Hematuria is the medical name of what is commonly known as bloody urine. It s an unpleasant and particularly painful feeling where the discharge of urine from your system is either cola coloured with blood clots or just a light shade of pink. It varies in visibility, that is, it can either appear to the naked eye or it may only appear under a microscope when a sample is examined. If it isn t easily visible then it can only be detected as a part of your regular check-up as the symptoms are more often than not invisible. Which is why it is very important to get a full body check-up done as often as possible.

Hematuria is an indicator of other serious conditions that could be underlying and not easily apparent. You should not sit on it and definitely visit your doctor if you notice something similar or if you feel any sort of discomfort while urinating. The number of reasons that can cause bloody urine are:

UTI: Urinary tract infection is one of the reigning causes of most renal and gynaecological problems. It is when your urethra and bladder are affected and it causes a perineal urge to urinate which is also a painful experience. Along with this your urine might carry a strong stench. Bloody urine, in this case, is not visible to the naked eye so you have to go in for a check-up as soon as the other symptoms arise.
Stones: Stones in your bladder or kidneys are caused due to the accumulation of minerals from highly concentrated urine. These harden over time and become stone-like. Kidney stones are extremely painful and can cause bleeding both microscopic and visible.
Exercise: Exercise should be practised in moderation. If you are not used to regular exercise then the first time you start, take it slow and gradually build up from that point onwards. Even then, if after a workout you see blood in your urine, then visit your doctor immediately. It is rare for exercise to cause bleeding but it can be the trigger to other problems that might be the actual culprits behind the bleeding. If you have any injuries in your kidney from working out or from contact sports then you are likely to see blood in your urine.
Prostrate: This is a problem aging males are likely to face no matter how active and healthy a lifestyle they lead. The prostate gland can sometimes get enlarged and cause obstruction in the flow of urine by pushing the urethra into a compressed corner, as the prostrate takes up more space than is allotted to it. The signs include microscopic bleeding but also a painful need to urinate perpetually. There may also be a visible bloody discharge of urine.
Thus, hematuria can be sneaky or it can come with ringing bells. Either way, it is best to not avoid going to the doctor and most importantly get regular check-ups done for your own health and safety.

4 Underlying Causes Of Hematuria!

The general perception that hereditary diseases cannot be prevented is changing. Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is one such hereditary condition. The kidneys are the body's detox machine, which remove all impurities and flush it out of the system through urine. PKD is a condition where there are multiple, fluid-filled cysts which develop in the kidneys. These can vary in size and though noncancerous, can grow to a very large extent, producing severe symptoms including extremely high blood pressures and kidney failure.

In the recent past, however, there have been various theories that put forth how a modified and healthy lifestyle can prevent PKD. A child with a parent who suffers from PKD has 50% likelihood to develop the same. That cannot be prevented; however, changes can be made which can delay the onset and reduce the severity of symptoms of PKD, most notably high blood pressure and kidney failure which may require lifelong dialysis.

Symptoms and complications: The most common symptoms include high blood pressure, kidney pain (behind the back above the buttocks), infections of the kidneys or the bladder, bloody urine, kidney failure, headache, bloated abdomen due to the fluid-filled cysts, frequent urination, and kidney stones. There could be impact on pregnancy plans, with high blood pressure complicating the pregnancy. This needs extra care in management and is not life-threatening in most cases.

Prevention: The kidneys take the brunt of all the toxins that a body is subjected to. It is therefore, very important to reduce the exposure of body, especially kidneys to toxins. One of the best ways to keep the kidneys in good health is to control blood pressure. Some of the ways to do this include:

    Following a low-sodium diet with a good amount of hydration
    Reduce fat in the diet as much as possible
    Include a lot of berries, broccoli and apples
    Be diligent in taking your blood pressure medications as directed
    Ensure that your weight is within the prescribed limits for you
    Quit smoking and drinking
    At least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity should be included in your daily regimen

Read up on symptoms of PKD and keep an eye on them. If you are having a bloated feeling or pain in the kidneys or blood in the urine, consult a doctor. If you are planning on having a baby, genetic counseling may be useful to see if there is a risk of passing on the genes to the baby. Keep a positive outlook and have a frank discussion with family and friends on your overall condition. So, as much as PKD is a hereditary disease, there are ways to manage it and improve the quality of life.

