What causes blood in the urine in elderly people?
Disease description:
Recently, my elderly family member noticed some blood in the urine while using the toilet. I would like to ask the doctor, what could be the possible causes of hematuria in elderly individuals?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Cao Zhiqiang
Causes of hematuria (blood in urine) in the elderly include:
1. Urinary tract infections: Such as cystitis and pyelonephritis, which are common causes of hematuria. Urinary tract infections are usually accompanied by symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and painful urination and can be caused by bacterial or viral infections.
2. Prostatitis: In elderly men, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or inflammation of the prostate may also cause hematuria. Prostatitis can lead to mucosal damage and bleeding due to repeated inflammatory irritation.
3. Kidney stones: Kidney stones may cause bleeding by scratching the mucosa of the urinary tract, and are often accompanied by flank pain and other symptoms.
4. Vascular diseases: Such as hypertension-related kidney disease and glomerulonephritis, which affect kidney function and result in hematuria.
5. Medication factors: Certain medications, such as anticoagulants and chemotherapy drugs, may also cause hematuria.
6. Other causes: Including rare conditions such as renal vascular abnormalities and genetic diseases, which may also lead to hematuria in the elderly.
As the elderly experience a decline in physical function and have weaker resistance and recovery capacity from disease, it is recommended that they seek timely medical attention when hematuria occurs.
