WBCs (White Blood Cells ) in Urine: Defination, Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

The presence of WBCs in urine, also known as leukocytes, can indicate an underlying medical condition. Normally, urine does not contain any white blood cells, but in the presence of an infection or inflammation in the urinary tract, white blood cells may be present.

Increased in WBCs in urine is called Pyuria.

Introduction of WBcs in Urine:

The presence of white blood cells in urine, also known as leukocytes, can indicate an underlying medical condition. Normally, urine does not contain any white blood cells, but in the presence of an infection or inflammation in the urinary tract, white blood cells may be present. This can be caused by various conditions such as urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and sexually transmitted infections. If you have white blood cells in your urine, it is important to see a healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment.

Causes of WBCs in Urine:

Here are some common causes of white blood cells in urine:

1. Urinary tract infections: Bacterial infection in the urinary tract can lead to white blood cells in urine. Symptoms include frequent urination, painful urination, and cloudy urine.
2. Bladder infections: Infection in the bladder can cause white blood cells in urine. Symptoms include frequent urination, urgency, pain or burning during urination, and lower abdominal pain.
3. Kidney infections: Infection in the kidneys can lead to white blood cells in urine. Symptoms include fever, chills, flank pain, nausea, and vomiting.
4. Sexually transmitted infections: Certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause white blood cells in urine. Symptoms may include painful urination, discharge, and genital itching or pain.
5. Interstitial cystitis: This chronic condition causes inflammation in the bladder and can lead to white blood cells in urine. Symptoms include frequent and painful urination, pelvic pain, and discomfort during sex.
6. Kidney stones: Presence of kidney stones can cause urinary tract obstruction and lead to urinary tract infection, which in turn causes white blood cells in urine. Symptoms include sudden onset of severe pain in the back or side, nausea, and vomiting.
7. Prostate infection: Infection in the prostate gland can cause white blood cells in urine. Symptoms include painful urination, difficulty urinating, and frequent urination, especially at night.

It’s important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and other medical conditions or factors could also lead to the presence of white blood cells in urine. A healthcare provider should be consulted for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Why get tested:

Some reasons why a healthcare provider may recommend getting tested for white blood cells in urine:

1. Urinary tract infection symptoms: If you’re experiencing symptoms such as painful urination, frequent urination, or cloudy urine, your healthcare provider may recommend a urine test to check for the presence of white blood cells in urine and determine if you have a urinary tract infection.
2. Routine physical exam: A healthcare provider may order a urine test as part of a routine physical exam to screen for any potential health issues, including the presence of white blood cells in urine.
3. Follow-up after treatment: If you’ve recently been treated for a urinary tract infection or other condition that can cause white blood cells in urine, your healthcare provider may recommend a urine test to ensure that the treatment was successful and that there are no remaining issues.
4. Monitoring a chronic condition: If you have a chronic condition such as interstitial cystitis or kidney stones, your healthcare provider may recommend regular urine tests to monitor the condition and detect any potential flare-ups or complications.
5. Screening for sexually transmitted infections: If you’re at risk for sexually transmitted infections, your healthcare provider may recommend a urine test to check for the presence of white blood cells in urine, which can indicate the presence of an STI.

It’s important to discuss with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or questions about the need for a urine test or other medical tests.

When to Get Tested:

Here are some situations when you may need to get tested for white blood cells in urine:

1. If you experience symptoms of a urinary tract infection, such as painful urination, frequent urination, or cloudy urine.
2. If you have a history of urinary tract infections or other conditions that can cause white blood cells in urine, and you develop similar symptoms.
3. As part of a routine physical exam, especially if you are at risk for urinary tract infections or sexually transmitted infections.
4. If you have a chronic condition such as kidney stones or interstitial cystitis, and your healthcare provider recommends regular urine tests to monitor your condition.
5. If you have been treated for a urinary tract infection or other condition that can cause white blood cells in urine, and your healthcare provider wants to ensure that the treatment was successful and there are no remaining issues.
6. If you are at risk for sexually transmitted infections, such as having multiple sexual partners, and your healthcare provider recommends testing for STIs.
7. If you are pregnant, as urinary tract infections can be more common during pregnancy and may require treatment to prevent complications.