Is Polycystic Kidney Disease Preventable?

What is Chronic Kidney Disease?

Chronic Kidney Disease (also known as Chronic Renal Failure) is the progressive loss of kidney function occurring over a span of several months to several years and is characterised by the replacement of kidney architecture with interstitial fibrosis.

Chronic kidney disease is classified into five stages on the basis or proteinuria (presence of protein in large amounts in the urine) or Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) - 1 being the mildest with no distinct symptoms and 5 being end stage renal failure.

Causes and Risk Factors of Chronic Kidney Disease-

The various reasons (called risk factors) that can increase chances of Chronic Kidney Diseases are:

Diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia (excess fat proteins in the blood)
Hypertension

Family history heritable renal disease

Older age, smoking

Autoimmune disease

Past episodes of acute renal disease

The direct causes of Chronic Kidney Diseases are-

Diabetic nephropathy (leading cause)

Hypertensive nephropathy

Glomerulonephritis (swelling of the glomerulus in the kidneys)

Reno-vascular disease (ischemic nephropathy)

Polycystic kidney disease

HIV-associated nephropathy

Transplant allograft failure

Exposure to drugs and toxins

Diet that you must maintain in Chronic Kidney Disease-

It is essential to make dietary as well as lifestyle amends once you are diagnosed with CKD. The main purpose of this diet is to maintain the levels of carbohydrates, fluids and minerals. This is done to prevent the buildup of waste products in the body as the kidneys are unable to fulfil its function properly.

It is recommended to refer a dietician who can make you a diet chart that helps you adhere to your diet.

Here is a list of food items that you may avoid or may consume if you are suffering from Chronic Kidney Disease:

Carbohydrates : Carbohydrates are a good source of energy. If the intake of protein has been restricted, then it is recommended to replace that with carbohydrates as a source of energy. Fruits, vegetables, grains and bread can be consumed as they are rich source of fibres, minerals and various types of vitamins. You can indulge in some hard candies or sweets as well.

Fats: Fats can provide a good amount of calories as well. Ensure that you only stick to healthy fats such as the monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that are good for your cardiac health. 

Reduce your phosphorus intake: A diet with no more than 800 mg of phosphorus can help reduce the risk of too much phosphorus building up in your blood.  Limit intake of foods with high levels of phosphate or phosphate additives such as organ meats, whole grain breads, processed foods, cola beverages, cheese, dried beans, liver, peanut butter, dairy products and chocolate. Many beverages and processed foods have these additives. Other high-phosphorus foods to limit include: 

Cheese
Chocolate
Ice cream
Legumes
Milk
Nuts
Seeds
Yogurt
Monitor your potassium levels: Usually, potassium is not restricted in stage 3 CKD unless lab tests show potassium is too high. Your doctor may make medication changes or prescribe a low-potassium diet. Reduce an elevated potassium level by limiting some high-potassium foods and potassium chloride (found in salt substitute and many low-sodium processed foods), such as avocado, bananas, cantaloupe, honeydew, legumes, milk, nuts, potatoes, seeds, tomato products and yogurt. Some high-potassium foods to limit or avoid include: 
Avocado
Bananas
Cantaloupe and honeydew melon
Dried fruit
Legumes
Milk
Nuts and seeds
Oranges and orange juice
Potatoes
Pumpkin and winter squash
Tomato products (juices, sauces, paste)
Yogurt
Proteins: Usually, before undergoing dialysis, it is recommended to adhere to a low-protein intake diet. However when you are undergoing dialysis, it is necessary to consume a certain amount of protein. This detailed information can be obtained from your dietician.
Fluids: In the early stages of CKD, your fluid intake is not monitored. But as the disease progresses, you need to check your intake of fluids as too much fluids may accumulate in your body and create pressure on your kidneys.

