What does positive urine occult blood 1+ and high red blood cells mean?

Nov 21, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, a urine occult blood result of 1+ is one of the findings in urinalysis. A 1+ occult blood result with elevated red blood cells indicates the presence of a certain amount of red blood cells in the urine, which may be associated with intense physical exercise, nephrotic syndrome, urinary tract stones, urethritis, or chronic prostatitis. Patients experiencing discomfort should seek timely medical attention and receive standardized treatment under a doctor's guidance, which can help promote recovery.

Under normal circumstances, a urine occult blood result of 1+ is one of the outcomes in urinalysis. A finding of elevated red blood cells (RBCs) with urine occult blood 1+ indicates the presence of a certain amount of red blood cells in the urine, which may be associated with intense physical exercise, nephrotic syndrome, urinary tract stones, urethritis, chronic prostatitis, and other conditions. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Intense Physical Exercise

If a patient has engaged in strenuous exercise prior to testing, it may cause minor kidney damage and reduced metabolic function, allowing some red blood cells to enter the urine, resulting in physiological hematuria. This condition typically does not require special treatment and usually resolves spontaneously. Patients are advised to rest adequately.

2. Nephrotic Syndrome

When kidney disease occurs, changes in the glomerular filtration membrane can disrupt its mechanical barrier, leading to glomerular membrane damage. Red blood cells should not pass through the damaged filtration membrane; during the filtration process, they may become compressed and deformed, producing a large number of abnormal red blood cells. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions and use medications such as triamterene hydrochlorothiazide tablets or indomethacin tablets for treatment.

3. Urinary Tract Stones

Urinary tract stones are a common cause of elevated red blood cells with urine occult blood 1+. As stones move within the urinary tract, they may scratch the mucosal lining, causing bleeding. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions and use medications such as diclofenac sodium sustained-release capsules or potassium citrate granules for treatment.

4. Urethritis

Poor local hygiene may lead to bacterial infection of the urethra. Under inflammatory stimulation, damage to the urethral mucosa may occur, resulting in the aforementioned condition. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions and use medications such as cefixime tablets or levofloxacin tablets for treatment.

5. Chronic Prostatitis

Chronic prostatitis can obstruct the discharge of prostatic secretions, allowing some red blood cells to enter the urine, leading to elevated red blood cells with urine occult blood 1+. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions and use medications such as diclofenac sodium sustained-release capsules or terazosin hydrochloride tablets for treatment.

Patients are advised to seek timely medical attention when experiencing discomfort and receive standardized treatment under the guidance of a physician, which helps promote recovery.

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