Finding red blood cells (RBCs) in your urine, a condition called hematuria, isn't always a cause for immediate alarm. However, it signals that something is amiss and requires medical attention to determine the underlying cause. The presence of RBCs can be visible to the naked eye (gross hematuria) or only detectable through a microscopic urinalysis (microscopic hematuria).
Causes of RBCs in Urine
Several factors can lead to RBCs appearing in urine. These include:
- Kidney and urinary tract problems: Infections, kidney stones, inflammation, or injuries can all cause blood to enter the urine. [Reference: A higher than normal number of RBCs in the urine may be due to: Kidney and other urinary tract problems, such as infection, or stones. Kidney inflammation or injury. Prostate problems. Bladder, kidney, or urinary tract cancer.]
- Kidney disease: Various kidney conditions can result in damaged nephrons, leading to blood leakage into the urine. [Reference: Also known as hematuria, RBC in urine can indicate an infection, kidney disease, and other health conditions.]
- Prostate problems: Issues with the prostate gland, particularly in men, can cause irritation and bleeding that shows up in urine. [Reference: A higher than normal number of RBCs in the urine may be due to: ... Prostate problems.]
- Bladder, kidney, or urinary tract cancers: Cancerous growths can cause bleeding, resulting in blood in the urine. This is a serious possibility and needs immediate investigation. [Reference: A higher than normal number of RBCs in the urine may be due to: ... Bladder, kidney, or urinary tract cancer.]
- Other health conditions: Conditions like glomerulonephritis (kidney inflammation) can cause hematuria. [Reference: Also known as hematuria, RBC in urine can indicate an infection, kidney disease, and other health conditions.]
Normal vs. Abnormal Levels
A normal urine sample typically shows 0-4 RBCs per high-power field (RBC/HPF) under microscopic examination. Anything above this warrants further investigation. [Reference: A normal result is 4 red blood cells per high power field (RBC/HPF) or less when the sample is examined under a microscope.]
Importance of Medical Evaluation
It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional if you notice blood in your urine, regardless of whether it's visible or only detectable through testing. They can perform a thorough evaluation, including a urinalysis and other tests, to determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to manage potential health issues. [Reference: Also known as hematuria, RBC in urine can indicate an infection, kidney disease, and other health conditions.]
