Red blood cells, which have their main function of moving oxygen through the body, are erythrocytes. In the urine of a child the norm of the presence of these cells is 0-2 units in all fields of vision.
In general, all red blood cells are divided into unchanged (in other words - fresh) and altered (leached). Fresh erythrocytes in the urine of children have the form of yellowish-green discs. They contain hemoglobin, but they are found in a weakly acidic, alkaline, neutral urine. The leached erythrocytes in urine in children are in the form of colorless rings, they can be wrinkled (in urine with high density) or enlarged (in urine with low density). These cells do not contain hemoglobin, they are found in acid urine.
Elevated red blood cells in the baby's urine
This condition is called hematuria. Sometimes the fact that the red blood cells in urine exceed the normative values can be seen even visually, since the urine acquires a brown or red shade. In this case, we can speak of macrohematuria, that is, a strong concentration of red blood cells in a biological fluid. If these cells in urine are present in an amount of more than 2 units, but this can be detected only by microscopic examination of excrement, microhematuria is diagnosed. In general, increased erythrocytes in the urine of children indicate the presence of inflammation in the organs of the genitourinary system, kidney disease, tuberculosis, gastrointestinal disorders, pneumonia and other ailments. In addition, excess concentration in the urine of red blood cells can result from strong physical activity. However, this phenomenon is short-lived, so when you re-sift the analysis, red blood cells in the urine of children can already be within normal limits. In small children hematuria can result from a cold or respiratory tract infection. In boys, the excess of the norm of the content in urine of red blood cells can be associated with phimosis, in such a situation the consultation of the urologist does not hurt.
How to reduce the red blood cells in the urine
In case of detection of hematuria, doctors should direct their efforts to identify the cause of this condition and treat the underlying pathology. For this, the necessary diagnostic measures are carried out. If the erythrocytes in the urine of children are increased because of kidney disease, the doctor will recommend observing a certain renal diet, prescribe the use of anti-inflammatory medications and, if necessary, antibacterial and diuretic drugs. To reduce the burden on the kidneys, you should drink less liquid. If the cause of hematuria lies in the pathology of the urinary tract, treatment will consist of antimicrobial instillations or antibiotics. Regardless of what triggered an increase in the number of red blood cells in the urine, consult a doctor about diet compliance. Perhaps the doctor will advise you to reduce the consumption of acidic and salty foods to reduce the formation of salts in the body, or give other recommendations.