Hematuria, the presence of blood in urine, is a common finding with kidney stones. This connection stems from the physical effects kidney stones exert on the urinary system.
Understanding Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are solid deposits formed from minerals and salts within the kidneys. They occur when urine contains an excess of crystal-forming substances, such as calcium, oxalate, or uric acid, and lacks sufficient fluid to dilute them. This imbalance allows crystals to aggregate and grow.
Stones vary in size from microscopic particles to larger formations. While originating in the kidneys, they can travel through the urinary tract. Their composition often involves calcium, with calcium oxalate stones being the most common type, though uric acid, struvite, and cystine stones also occur.
How Kidney Stones Cause Blood in Urine
Kidney stones can lead to blood in urine through several mechanisms. As a stone navigates the narrow passages of the urinary tract, its rough surfaces can scrape and irritate the delicate lining, known as the urothelium. This mechanical trauma damages small blood vessels, leading to bleeding.
The presence of a kidney stone can provoke an inflammatory response in the surrounding tissues. This inflammation contributes to increased fragility of local blood vessels, making them more prone to bleeding.
If a kidney stone obstructs urine flow, it creates pressure behind the blockage. This increased pressure can strain the kidney’s internal structures and associated blood vessels. Such strain may cause these small vessels to rupture, allowing blood to leak into the urine. Obstruction can also lead to hydronephrosis, causing vascular damage and bleeding.
Types of Hematuria with Kidney Stones
Hematuria with kidney stones presents in two forms: gross hematuria or microscopic hematuria. Gross hematuria is visible to the naked eye, causing urine to appear pink, red, or dark.
Microscopic hematuria is not discernible without laboratory analysis. It is detected through a urine test or by examining a urine sample under a microscope. Both forms occur with kidney stones, stemming from irritation, trauma, or pressure within the urinary tract.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Visible blood in the urine warrants prompt medical evaluation. Hematuria can signal other serious conditions that require diagnosis. Consulting a healthcare professional is crucial to determine the underlying cause and ensure appropriate management.
Medical attention is needed if hematuria is accompanied by severe pain, particularly in the back or side, characteristic of renal colic. Symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or difficulty urinating with suspected kidney stones also require immediate medical assessment. These symptoms could indicate a stone causing obstruction or an infection.