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Does Urinary Tract Infection Lead To Low Hemoglobin ?

Posted on Thu, 26 Dec 2013

Question: Hi I'm very anemic and my hgb is 85. It has been low for a couple of years now. I've also had several UTI's over the last 2 years. I think I might have another one now and that could be why my HGB is low. Do you think that's possible?

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Requires Investigation Detailed Answer: Dear Friend, Thanks for writing to us. Hemoglobin of 8.5 gm/dl is low and requires investigations, causes should always be ruled out. You should get your blood sugar tested for Diabetes, as it can cause both anemia and UTI. Also get your kidney function tests. Since you were a heavy drinker, you might be having a gastric ulcer or duodenal ulcer. Get an Endoscopy and Ultrasound of liver and Liver function tests to see for liver status. Get your X-ray Chest since you were a smoker. See, at this age, anemia should also be considered to rule out any malignancy. To conclude, you may discuss with your physician for workup for anemia: 1. Blood Picture 2. Kidney Function test. 3. Iron Studies (Serum Ferritin, TIBC, Serum Iron) 4. Stool for occult blood. 5. Gynecologist consultation if you have heavy bleeding during Menses (if you still have not achieved menopause) 6. Liver Function Test 7. Complete hemogram 8. Ultrasound abdomen and Upper and lower GI endoscopy / colonoscopy 9. Erythropoietin (EPO) levels Results would clear if you have any particular cause of anemia or it's just nutritional. Anemia can also be due to recurrent UTI itself. I hope I am able to solve your query. If still you have any query , please ask me

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Anshul Varshney (4 hours later)

HI, thank you for such a thorough answer!!! I've had some of the tests done but not all of them. I'm hoping it's just a uti because it's relatively easy to fix. Thanks for your time. I'll rate you now.

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Review with reports Detailed Answer: I Would like to see your reports and comment upon them , once you have got them. You are hoping it to be because of UTI , but i wish it's not because causes anemia due to UTI occurs due to a kidney damage , Ultrasound abdomen and Kidney Function Tests will tell us that . Wish you a healthy life. If you have no further queries , Please close the discussion and rate it.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Anshul Varshney (2 hours later)

Just one more question. I read that a chronic bladder infection can cause anemia too. That's what I'm hoping for.

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer: By causing obstructive nephropathy Detailed Answer: Yes dear , that's what I m saying. UTI may cause back reflux and obstructive nephropathy. Infact sometimes , chronic UTI may be due to a stone in ureter or kidney causing obstructive nephropathy and recurrent UTI. Even without any specific cause females are more prone to UTI due to short urethra and many other physiological reasons. Just get the investigations , you will get all your answers. Wish you good health.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar