribe several different types of medications. These may include diuretics, drugs to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and erythropoietin to build red blood cells if youre anemic.
• For endometriosis, your provider may suggest hormone-related medications.

Other ways to treat causes of blood in urine

How Is Hematuria Diagnosed

Physicians will run the proper tests to make an accurate diagnosis. Common tests include:

• Urinalysis: Laboratory examination of urine may reveal various cells and chemicals, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, infection or excessive protein.
• Blood tests: Laboratory examination of blood may reveal high levels of waste products, indicating kidney dysfunction.
• Cystoscopy: Also called cystourethroscopy. A scope, a flexible tube and viewing device, is inserted through the urethra to examine the bladder and urinary tract for structural abnormalities or obstructions, such as tumors or stones.
• CT or MR urogram: A series of images obtained with IV contrast focused on the abdomen and pelvis to evaluate the urinary tract. This is done to detect tumors, abnormalities, kidney stones or any obstructions, and to assess renal blood flow.
• Renal ultrasound: A test utilizing sound waves to evaluate the size, shape and contour of the kidneys and urinary-collecting system.

Hematuria: Blood In The Urine

Blood in the urine should never be ignored. This could be the first sign of a serious condition. In order to help your doctor with the correct diagnosis, you may try to provide details such as:

• Was it associated with pain?
• Did you see blood clots?
• What shape did the clots have?
• The color of the blood
• At what time during urination did you see blood in the urine ?

Blood in the urine can present in one of two ways:

• Gross hematuria

Both types can have serious causes.

Also Check: What Causes Kidney Enzymes To Be High

Why Is Hematuria Common With Kidney Stones

Hematuria is a illness condition in which there is blood in your urine. Most of causes can lead to hematuria. Kidney stones is the most common one. Several patients may wonder why hematruia common with kidney disease. If you have this doubt, you are welcomed to send email to . The renal experts from Shijiazhuang Hetaiheng Hospital will analyze it in details.

Kidney stones are one potential cause of blood in the urine. As the stones grow they may eventually become large enough to damage the lining of the kidney or the ureter and cause injury to the kidney cells and capillaries. Usually, kidney stones are usually associated with some degree of pain is they are causing hematuria. And this pain mainly depends on the location of kidney stone from the flanks to the groin. Kidney stones is the most common cause for hematuria, other condition also can contribute to hematuria, including urinary tract infection, kidney infections, bladder stones. If you are experiencing any change in the color of your urine, then you should go to see your doctor as soon as possible.

Routine urinalysis can confirm the presence of red blood cells in the urine.Most of people with hematuria do not have symptoms in the early stage. People with gross hematuria have urine that is pink red due to the presence of red blood cells.

Read Also: Can You Have 4 Kidneys

Horsetail Juice Provides Relief

Horsetail juice is widely used for kidney stone issues because of its amazing antibacterial and antioxidant properties. In addition to this, horsetail juice also has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the inflammation and provide relief from the pain of kidney stones. Also, horsetail juice significantly improves the volume and flow of urine and thus reduces the chances of urinary issues.

Don’t Miss: Is Lemonade Good For Your Kidneys

Polycystic Kidney Disease Diet

Although there is no specific diet for polycystic kidney disease, there are still some important aspects of diet to keep in mind to help maintain kidney health as a whole. A polycystic kidney disease diet should include:

• Low salt, sugar and fat
• Minimal alcohol
• Plenty of fruits and vegetables
• Moderate amounts of protein
• Lots of water and liquids

Aside from these diet tips, its also important to not smoke, use illegal drug and always remember to exercise for overall good health.

Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University . He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine , and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.

Also Check: Lithobalance

Burning Sensation While Urinating

When a kidney stone is about to exit the ureter and make its way into the bladder, excoriating burning can occur during urination. Unfortunately, this is likely to occur until the kidney stone passes. A urinary tract infection can also produce this feeling, so get a proper diagnosis from your doctor.

Recommended Reading: How To Pass Kidney Stones Naturally

Can A Large Kidney Stone Cause An Injury

Your risk of injury from a kidney stone can go up based on the size and location of the stone. A larger stone could get stuck in a ureter, causing pressure to build up. This can lead to renal failure and, in the worst-case scenario, you could lose your kidney. The chance of passing a 1 cm stone is less than 10%, and stones larger than 1 cm typically dont pass.

