Kidneys are our body’s garbage disposal system, as they remove waste materials from our bodies. If they fail to do that, waste material will accumulate, which can affect the overall functioning and health. Apart from that, they also maintain hormonal balance and produce red blood cells and Vitamin D.
In normal circumstances, urine must not contain blood (exceptions are there). So if you are seeing it, you should be alarmed. The colour may turn pink, red, or a colour similar to cola if you have hematuria.
Signs of hematuria:
- Apart from bloody urine, there might not be many symptoms
- In some cases, people might associate pain with urination
- Sometimes, it is visible only under the microscope
Causes of hematuria:
These are the prominent causes of hematuria:
- Urinary tract infections
- Kidney infections/ kidney stones/ injury to the kidney/ other diseases
- Cancer
- Enlarged prostate
- Genetically transmitted disease (sickle cell anaemia)
- Medicines
- Vigorous exercising
What are the risk factors?
- If your age is higher than 50
- If you are suffering from infections or associated with problems
- Family history
- Medication (always ask your doctor about your medications)
What to do if that happens?
Of course, you need to consult a doctor and get yourself tested for kidney function (Glomerular Filtration Rate, or GFR). This is usually done through kidney function tests.
Usually, the patient will have to collect the urine (just after waking up) in a container. If the test is for 24 hours, you may have to repeat this step throughout the day, until the early morning of the next day, and drop the sample. In some cases, blood samples are also taken for this purpose. Fasting is not usually required; however, expert discretion is required regarding medications. The reports will be available after a day or two.
What tests are included in the kidney function test?
GFR (or eGFR): This test measures the filtration rate and cross-verifies it against the following factors: gender, age, size, and race.
Serum creatinine: When kidneys stop working, creatinine will be accumulated (this is produced from muscle-tissue breakdown).
Urea/ Nitrogen: This test will check the level of urea/ nitrogen in the blood.
Urine analysis: In this test, lab experts will analyse urine for the presence of proteins, blood, and other substances in it.
Microalbuminuria: This test is run to check for the protein albumin in the urine.
- If the GFR is below 60, your kidneys need medical attention
- If the albumin/ creatinine ratio in the urine is lower than 30 milligrams per gram, you are at a higher risk.
When do you need the kidney function test?
- If you are suffering from diabetes or hypertension, these conditions adversely affect kidney function.
- Blood in urine/ hematuria
- Pain during urination (dysuria)/ problem with urination
- Frequent bathroom visits
Are there any after-effects of this test?
People may experience some tiredness, dizziness, and bruising after this test, but that’s nothing serious.
What will be the next steps?
The next approach will be to consult an expert, take proper medications, get yourself tested, and follow a healthy lifestyle. Depending on the risk factor (low risk, intermediate, or high risk), the treatment plan will begin
