What are the clinical manifestations of renal tuberculosis?

We need to pay attention to the clinical symptoms of renal tuberculosis, because only by discovering these symptoms in time can we understand whether we are affected by these diseases. For example, if you have common symptoms such as urgency, frequency, pain, difficulty urinating, or hematuria, you should be alert.

1. Bladder irritation

Bladder irritation symptoms are the most important, primary and earliest symptoms of renal tuberculosis. When tuberculosis bacteria cause tuberculous inflammation of the bladder mucosa, the patient begins to experience frequent urination, which gradually increases during the day and night, from several times a day to dozens of times. In severe cases, the patient has to urinate several times per hour until a phenomenon similar to urinary incontinence occurs. 75% to 80% have symptoms of frequent urination. Frequent urination may be accompanied by urgency, pain, and the inability to wait to urinate, which must be discharged immediately and is difficult to endure. There is a burning sensation in the urethra or suprapubic bladder area at the end of urination. These symptoms become more pronounced as bladder disease becomes more severe.

2. Hematuria

Hematuria is the second important symptom of renal tuberculosis, with an incidence rate of 70% to 80%. It usually occurs together with other symptoms such as frequent urination, urgent urination and painful urination. The source of hematuria is mostly from bladder lesions, but it can also come from the kidneys themselves. The degree of hematuria varies, mostly mild gross hematuria or microscopic hematuria, but 3% of cases have obvious gross hematuria and are the only initial symptom.

Most cases of hematuria are terminal hematuria, which is caused by tuberculous inflammation and ulcers of the bladder, which lead to bleeding due to bladder contraction during urination. If the hematuria comes from the kidneys, it may be global hematuria.

3. Pyuria

Due to tuberculous inflammation of the kidneys and bladder, tissue destruction occurs and a large number of pus cells may appear in the urine. At the same time, cheesy substances may also be mixed in the urine, making the urine turbid and unclear. In severe cases, the urine may appear as rice-soup-like pyuria. The incidence of pyuria is about 20%.

4. Low back pain

Severe renal tuberculosis can cause tuberculous pyonephritis, enlarged kidneys, lumps in the waist, and low back pain. The incidence rate in domestic data is 10%. If there is contralateral hydronephrosis, lumbar symptoms may occur on the contralateral side. In a small number of patients, renal colic may occur when blood clots or pus pass through the ureter.