Tumours In The Bladder Or Kidney

The most common early sign of bladder cancer or kidney cancer is blood in the urine, usually without any other symptoms. However, the vast majority of people who have blood in their urine do not have cancer.

The outlook for people with bladder and kidney cancer is better the earlier it is diagnosed. It is therefore very important that certain people have tests to look for bladder cancer if they have blood in their urine. For example, a person aged over 45 years with no infection causing blood in their urine would be referred for tests. These may include an ultrasound scan or a procedure where a small thin telescope is passed into your bladder .

Dont Miss: Watermelon For Kidneys

Read Also: Does Gatorade Cause Kidney Stones

Pearls And Other Issues

Ultimately, the success of any kidney stone preventive treatment program will depend on the patient’s willingness to follow a long-term course of treatment that will involve some level of dietary modifications, medications, sacrifice, and change with no obvious immediate or noticeable benefits. Patients on treatment may still make stones, albeit fewer than otherwise. Patients may cheat on their therapies from time to time, and since they do not seem to pay any immediate price or penalty, many will revert to their previous diets and behaviors. Patients may also develop an over-reliance on drug therapy so they can minimize the dietary changes requested.

What Causes Small Blood Clots In Urine

Urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and prostate problems are common causes of small blood clots, which can sometimes look like coffee grounds. If you notice blood clots in your urine even small ones you should contact your doctor. Larger blood clots can block the flow of urine and cause discomfort, and theyre often a sign of a medical emergency.

If you notice different shapes of blood clots in your urine, such as a wormlike form, it may be a sign that you are experiencing bleeding from the urethra or prostate. If the clots are painful, they might be coming from the tubes that connect your kidneys to your bladder, known as ureters.

Read Also: Did George Lopez Have A Kidney Transplant

Diagnosis Of Kidney Stones

Many kidney stones are discovered by chance during examinations for other conditions. Urine and blood tests can help with finding out the cause of the stone. Further tests may include:

• ultrasound
• x-rays, including an intravenous pyelogram , where dye is injected into the bloodstream before the x-rays are taken.

Hematuria The Presence Of Red Blood Cells In The Urine Can Be Caused By A Number Of Different Conditions

Most of them are not serious and will quickly resolve themselves. Strenuous exercise and medications such as certain laxatives, aspirin and penicillin can allow blood to leak into the urine, for example, and these are problems that will go away on their own. Certain foods can give the urine a red, blood-like appearance that is nothing to worry about. But because hematuria can also be a symptom of a urinary tract infection or a more serious disorder, including kidney disease and cancer, it should never be ignored.

Read Also: How Fast Can Kidney Stones Form

Symptoms Of Kidney Stones

Many people with kidney stones have no symptoms. However, some people do get symptoms, which may include:

• a gripping pain in the back usually just below the ribs on one side, radiating around to the front and sometimes towards the groin. The pain may be severe enough to cause nausea and vomiting
• blood in the urine

Read Also: Is Ibuprofen Metabolized In The Kidneys Or Liver

Pressure Or Pain In The Lower Back

In some cases, a stone may become stuck in the ureter. The ureter is the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. A blockage here causes urine to back up in the kidney, resulting in pressure and pain sensations in the lower back. These symptoms may occur on the left or right side, depending on which kidney is affected.

According to the University of Chicago, pain or pressure are usually the first signs of a kidney stone. In some cases, the symptoms may be very subtle and build up slowly. In other cases, they may come on suddenly, with no early warning signs. This pain can be severe and may lead to nausea or vomiting, or both. People often experience sharp, stabbing pain, and common measures such as rest or lying down do not relieve it.

Don’t Miss: How Long Can A Kidney Stone Stay In The Bladder

When To See A Doctor

The symptoms of a kidney stone overlap with several different medical problems, all of which are usually a reason to be concerned. Even if you have already been diagnosed with a kidney stone, seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following:

• Your pain becomes intense enough that you cant sit still or get comfortable.
• The pain is accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
• There is blood in your urine.
• You are unable to pass any urine.
• The pain comes with fever and chills.

What Is The Urinary Tract

The urinary tract is the bodys drainage system for removing wastes and extra fluid. The urinary tract includes

• two kidneys
• the bladder
• the urethra

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist. They are located just below the rib cage, one on each side of the spine. Every day, the kidneys filter about 120 to 150 quarts of blood to produce about 1 to 2 quarts of urine, composed of wastes and extra fluid. Children produce less urine than adults. The urine flows from the kidneys to the bladder through tubes called ureters. The bladder stores urine until releasing it through urination. When the bladder empties, urine flows out of the body through a tube called the urethra at the bottom of the bladder.

