Having a high red blood cell (RBC) count in your urine, a condition known as hematuria, often indicates an underlying medical issue that needs investigation.
Understanding Hematuria
Hematuria simply means there's blood in the urine. This blood can be visible to the naked eye (gross hematuria) or only detectable under a microscope (microscopic hematuria). A high RBC count discovered during a urinalysis triggers further testing to determine the cause.
Potential Causes of High RBC in Urine
Several conditions can lead to elevated RBC levels in urine. Here are some of the most common:
- Infections:
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): These infections inflame the urinary tract, potentially causing bleeding.
- Kidney Infections (Pyelonephritis): Similar to UTIs, kidney infections can lead to blood in the urine.
- Kidney Disease:
- Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the kidney's filtering units can cause RBCs to leak into the urine.
- Kidney Stones: These hard deposits can irritate the urinary tract and cause bleeding.
- Other Conditions:
- Bladder Cancer or Kidney Cancer: These cancers can cause bleeding in the urinary tract.
- Enlarged Prostate (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia - BPH): In men, an enlarged prostate can sometimes cause blood in the urine.
- Strenuous Exercise: Intense physical activity can occasionally lead to temporary hematuria.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as blood thinners, can increase the risk of blood in the urine.
- Trauma: Injury to the kidneys or urinary tract can result in blood in the urine.
What to do if you have high RBC in urine?
If a urinalysis reveals a high RBC count, your doctor will likely recommend further testing to determine the underlying cause. This may include:
- Repeat Urinalysis: To confirm the initial finding.
- Blood Tests: To assess kidney function and check for signs of infection.
- Imaging Tests: Such as a CT scan or ultrasound, to visualize the kidneys and urinary tract.
- Cystoscopy: A procedure where a thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the bladder to examine the bladder lining.
Types of Hematuria
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Gross Hematuria | Blood is visible in the urine. |
| Microscopic Hematuria | Blood is only detectable under a microscope. |
Important Note
It's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment if you have blood in your urine. Self-diagnosing can be dangerous, and delaying treatment for a serious condition can have negative consequences.