It’s important to discuss with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or questions about when to get tested for white blood cells in urine.

Required Sample and Preparation:

Here is a list of required sample and preparation for testing white blood cells in urine:

1. Urine sample: A urine sample is required for testing white blood cells in urine. It’s important to collect a clean-catch midstream urine sample, which means first passing some urine into the toilet and then collecting a sample of urine in a sterile container. This helps to avoid contamination of the sample and ensures accurate results.
2. Preparation: Before collecting a urine sample, it’s important to clean the genital area thoroughly with soap and water to reduce the risk of contamination. It’s also important to avoid using any disinfectants or antiseptics, as these can interfere with the test results.
3. Timing: The urine sample should be collected in the morning, as it is usually more concentrated and may provide a more accurate result. It’s also important to avoid drinking too much fluid before collecting the sample, as this can dilute the urine and affect the test results.
4. Storage: The urine sample should be stored in a sterile container and kept refrigerated if it cannot be tested immediately. It’s important to follow any instructions provided by the healthcare provider or laboratory for sample collection and storage.

It’s important to discuss with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or questions about collecting a urine sample or preparing for a white blood cell urine test.

Results Interpretation:

Here are possible interpretations of results for white blood cells in urine:

1. Negative result: A negative result means that no white blood cells were detected in the urine sample. This is a normal finding and suggests that there is no infection or inflammation in the urinary tract.
2. Positive result: A positive result means that white blood cells were detected in the urine sample. This can indicate the presence of an infection or inflammation in the urinary tract.
3. Elevated levels of white blood cells: The number of white blood cells in the urine sample can provide additional information about the severity of the infection or inflammation. Higher levels of white blood cells may indicate a more severe infection or inflammation.
4. Further testing required: In some cases, further testing may be required to determine the underlying cause of the white blood cells in the urine. This may involve additional urine tests, blood tests, or imaging studies.
5. False positive or false negative result: It’s possible for the results of a white blood cell urine test to be incorrect due to factors such as contamination of the sample or an error in the testing process. In some cases, repeat testing may be necessary to confirm the results.

It’s important to discuss the results of a white blood cell urine test with your healthcare provider, who can provide a more detailed interpretation and recommend any necessary follow-up testing or treatment.

Normal levels of WBCs in urine:

Normally, there should be no white blood cells or very few (less than 5 white blood cells per high power field) in a urine sample of a healthy person. However, the normal range of white blood cells in urine can vary slightly depending on the laboratory and the testing method used. Your healthcare provider can interpret the results of your white blood cell urine test and determine if the levels are within the normal range or if further testing is required. It’s important to note that the presence of even a small number of white blood cells in the urine may warrant further investigation, especially if accompanied by symptoms such as painful urination or frequent urination.

Symptoms of WBCs in urine:

Here are common symptoms that may be associated with the presence of white blood cells in urine:

1. Painful or burning sensation during urination: This may indicate a urinary tract infection.
2. Frequent urination: This may indicate an infection or inflammation in the urinary tract.
3. Urgent need to urinate: This may indicate an infection or inflammation in the urinary tract.
4. Cloudy or strong-smelling urine: This may indicate an infection or inflammation in the urinary tract.
5. Blood in the urine: This may indicate an infection, inflammation, or other underlying condition.
6. Lower abdominal pain or discomfort: This may indicate an infection or inflammation in the urinary tract.
7. Fever or chills: This may indicate an infection in the urinary tract or elsewhere in the body.
8. Nausea or vomiting: This may indicate an infection or inflammation in the urinary tract or other underlying condition.
9. Back pain or flank pain: This may indicate a kidney infection or other underlying condition.

It’s important to note that not all people with white blood cells in their urine will experience symptoms. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to discuss them with your healthcare provider, who can recommend appropriate testing or treatment.

