What Causes Uremia?

Enlarged Prostate

Having an enlarged prostate, as is the case in patients with prostatic hyperplasia, plays a direct role in the development of uremia. In the early stages, the condition causes mild obstruction in the urinary tract. During this stage, patients are still able to urinate, but it often takes longer than normal. As the condition progresses to the middle stage, the blockage worsens, causing resistance from the urethra and exceeding the bladder's capability to compensate. Patients may frequently feel the need to urinate, but be unable to do so. The urine in the bladder can thus not be discharged completely or in a timely fashion, which can cause urea to enter the bloodstream.

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are another major cause of uremia. These painful build-ups block the urinary tract for prolonged periods and, if they are not passed, can cause serious infection. They are quite common and are fairly harmless when treated. Kidney stones develop when the waste products in the blood bind inside the kidneys to form crystals. Over time, these crystals can build up and form into hard, stone-like structures. This can happen due to not drinking sufficient fluids to flush the system properly. The body will try to eject the build-up by passing it through urination, forcing the mass to pass through the kidneys, kidney tubes, and bladder.