Hematuria (blood in urine): causes and risks warned against by doctors
Dr. Mazen Shqeir, a consultant in urology, sexual dysfunction, and kidney surgery, issued a strongly worded medical warning regarding the lack of concern about any changes in urine color, stressing that these changes may be an early “warning bell” for critical health conditions.
Dr. Shqeir emphasized that the appearance of blood in the urine, or what is medically known as hematuria, should not be treated as a minor or passing occurrence. Rather, it necessitates immediate medical intervention to uncover any underlying causes that could threaten the patient's life if left untreated. He explained that a change in urine color to pink, red, or dark brown is not merely a cosmetic change resulting from consuming certain foods or physical exertion, as is commonly but mistakenly believed. Instead, it is a vital indicator suggesting a functional or organic disorder within the urinary system.
Medical context and the importance of early diagnosis
From a medical perspective, the urinary system acts as the body's vital filter, responsible for purifying the blood and eliminating toxins. Historically, urine analysis has been one of the oldest diagnostic methods used by physicians since ancient times to assess human health. In modern times, with the advancement of diagnostic techniques, the presence of red blood cells in urine has become a significant and undeniable indicator. Global medical studies indicate that early detection of the causes of urinary hematuria (blood in the urine) greatly increases recovery rates, especially in cases of cancerous tumors that may be in their early stages.
Types of hematuria and its causes
Dr. Shqeir explained that hematuria (blood in the urine) is divided into two main types: the first is overt hematuria, which is clearly visible to the naked eye, and the second is microscopic hematuria, which is hidden and can only be detected through precise laboratory tests. He emphasized that both types are classified as abnormal conditions that should not be ignored.
The consultant revealed a broad map of the reasons behind this presentation, which range from:
- Common urinary tract infections.
- The stones are in the kidneys, ureters, or bladder.
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men.
- Acute and chronic kidney infections.
He specifically pointed out that the greatest risk lies in the possibility of the blood being associated with malignant tumors of the urinary system (such as bladder or kidney cancer), especially in high-risk groups such as the elderly and smokers, or as a result of the side effects of some drugs such as blood thinners.
Deceptive silence and its impact on public health
Dr. Shqeir warned against what he called the "deceptive silence" of the disease, emphasizing that the condition becomes more serious when bleeding is painless, which can lead patients to a false sense of security. The risk increases further with recurrent bleeding in individuals over forty, especially if accompanied by sudden weight loss, general fatigue, or flank pain.
From a public health perspective, delayed diagnosis of kidney and urinary tract diseases places a significant burden on the healthcare system and society, as neglect can lead to kidney failure or the spread of tumors, requiring complex, costly, and long-term treatments. Therefore, raising public awareness of the importance of this medical condition contributes to reducing serious complications.
The consultant concluded by refuting the misconception that spontaneous cessation of bleeding means the danger has passed, pointing out that the disappearance of blood may simply be a temporary respite from an underlying condition. He emphasized that every drop of blood in the urine is an urgent warning sign requiring immediate medical attention, asserting that early detection is crucial and the true deciding factor between managing the disease and allowing it to worsen.
