What does it mean if red blood cells are elevated in a routine urine test?
Disease description:
Two days ago, during a physical examination, I received the results and found that the red blood cell count in my urinalysis was elevated. I would like to ask what condition this might indicate and what could be causing it?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Cao Zhiqiang
An elevated red blood cell count found during a routine urinalysis is referred to as hematuria or microscopic hematuria. This condition may be caused by various factors:
1. Urinary tract infection: Inflammation of the mucous membranes in areas such as the bladder and ureters due to a urinary tract infection can cause red blood cells to enter the urine, leading to an increased red blood cell count. Patients may experience urinary tract irritation symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and painful urination.
2. Stones: Stones in the urinary system, such as kidney stones or ureteral stones, may cause mucosal bleeding when they move or irritate the mucous membranes, resulting in an increased number of red blood cells in the urine.
3. Kidney diseases: Kidney diseases such as glomerulonephritis and nephrotic syndrome can also lead to elevated red blood cell counts in the urine. These conditions are typically accompanied by other clinical manifestations such as abnormal kidney function and proteinuria.
4. Tumors: Malignant tumors of the urinary system, such as kidney cancer and bladder cancer, may cause bleeding when blood vessels are invaded by the tumor.
5. Other factors: Intense physical exercise, medication use, chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and urinary tract injuries may also lead to elevated red blood cell counts in a routine urinalysis.
