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Erythrocytes in urine: is treatment necessary?
Last reviewed: 08.07.2025

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Obviously, the main goal should not be to reduce the number of red blood cells in the urine, but to eliminate the factors that led to erythrocyturia as much as possible. Therefore, it would be relevant to list all types of treatment that are usually used for urological, traumatological, nephrological, oncological problems. However, such a list is too extensive, so the only answer to the question of reducing red blood cells in the urine should be this: see a doctor, undergo the necessary series of examinations, find out the root cause of the pathology and influence it in a complex therapeutic way.
Changes in the composition of urine, the appearance of blood elements in it is not just a symptom, but one of the dangerous signals that the body sends. It is very important to understand this. Therefore, after receiving the results of the analysis, further medical intervention must follow.
Who should you contact? First of all, a urologist or nephrologist. If necessary, the doctor will involve other specialists during the diagnostics.
In case of pronounced and confirmed erythrocyturia, the patient should undergo additional examination to determine the cause of the disorder. Only then will the doctor be able to prescribe the correct treatment.
Taking any medications without identifying the underlying cause of the appearance of red blood cells in the urine is not advisable, as this will only give a temporary effect, and the cause itself will not be eliminated.
The appearance of red blood cells in urine itself does not require treatment: therapy is aimed at eliminating the underlying pathology.
What to do?
If the urine analysis showed an elevated level of red blood cells, then you should seriously take care of your health. This does not mean self-medication, but a full-fledged drug therapy prescribed by a doctor based on the diagnostic results.
If the test results are questionable, it is recommended to give urine again, or even twice, to compare the results and reduce the likelihood of error. For example, significant errors may occur if the urine sample was collected during menstrual bleeding or if the rules of genital hygiene were not observed.
After receiving the first test results, you should not immediately panic and “invent” a diagnosis and treatment for yourself. You need to consult a doctor, conduct additional diagnostics, find the reason for the appearance of red blood cells in the urine. Only after this will the doctor prescribe treatment.
In no case should you ignore such a problem: if you drag out time and do not rush with treatment, the condition may worsen, causing the development of complications.
Medicines that a doctor may prescribe
First of all, attention is paid to the underlying disease and the intensity of blood and red blood cells entering the urine. Drugs that affect the cardiovascular system are used - for example, Dopamine is prescribed in a daily amount of 400 mg, as well as solutions and plasma substitutes (Dextrose, isotonic sodium chloride solution). It is also possible to use medications that affect the blood coagulation system: Protamine sulfate, Etamsylate, etc.
Additional treatment is determined by the primary pathology.
Urolithiasis |
|
Blemaren |
A drug that maintains adequate acid-base balance of the urinary fluid. With prolonged use, Blemaren is able to dissolve uric acid stones and prevent their formation. The average dose of the drug is 3-6 g up to three times a day after meals. During the entire treatment period, systematic monitoring of urine pH is required to avoid the formation of phosphates (formed at a pH of more than 7.0). |
Novalgin |
An analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory agent. Take 1-2 tablets 1-3 times a day for five days. Possible side effects include nausea, leukopenia, and allergic reactions. |
Infectious and inflammatory diseases (pyelonephritis, prostatitis, cystitis) |
|
Ciprofloxacin |
An antibiotic with a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity. It is used in individual doses for 7-15 days. The drug rarely causes allergies, but swelling, headaches, insomnia, and diarrhea may occur. |
Nitroxoline |
An effective antibacterial drug that is taken with food at 0.1 g 4 times a day. The duration of administration is from two to three weeks. During treatment, dyspeptic phenomena may sometimes occur, and a change in the color of urine is observed. |
Connective tissue diseases (systemic vasculitis, arthropathies, rheumatoid arthritis) |
|
Prednisolone |
Synthetic analogue of corticosteroid hormones, possessing anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-exudative, antitoxic properties. The dosage of Prednisolone is determined individually, the treatment is discontinued gradually, so as not to cause withdrawal syndrome. |
Dicynone |
An antihemorrhagic drug that normalizes the permeability of the vascular wall without developing hypercoagulation. The drug is prescribed in an individual dosage, on average 1.5 g per day, for 1-2 weeks. Side effects of the drug: decreased blood pressure, nausea, numbness of the extremities. |
Urinary tract injuries |
|
No-shpa |
An antispasmodic drug that is taken at 0.04-0.08 g up to three times a day. In some cases, the intake may be accompanied by dizziness, decreased blood pressure, sweating, and allergies. |
A herbal urological preparation with anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects. For adult patients, in most cases, it is recommended to take two tablets three times a day. The duration of treatment is determined individually. Side effects are rare and are expressed in the appearance of digestive disorders, allergic reactions. |
Antibiotic treatment is carried out in infectious and inflammatory processes that caused the appearance of red blood cells in the urine. The main focus of such therapy is to stop the development of inflammation and destroy the pathogen.
