Urine RBC Count: Significance, Normal Ranges, and Interpretation of Test Results
**Article Title: Understanding Microscopic Hematuria: Causes, Symptoms, and What to Do**
Microscopic hematuria, the presence of red blood cells in urine that can only be seen under a microscope, is a condition that may indicate various underlying health issues. This article aims to provide a clear understanding of its causes, symptoms, and what to do if it is discovered.
### Common Causes of Microscopic Hematuria
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), kidney stones, enlarged prostate (BPH), kidney disease, inherited diseases, and certain chronic conditions are common causes of microscopic hematuria. UTIs, particularly cystitis and pyelonephritis, can cause inflammation leading to microscopic bleeding. Small kidney stones may pass through the urinary tract without causing visible blood but can still lead to microscopic hematuria. BPH, common in older men, can cause irritation and microscopic bleeding due to urethral compression. Conditions like glomerulonephritis or polycystic kidney disease can impair kidney function, allowing red blood cells to leak into the urine. Inherited diseases such as Alport’s syndrome or sickle cell disease can also contribute to this condition.
### Common Symptoms
Symptoms of microscopic hematuria may not always be apparent, but associated conditions can present with symptoms such as urinary frequency and urgency, burning pain while urinating, lower abdominal or back pain, and no apparent symptoms in some cases, necessitating a routine urinalysis for detection.
### What to Do if Microscopic Hematuria is Discovered
If microscopic hematuria is found, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to identify and treat any underlying condition. A doctor will typically discover RBC in the urine during a urinalysis, which checks for several key health indicators following the delivery of a urine sample. If RBC is present, a doctor may perform additional tests like blood tests, ultrasound, CT, MRI scans, kidney biopsy, cystoscopy, and ask about other symptoms.
It is crucial to remember that the clean catch method should be used when collecting a urine sample to reduce potential contamination. This involves starting the flow of urine and placing the collection cup into the flow midstream.
If you discover blood in your urine, do not hesitate to contact your healthcare provider. If the presence of RBC in the urine is confirmed, it may indicate a problem with the urinary tract. Other symptoms a person might notice include urine that looks pink, red, or the color of tea, a frequent need to urinate, pain or difficulty urinating, pain in the lower abdomen, flank, or back, and swollen feet, legs, or ankles.
Pregnant people should not see blood in their urine. If they do, they should let their healthcare team know right away.
In conclusion, microscopic hematuria is a condition that requires medical attention. By understanding its causes and symptoms, you can take the necessary steps to maintain your urinary health and overall wellbeing.
- Multiple underlying health issues can be indicated by microscopic hematuria, a condition where red blood cells are present in urine only visible under a microscope.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), kidney stones, enlarged prostate (BPH), kidney disease, inherited diseases, and certain chronic conditions are common causes of microscopic hematuria.
- UTIs, particularly cystitis and pyelonephritis, can cause inflammation leading to microscopic bleeding.
- Small kidney stones may pass through the urinary tract without causing visible blood but can still lead to microscopic hematuria.
- BPH, common in older men, can cause irritation and microscopic bleeding due to urethral compression.
- Conditions like glomerulonephritis or polycystic kidney disease can impair kidney function, allowing red blood cells to leak into the urine.
- Inherited diseases such as Alport’s syndrome or sickle cell disease can also contribute to microscopic hematuria.
- Symptoms of microscopic hematuria may not always be apparent, but associated conditions can present with symptoms such as urinary frequency and urgency, burning pain while urinating, lower abdominal or back pain, and no apparent symptoms in some cases.
- Routine urinalysis is necessary for the detection of microscopic hematuria in some cases.
- If microscopic hematuria is found, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to identify and treat any underlying condition.
- A doctor will typically perform additional tests like blood tests, ultrasound, CT, MRI scans, kidney biopsy, cystoscopy, and ask about other symptoms.
- The clean catch method should be used when collecting a urine sample to reduce potential contamination.
- If you discover blood in your urine, do not hesitate to contact your healthcare provider.
- The presence of RBC in the urine may indicate a problem with the urinary tract.
- Pregnant people should not see blood in their urine. If they do, they should let their healthcare team know right away.
- Maintaining urinary health and overall wellbeing is crucial by understanding the causes and symptoms of microscopic hematuria.
