Why are there more epithelial cells in urine routine tests?

During a routine urine test, if an increase in epithelial cells is found, most people will panic. But in fact, a simple increase in epithelial cells has little clinical significance. The increase in epithelial cells is also related to diseases such as pyelonephritis. Therefore, when checking, you should also pay attention to whether its value has greatly exceeded the normal range.

1. Clinical significance

Squamous epithelial cells generally have little clinical significance. Transitional epithelial cells are divided into surface, middle and bottom transitional epithelial cells due to their different sources. Among them, an increase in middle transitional epithelial cells is common in pyelonephritis, etc. Small round epithelial cells come from the kidneys. They are rare in normal urine but may appear in large numbers when renal tubular lesions occur. They are of certain value in the localization and diagnosis of renal parenchymal diseases. When there is chronic renal congestion, renal infarction and hemoglobin deposition, round cells containing brown granules (containing hemosiderin) in the cytoplasm can be seen.

2. Increased epithelial cells

A small number of epithelial cells can sometimes be found in the urine of normal people. If there is glomerulonephritis, the number of epithelial cells in the urine will increase. If there is a lesion in the renal tubules, many epithelial cells may appear. Sometimes there will be many vaginal secretions mixed in the urine. If only the epithelial cell count is high during a routine urine test, while the urine protein and red blood cell counts are normal, there should not be any major problems. You should pay attention to regular checks.

3. How to deal with it

If other examinations are normal and there is only an increase in the squamous epithelium, then there is no problem. This is mainly caused by the shedding of the urethral mucosa. Drink more water, eat more fruits and vegetables, avoid spicy food, and eat regularly. Then check again after a period of time. It will generally return to normal. If there are symptoms of frequent urination, urgency, and pain when urinating at the same time, it means that there is still a urinary tract infection. Inflammatory infection can also cause increased shedding of the urethral mucosa. You can take antibiotics for treatment, such as levofloxacin.