Sodium Or Salt Intake: Keeping a check on your salt intake reduces the risks of high blood pressure. Also, having food low on salt can reduce your thirst and prevent fluid retention in your body.

Diet In Chronic Kidney Disease

When do kidneys need dialysis?

Kidneys are a pair of organs that are located on either side of the spine, each about a size of a fist. The kidneys help in purifying blood by removing toxins, waste materials and excess fluids from the human body. Disorders and dysfunctions of the kidney can lead to severe and often fatal consequences. When the kidneys stop functioning as they are supposed to, dialysis is performed to resume normal functioning in the body.

Dialysis is a type of treatment, which filters and purifies the blood with the aid of a machine. It is an artificial way of purifying blood. There are two types of dialysis, namely hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Hemodialysis, the most common form of dialysis, which involves using a manmade kidney called a hemodialyzer, which removes toxins and waste materials from blood.

Peritoneal Dialysis, on the other hand, is a type of treatment which involves implanting a catheter in the stomach. During the procedure, a fluid called dialysate flows into the abdomen that absorbs all the waste material, which is consequently drained out of the body.

You may need a dialysis if:

- Your kidneys are dysfunctional
- When waste materials and toxins start to accumulate in the body
- In an event of an injury or accident to the kidney such as internal lacerations (wound caused by the tearing of a tissue)
- If the creatinine (a type of a chemical waste product) level falls to 10-12 cc/minute
- In an event where the kidneys aren't able to work properly leading to accumulation of toxins, irregular amounts of chemicals in the body and other dysfunctions

Weakening of the abdominal muscles and weight gain are some of the risks involved in dialysis. Dialysis is a temporary treatment and serves to function till the time the actual kidneys get repaired. In chronic cases of kidney disease, kidney transplant may perhaps be the last resort.



When Do Kidneys Need Dialysis?

Urinary incontinence, commonly known as loss of bladder control can really cause embarrassment. The severity of this condition may range from once in a while leaky urine to the sudden and forceful urge to urinate, due to which you end up urinating before reaching the toilet.

Types of urinary incontinence-

Stress incontinence- when you feel the urge to urinate due to sneezing, coughing, laughing or while doing physical exercise
Urge incontinence- when you feel the urge to urinate, suddenly. This may occur during the day and even at night.
Functional incontinence- when you cannot reach the toilet on time because of a physical or mental impairment.
Mixed incontinence- when you involuntarily urinate due to more than one incontinence
Stress incontinence is the most common type in women. The activities which increase your risk, are:

You have had more than one pregnancy and vaginal delivery.
You have pelvic prolapse. This is when your bladder, urethra, or rectum slide into the vagina. Delivering a baby can cause nerve or tissue damage in the pelvic area. This can lead to pelvic prolapse months or years after delivery.
Female urinary stress incontinence is the involuntary release of urine during any physical activity that puts pressure on your bladder. This potentially embarrassing condition differs from general incontinence in that it happens when the body is under immediate physical stress. Activities that can put stress on your bladder include coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting heavy objects, or bending over. This condition is particular to women, many of whom experience symptoms after muscles have been weakened due to a vaginal childbirth, following menopause, or during pregnancy.

Ensure that you consult a doctor-

If this condition hinders your day to day activities
If the urinary incontinence is the result of a serious underlying problem
Causes of urinary incontinence-

Urinary incontinence may be temporary or permanent. Causes for temporary incontinence are-

Alcohol
Caffeine and caffeinated drinks
Decaffeinated tea or coffee
Spicy and sugary foods
High intake of vitamin b or c
Urinary tract infection (uti)
Constipation
Causes for permanent incontinence are:

Pregnancy
Childbirth
Old age
Menopause
Hysterectomy
Prostate cancer
Enlarged prostate
Neurological disorders
Complications-

Chronic urinary incontinence can lead to certain complications like.

