Treatment Options for Blood in Urine
What we have to understand about Hematuria (blood discoloring urine) is that we are observing a symptom and not the disease itself. The appearance of blood in urine is the end result of a diseased state brought on by bacterial or viral infection, tissue inflammation or cancer. Even genetic triggers can provoke bleeding in urine.
If you wish to eliminate the symptom you need to tackle the underlying condition. Treatment of Hematuria involves in-depth diagnosis and management of the causative factors. This is how it is done.
1. Microbial infection of body tissues and organs
Cause and effect: Poor sanitation and hygiene or prolonged exposure to polluted environments and contact with diseased people expose the body to toxic bacteria and viruses. During normal body functions, the body successfully fends off the threat. When the microbial infection becomes severe, the body's protective immune system reaction creates widespread inflammation in the infected organs. This often leads to bleeding and the appearance of red blood cells in the urine.
Treatment: A week’s prescription of antibiotics supported by pain relievers and fever medication eliminates the infection and alleviates bleeding and other symptoms.
2. Kidney stones, ureter and urinary bladder
Cause and effect: In our hectic lifestyles, we often neglect to provide our bodies with adequate nutrition and generous fluid intake. This leads to dehydration, fatigue and increased acidity in the gastrointestinal tract. Such situations encourage the deposition of calcium crystals, magnesium, uric acid and oxalates. These deposits harden over time to form stones within excretory organs. These stones tear cell walls and cause bleeding.
Treatment: Ultrasound procedures and MRI scans help locate stones and trace their contours and growth. Once located, the stones are removed surgically through endoscopic procedures. Bleeding stops automatically once the stone is removed.
3. Cancer of the kidney and urinary bladder
Cause and effect: In cancer, cells in the kidney, urinary bladder, or prostate grow uncontrollably, creating large tumorous growths that destroy healthy tissue. Cancerous cells also compromise immunity, making the body defenseless against bacterial and viral invasions. The affected organ functions below par and start emitting distress signals, one of which is blood in the urine. Unfortunately, noticing blood in urine against the backdrop of a cancerous growth, indicates that the disease has progressed to an advanced stage.
Treatment: The most widely accepted method of treatment for cancer is chemotherapy. This involves the administration of drugs that selectively target growing malignant tumors. Sometimes, radiation is simultaneously focused on tumors alongside chemotherapy sessions to improve the outcome. If the cancer is detected in its earliest stages, surgical removal of the tumors is the preferred option.
4. Dysfunctional prostate gland
Cause and effect: Occurring mostly in older males (50 years and over), the prostate gland expands beyond its usual size. This could happen due to infection or a cancerous growth that displaces normal tissue. The expanding prostate pressures the urethra, blocking the normal flow of urine. Burning sensation while urinating, increased frequency of urination, and the occasional blood in urine are the major symptoms.
Treatment:
- Medication that relaxes tense muscles and reduces prostatic contractions.
- Analgesics that relieve pain and burning sensation during urination
- Antibiotics that fight infection and remove microbial invaders
- Transfusion of blood for recouping blood loss due to urinary bleeding
- Surgical removal of a malignant growth in the prostate, bladder or kidney
- Saline irrigation of the urinary bladder to combat malignant growths
- Ingestion of solutions that alkalize the urine