- In most situations, antibiotics with a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity are prescribed. These may be penicillin, cephalosporin group drugs, or carbapenems (beta-lactams).
- Quite common is the prescription of quinolone drugs (Ciprofloxacin, Norfloxacin).
- Antibiotic therapy is carried out with oral drugs for three weeks, replacing the antibiotic after 7-10 days (to avoid the development of microbial resistance). If an antibiogram has been performed, then one drug is prescribed, depending on the sensitivity of the detected microorganisms. In severe cases of inflammation, several antibiotics may be used simultaneously.
- After antibiotic therapy, there is often a need to use urinary antiseptics.
Vitamins
For almost any reason for the appearance of red blood cells in the urine, doctors advise changing your diet in favor of plant products: vegetables, greens and fruits saturate the body not only with vitamins, but also with minerals.
To speed up recovery or to prevent erythrocyturia, it is necessary to remember about B vitamins. If they are lacking, the mucous tissues lining the urinary organs become weaker. In addition, the B vitamin group increases resistance to infectious lesions and strengthens the immune defense.
The anti-inflammatory effect of pantothenic acid (B 5 ) is due to its active participation in the production of corticosteroid hormones.
Pyridoxine (B 6 ) ensures reliable functioning of the immune system, therefore it allows not only to speed up recovery, but also to prevent the development of complications.
Cyanocobalamin (B 12 ) increases the phagocytic activity of leukocytes, therefore it acts as a preventive measure preventing the transition of acute inflammation into a chronic form. In addition, cyanocobalamin helps to overcome anemia, which can develop against the background of the prolonged presence of red blood cells in the urine.
Ascorbic acid is the most important vitamin for any inflammatory processes. It helps to start the processes of regeneration and healing of the affected tissues of the urinary system.
Vitamin A is the main activator of non-specific immunity, it can reduce the intensity of the inflammatory reaction.
Vitamin E provides the kidneys with protection from free radicals and prevents the formation of scarring in tissues.
The optimal source of the listed vitamins is natural food products. In some cases, it may be necessary to take multivitamins, but this issue should be discussed with your doctor first.
Physiotherapy treatment
Most often, patients with red blood cells in the urine are recommended to drink mineral water, take mineral baths (sodium chloride, carbon dioxide), and also undergo the following procedures:
- amplipulse technique;
- microwave therapy;
- ultrasound;
- UHF therapy;
- exposure to direct current.
Physiotherapeutic procedures are not prescribed if the patient is diagnosed with primary or secondary pyelonephritis at the stage of active inflammatory process, or terminal phase of chronic pyelonephritis, or renal polycystic disease or hydronephrosis at the stage of decompensation.
Microwave therapy is not performed for coral-shaped kidney stones, as well as for stone formation in the calyces and renal pelvis.
In case of cystitis, UHF therapy, infrared irradiation of the bladder projection zone, sitz mineral baths, paraffin (ozokerite) applications are indicated. In this case, contraindications may include stage 2-3 prostate adenoma, ulcerative cystitis, urinary stones, operable urethral stricture, leukoplakia.
In case of prostatitis, mud therapy, hydrogen sulphide and turpentine baths, ultrasound, laser treatment, low-frequency magnetic therapy, UHF and microwave therapy are indicated. Contraindications are acute inflammation in the rectum and prostate, rectal polyps, anal fissures, acute phase of hemorrhoids, prostate adenoma.
Folk remedies
In many cases, folk remedies successfully complement drug therapy, but such treatment can only be carried out with the consent of the attending physician.
The following folk methods will help to normalize urine test results faster:
- Pour 200 ml of boiling water over the rhizome or crushed bark of barberry, keep on low heat for twenty minutes. Cool, filter, take up to three times a day, 3 tablespoons, between meals.
- Pour 20 g of blackberry rhizome with 100 ml of Cahors, place on low heat and leave for up to fifteen minutes. Cool, filter and take three times a day, a couple of tablespoons.
