Urinary Tract Conditions; Key Q&A.

Publication: NWHRC Health Center - Urinary Tract Conditions

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COPYRIGHT 2003 National Women's Health Resource Center

1. What conditions could lead to blood in my urine?

The cause may be a serious one, such as bladder or kidney cancer, but more often the cause is relatively benign, such as a urinary tract infection. For example, exercise can cause an episode hematuria - the medical term for blood in the urine. Still, you should check with a health care professional any time you see blood in the urine.

2. Why am I having repeated incidences of kidney stones?

A variety of factors can make a person susceptible to stones in the urinary tract. Risk for stones is higher in those with family histories of stones; those who have urinary tract infections, kidney disorders and metabolic disorders such as hyperparathyroidism, cystinuria (too much of an amino acid called cystine) and hyperoxaluria (excess production an oxalate salt) those with a disease called renal tubular acidosis. Another risk factor is absorptive hypercalciuria, in which the body absorbs too much calcium from food and dumps the excess into urine. High levels of urinary calcium lead to crystals of calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate, which can grow into painful stones.

Various laboratory tests and a family history should allow your health care professional to determine a likely cause. You can then make dietary changes to prevent future stones.

3. My health care professional is concerned because I have protein in my urine, but I feel fine. Should I worry?

Yes. Proteinuria is a sign of glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the glomeruli; see below), also called nephritis (inflammation of the kidney). Diabetes, hypertension and various kidney diseases can cause the inflammation, which can lead to renal failure and, ultimately, end-stage renal disease.

4. What is the connection between diabetes and kidney disease?

Diabetes is the number one cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). If diabetes is undiagnosed or poorly controlled, excess sugar will circulate in the blood, leading to higher blood flow into the...

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