White Blood Cells in Urine

The presence of white blood cells in urine typically means that the individual has an infection within his body. White blood cells are part of a person’s immune system that helps fight off foreign microorganisms that attempt to invade the body. White blood cells in urine would indicate that the infection is most probably seen on the kidneys or even in any other parts of the body. Diagnostic tests should be performed to determine the reason for the presence of white blood cells in urine. The individual should also pay attention to the different symptoms he is feeling to better contribute to the diagnosis of the infection or disease.

Diseases that Possibly Cause the Presence of White Blood Cells in Urine

White blood cells in urine most possibly indicate an infection somewhere in the urinary tract. The infection could be in the bladder or kidney or in the urinary tract as a whole. The following are some of the causes of WBC found in urine.

• Kidney Infection – One of the functions of kidneys is to filter the blood so that the white blood cells cannot enter the kidneys. If there is something wrong with the kidneys, the white blood cells can now enter the kidneys and will be eliminated via the urethra.

• Bladder Infection – The bladder is where the liquid wastes gather before it is eliminated through the urethra. If there is an infection in the bladder, it could also allow the white blood cells to gather inside the bladder. Bladder infection is characterized by a painful sensation during urination. Factors that trigger bladder infection like sexual intercourse could produce more white blood cells in urine.

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) – White blood cells in urine could be caused by infection in the urinary tract. UTI is more common in women than in men due to the short distance of the female’s urethra to the anus, and the close proximity of the urethral opening from the bladder and the vagina.

Treatment and Management of White Blood Cells in Urine

When an individual experiences significant symptoms such as a burning sensation while urinating, pain near the abdomen and a cloudy appearance of urine, the first thing to do is to see a doctor. The doctor would then conduct a series of diagnostic tests to determine the infection. One of the common tests is the urinalysis to confirm the presence of WBC. The doctor would usually prescribe antibiotics to be taken for a week or more depending on the severity of the infection. For worse cases, an individual needs to be confined in the hospital so the patient’s progress can be better monitored.

The presence of white blood cells in urine is more of a symptom of a disease and not the disease itself. It is an indicator of an infection. There is no need to be alarmed, though, as this can be resolved as long as the proper treatment regimen is followed. But it is always better to prevent a disease than to cure one. To prevent infection in the urinary tract, proper personal hygiene and the right diet can greatly help.