- Dried bearberry leaves are ground to a powder using a coffee grinder. The powder is taken orally, ½ teaspoon, with water or tea, every four hours.
- Take natural mumiyo 0.2 g in the morning before breakfast, daily for a month.
In no case should traditional medication be replaced by folk methods. This can be fraught with serious health problems. Remember: folk therapy is only an addition to the main treatment regimen.
Herbal treatment
- St. John's wort, 1 tbsp., is poured with boiling water (0.5 l) and kept under a lid for half an hour. Take one sip three times a day, between meals.
- Pour 200 ml of boiling water over 15 g of dried nettle leaves and let it brew for half an hour. Drink a small sip three times a day.
- Pour 30 g of parsley seeds into 200 ml of boiling water and leave to cool. Drink 2 tbsp. three times a day, one hour before meals.
- Take 20 g of fresh knotweed, pour 200 ml of boiling water, leave until cool. Take 1 tbsp. 4 times a day.
- Take 20 g of strawberry leaves, pour 200 ml of boiling water, leave for about half an hour. Take a sip three times a day. It is also recommended to add fresh or frozen strawberries to food.
- Squeeze the juice from the fresh coltsfoot plant. Take 1 tbsp. three times a day after meals. You can also make an infusion from the leaves of the plant. Pour 5 g of dry leaves with 200 ml of boiling water, leave for about half an hour, filter. Drink 100 ml three times a day an hour before meals.
Homeopathy
In recent years, patients have increasingly sought help from homeopaths - specialists who deal with homeopathic treatment of various diseases. There are specific drugs for erythrocyturia: experts say that homeopathy involves influencing the immediate cause of the appearance of red blood cells in the urine, so its use is effective and always leads to a cure.
Which homeopathic remedies will help normalize urine test results?
- Terebentina 3.6 is a basic drug when red blood cells are detected in urine and when daily diuresis decreases.
- Phosphorus 6, 12 – helps if the appearance of red blood cells is associated with dystrophic changes in the urinary system.
- Ferrum aceticum 3,6 – is prescribed for trauma to the urinary tract (for example, in the presence of kidney stones or bladder stones). The drug is sometimes allowed to replace Arnica 3x, 3.
- Millifolium 3x, 3 – is used for erythrocyturia associated with physical exertion.
- Crotalus 6, 12 – the use of this drug is appropriate if the problem is related to impaired blood clotting.
- Hamamelis 3x, 3 – used for severe erythrocyturia.
- Hina 3x, 3 – can be prescribed if the appearance of red blood cells in the urine is detected against the background of anemia and general exhaustion of the patient.
The dosage of the indicated drugs is always strictly individual. Side effects are isolated and are expressed in an allergic reaction to one or another homeopathic remedy.
It is indicated that during the first few days from the start of treatment, some aggravation of symptoms may be observed - this is a normal phenomenon that does not require additional intervention by a doctor. Then the condition normalizes.
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Diet for red blood cells in urine
In most cases, when red blood cells are detected in the urine, the doctor recommends that the patient change his or her diet. A salt-free diet is prescribed, with a restriction on animal protein foods, with a predominance of plant-based and dairy products. The volume of liquid drunk should match the volume excreted. Fasting days are also recommended - for example, once a week. After the patient's health stabilizes, such days can be abandoned.
The following products are allowed:
- bread, pancakes without added salt;
- first courses – vegetable, cereal, vegetarian, with sour cream dressing or a small amount of butter;
- rarely – white lean meat, tongue, lean fish;
- low-fat dairy products, cottage cheese;
- eggs (no more than a couple per day);
- cereals, pasta, vermicelli;
- any vegetables, including potatoes;
- vegetable and fruit salads without salt;
- honey, berries, jelly, jelly, tea, weak coffee, juices;
- vegetable oils, unsalted butter.
The following are prohibited:
- regular bread, baked goods;
- broth with meat, fish, mushrooms, beans;
- fatty meat or fish;
- sausages and smoked products, canned goods, cheese, beans;
- chocolate, cocoa, alcoholic beverages;
- onions and garlic, peppers, hot seasonings and spices, vinegar, horseradish, sorrel, radish;
- any pickles and marinades.
It is advisable not to add salt to food at all. The daily number of meals is 6, in small portion sizes.
The question of the need to reduce the caloric content of food is decided directly by the attending physician.