Don’t Miss: How Much Advil Does It Take To Damage Kidneys

What Are The Causes Of Hematuria

There can be a number of different causes of blood in your urine, some more serious than others. These conditions can involve infections or stones, including:

• Urinary tract infection : This means that you have an infection in any part of your urinary system.
• Pyelonephritis: This describes an infection that has reached as far as your kidney.
• Cystitis: This condition refers to an inflamed bladder, which can have infectious and non-infectious causes.
• Urinary stone disease: This term describes stones found in your urinary system, including kidney stones, bladder stones and ureteral stones.

Other conditions leading to blood in urine may include:

• Enlarged prostate : In this non-cancerous condition, your prostate becomes larger. The prostate is a body part that produces semen.
• Injury to your urinary tract: You have blunt or penetrating trauma from accidents or assault.
• Menstruation: You may see blood in your urine when you have your period.
• Endometriosis: In this condition, fragments of the inner lining of the uterus grow in places other than inside the uterus.
• Kidney disease: With this chronic condition, damage to your kidneys means they dont work as well.
• Sickle cell disease: This inherited condition affects your red blood cells.

In addition to these other conditions, cells growing uncontrollably in certain body parts what we know as cancer can cause blood in your urine. These conditions include:

• Prostate cancer.

How Will I Know If I Have A Kidney Stone

To find out the size and type of kidney stone you have, your doctor may do tests, including:

• Blood tests to show if there is too much calcium or uric acid in your blood
• Urine tests to show the type of wastes that are in your urine. For this test, your doctor may ask you to collect your urine over two days.

• Imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, CT scan or X-ray, to show kidney stones in your urinary tract

If you get kidney stones often, your doctor may ask you to urinate through a strainer to catch stones that you pass. Your doctor will then find out what they are made of to decide what is causing your kidney stones and how to prevent them.

Don’t Miss: What Is The Treatment For Kidney Infection

Things You Probably Dont Know About Blood Tests

To determine the cause of blood in urine, your doctor will usually begin by discussing your medical history with you. They may ask if youve had any recent infections or have a family history of hematuria. You can prepare for your appointment by making a few notes about the color and odor of your urine, as well as how frequently youve been urinating and whether you experience any pain while urinating. You may want to take a photo of your discolored urine on your mobile phone that you can show to your doctor during your appointment.

Your doctor may also perform a number of tests. A urinalysis can detect microscopic hematuria and also test for a urinary tract infection or kidney stones. If a urinalysis does not determine the cause, your doctor may also perform a CT scan, an MRI, or an ultrasound. They may also want to examine the bladder and urethra via cystoscopy, where a tube with a camera attached is inserted into your bladder. Additional tests may include:

• Antinuclear antibody test

Dont Miss: Is Pomegranate Juice Good For Your Kidneys

When Should I See My Healthcare Provider

If you have symptoms related to microhematuria, such as pain or fever, give your healthcare provider a call or contact them electronically. If any symptom is severe, you may choose to go to an urgent care provider.

If youve had microhematuria before and you happen to notice symptoms of gross hematuria , contact your provider.

Read Also: How To Treat Kidney Cysts

How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed

The doctor will ask about:

• the symptoms and how long they’ve been going on
• your child’s diet
• whether your child could be dehydrated
• whether there’s a family history of kidney stones, or urinary or kidney problems

The doctor will do an exam and probably order:

• blood tests
• urine tests
• kidney function tests
• imaging tests, such as ultrasounds, X-rays, or CT scans. These can show a stone’s exact size and location. This helps doctors decide on the best treatment.

What Are The Tests For Hematuria

Adults who have microscopic hematuria with normal blood pressure and kidney function should have their urine checked over several months.

If blood in the urine continues:

• A kidney ultrasound may be performed.
• Urine should be checked for protein and may be checked for calcium and creatinine .
• Blood test to determine kidney function and other tests may be performed.
• If all tests are negative, and blood remains in the urine, yearly checkups should be done.

Adults who have microscopic hematuria with high blood pressure, abnormal blood tests, a family history of kidney disease or high levels of protein in the urine may need to have a kidney biopsy.

Don’t Miss: Is Advil Toxic To Kidneys