Treatment and Preventions of WBCs in Urine:

Here are possible treatments and preventative measures for white blood cells in urine:

1. Antibiotics: If the white blood cells in the urine are due to a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the infection.
2. Antifungal medication: If the white blood cells in the urine are due to a fungal infection, antifungal medication may be prescribed to treat the infection.
3. Pain relievers: If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may be recommended.
4. Increased fluid intake: Drinking plenty of water and other fluids can help flush out bacteria and other harmful substances from the urinary tract.
5. Urinate frequently: Urinating frequently and completely can help prevent bacteria from multiplying in the bladder.
6. Good hygiene: Practicing good hygiene, such as wiping front to back after using the toilet, can help prevent the spread of bacteria to the urinary tract.
7. Avoid irritants: Avoiding irritants such as bubble baths, douches, and feminine hygiene sprays can help prevent urinary tract infections.
8. Cranberry products: Some studies suggest that cranberry products may help prevent urinary tract infections, but more research is needed to confirm this.

It’s important to discuss any treatment or prevention options with your healthcare provider, who can recommend the most appropriate approach based on your individual needs and medical history.

FAQs:

What are white blood cells, and why are they important?

Answer: White blood cells are a type of blood cell that plays an important role in the body’s immune system. They help protect the body against infection and disease by attacking and destroying harmful bacteria, viruses, and other foreign invaders.

What causes white blood cells to be present in urine?

Answer: The presence of white blood cells in urine may be caused by a variety of factors, including urinary tract infections, kidney infections, bladder infections, sexually transmitted infections, kidney disease, or cancer.

What are the symptoms of white blood cells in urine?

Answer: Symptoms of white blood cells in urine may include pain or burning during urination, frequent urination, urgency to urinate, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, blood in the urine, lower abdominal pain, fever or chills, nausea or vomiting, or back pain.

How is white blood cells in urine diagnosed?

Answer: A urine test, called a urinalysis, is typically used to diagnose the presence of white blood cells in urine. In some cases, additional testing may be needed to determine the underlying cause of the white blood cells.

Can white blood cells in urine be a sign of cancer?

Answer: Yes, in some cases, the presence of white blood cells in urine may be a sign of bladder or kidney cancer. However, there are many other conditions that can cause white blood cells in urine, so further testing is needed to confirm a cancer diagnosis.

How is a urine sample collected for testing?

Answer: A urine sample can be collected at a healthcare provider’s office or at home using a clean-catch method. This involves cleaning the genital area, starting to urinate, then collecting a midstream sample of urine in a sterile container.

Is it normal to have some white blood cells in urine?

Answer: It is normal to have a few white blood cells in urine, but high levels of white blood cells can indicate an underlying condition or infection.

What are the treatment options for white blood cells in urine?

Answer: Treatment for white blood cells in urine depends on the underlying cause. Antibiotics may be prescribed for bacterial infections, while antifungal medications may be used for fungal infections. Pain relievers and increased fluid intake may also be recommended.

Can white blood cells in urine go away on their own?

Answer: White blood cells in urine caused by a bacterial infection will usually not go away on their own and require treatment with antibiotics. However, if the white blood cells are caused by another condition, they may go away on their own with proper care and treatment.

Can white blood cells in urine be prevented?

Answer: White blood cells in urine can be prevented by practicing good hygiene, avoiding irritants, drinking plenty of water and other fluids, and urinating frequently and completely.

Can medications cause white blood cells in urine?

Answer: Yes, some medications can cause white blood cells in urine as a side effect. These medications include antibiotics, diuretics, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Can stress cause white blood cells in urine?

Answer: Stress can indirectly cause white blood cells in urine by weakening the immune system and making the body more susceptible to infections.

Can white blood cells in urine be a sign of pregnancy?

Answer: Yes, the presence of white blood cells in urine can be a sign of pregnancy. However, other pregnancy-related symptoms are usually present as well.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the presence of white blood cells in urine can be a sign of an underlying condition or infection, such as a urinary tract infection or kidney disease. It is important to consult a healthcare provider if symptoms such as pain or burning during urination, frequent urination, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, or fever and chills are experienced.

A urine test, called a urinalysis, is typically used to diagnose the presence of white blood cells in urine, and treatment options depend on the underlying cause. Practicing good hygiene, drinking plenty of fluids, and seeking prompt medical attention for symptoms can help prevent and treat white blood cells in urine.

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