Skin problems- skin rashes and infections can develop around the vaginal area, because of the constant wetness one feels. It may also cause sores.
Urinary tract infections- urinary incontinence can also result in uti
Impact on personal and social life- urinary incontinence can lead to great embarrassment, thus affecting the social and personal life of an individual.
Treatment for female stress urinary incontinence-

There are several types of treatment available. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, medications, nonsurgical treatments, and surgeries.

Lifestyle changes: make regular trips to the restroom to reduce the chance of urine leakage. Drink fewer fluids and avoid activities such as jumping and running.
Medications: medications that reduce bladder contractions.
Nonsurgical treatments: kegel exercises strengthen your pelvic muscles. Done regularly, these exercises can strengthen your muscles, allowing you to control when urine is released from your body.
Surgery:

If other treatments fail, you will have to go for surgical treatment. Types of surgery include:

Injectable therapy, in which collagen is injected into your urethra to reduce incontinence
Tension-free vaginal tape (tvt) surgery, in which mesh is placed around the urethra to give it support
Vaginal sling surgery, in which a sling is placed around the urethra to support it
Anterior or para-vaginal vaginal repair surgery to repair a bladder that is bulging into the vaginal canal
Retropubic suspension surgery to move the bladder and urethra back into their normal positions
Some doctors even try electrical stimulation and medication. When the condition is highly advanced interventional therapies and surgery is recommended.

Some interventional therapies are-

1. Bulking material injections
2. Botulinum toxin type-a
3. Nerve stimulators.

All About Urinary Incontinence

If you notice blood while urinating, you must visit a urologist to get a clear picture of the health issue. Blood in urine is known as hematuria in medical terms. Such a condition can occur in both men and women. It is a common condition and does not require the patient to panic. Rather immediate tests should be conducted to find out the cause of the blood and treated accordingly. Such conditions are very much treatable with a little care and vigilance following of the doctor s advice. Here are some of the common causes of hematuria in individuals: 

Urine Infections: Urine infections are the common cause of blood in your urine. Most commonly these affect urinary bladder and rarely kidneys also. Prompt identification and treatment can easily revert this problem. 
Urinary Stones: Another major cause of hematuria, usually accompanied by pain in the abdomen. 
Enlarged Prostate: With an enlarged prostate, there can be blood flow with the urine. Rarely this may be a sign of cancer in the prostate. 
Exercise: This might come as a surprise for many of the fitness freaks. While exercises are needed for the body and rightly so; but exercises should be done in a certain limit. Heavy exercises, limitless and vigorous exercises can sometimes cause other health problems in the body. One such problem is the passing of blood in the urine. 
Medications: Quite interesting is the fact that long-term consumption of certain medicines might cause hematuria in individuals. Certain medicines like penicillin and aspirin are absorbed by the body to a certain extent. But overdose or the regular dosage might lead to further problems in the human body. 
Kidney Injury: A kidney injury is a form of internal injury which can be felt and manifested through signs and symptoms. Such injuries occur mostly to those who are in the field of sports. At times, a heavy punch, a hard training session, or an exhaustive fall might lead to kidney injuries. This, in turn, would cause hematuria. 
Tumors of Urinary Tract: Bleeding can occur from tumors arising from kidney, ureter, urinary bladder as well as urethra. These require timely detection and management. Early treatment leads to an excellent long-term outcome. 
Thus, these are some of the common reasons for the development of blood in urine. However, it is a condition which can be best analyzed by the medical practitioner. Therefore, on the occasion of blood, you must get it tested and treated immediately.

Blood In Urine - What Does It Mean?

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