Blood in Urine and UTI

Blood in urine, also known as hematuria, can be gross or visible. The blood can be visible to the eyes which is called gross hematuria, or it can be microscopic hematuria. The blood in urine can be in the form of light pink to red colored clots in case of gross hematuria. The quantity of blood in urine can vary, but the diagnosis for all of them is same. In addition, gross hematuria can be easily detected as it is visible to the naked eye. However, this is not the case with microscopic hematuria. In microscopic hematuria, especially, when it is painless hematuria, only a periodic medical check up can help make the diagnosis. Now, you must be wondering the internal reasons of bleeding and where does the bleeding exactly occur. The answer is, that the bleeding can take place anywhere along the urinary tract, kidneys ureters, urethra or bladder. However, what causes bloody urine and how blood in urine and UTI are related? Is it only because of kidney diseases? Let us try to find out the answer.

Causes of Blood in Urine

The urinary tract is made of two kidneys, two ureters, a urethra and bladder. The function of the kidneys is to remove the excess fluid in the body along with waste products. This fluid is collected in the bladder through hollow tubes called ureters. In hematuria, there is a leakage of blood in this urinary tract. The reason for this leakage can be anything as specified below. Hence, the list of causes of blood in urine are as follows:

• Urinary tract infections (UTI)
• Kidney infections
• Excessive Exercise
• Drugs and Medications
• Kidney stones
• Kidney Cancer
• Enlarged prostate

Symptoms of Blood in Urine and UTI

Urinary tract infection is the infection of the urinary tract and is mostly seen in women as compared to men, although cases of blood in urine in children are also reported. There are different conditions which cause urinary tract infection, including cystitis, urethritis, vaginitis and irritable bladder. Thus, if any organ related to the urinary tract gets infected, it causes urinary tract infection. The main reason for urinary tract infection is bacteria. Many a time, bacteria can enter the body through the rectal area, and these bacteria multiply and cause urinary tract infection. Also, the symptoms of urinary tract infection can occur after sexual activity, however, this is not the case every time. The symptoms of urinary tract infection which may accompany hematuria are as follows:

• Cloudy urine
• Dark urine color, mostly red or brown
• Fever
• Strong urge of urination
• Frequent urination
• High fever
• Severe side flank and back pain
• Pelvic pressure
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Discomfort in the lower abdomen

This was about blood in urine, UTI being the most common cause of it. However, every time blood in urine is not a symptom of UTI. Urinary tract infections must be treated promptly, especially if it is a case of blood in urine during pregnancy, otherwise, it may lead to chronic kidney diseases and can damage your kidneys. Kidney damage due to untreated UTI is a common problem in older adults and children. Drink plenty of fluids and water and wear clean inner wear to avoid any bacteria causing UTI. So, maintain hygiene and stay healthy to avoid infections!