What causes high red blood cell count in a routine urine test?
Disease description:
Today during my full-body checkup, a routine urinalysis was performed, and the doctor mentioned that my red blood cell count is slightly elevated. May I ask what are the possible causes of an increased red blood cell count?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng
An elevated red blood cell count found in a routine urinalysis is commonly referred to as hematuria or microscopic hematuria, which may be caused by various factors.
1. Vigorous exercise: After prolonged or high-intensity physical activity, increased blood circulation may affect kidney filtration function, leading to transient hematuria. This condition is usually temporary and resolves after rest.
2. Infections: Such as acute or chronic glomerulonephritis, urinary tract infections, or prostatitis. Inflammation can cause mucosal congestion and erosion, resulting in hematuria.
3. Stones: Kidney stones, ureteral stones, or bladder stones may damage the urinary tract lining during movement, causing bleeding.
4. Tumors: Malignant or benign tumors anywhere in the urinary system can lead to hematuria, such as kidney cancer and bladder cancer.
5. Medications: Certain drugs, such as cyclophosphamide and gentamicin, may damage the kidneys or bladder, causing hematuria.
6. Exercise-induced hematuria: After intense physical activity, a small number of healthy individuals may experience transient hematuria due to increased renal blood flow and changes in glomerular pressure.
