White blood cells are blood cells that resist and fight infections. There are times when the WBC count increases and is found in the urine. What do white blood cells in urine mean, after all? Let this article help you navigate through.
White blood cells (WBCs), is a type of blood cell, apart from red blood cells and platelets. The white blood cells are responsible for resisting infections. Foreign bodies are rejected and extricated from the system with the help of white blood cells, known to successfully discard the unwanted material. They are the ones who make sure that we get rid of our routine or normal cough, cold, fever, and any other disease. They constitute 1% of an adult’s blood. Thus, we may conclude on the note of how important they are in protecting and taking care of our immune system. Sometimes, there may be instances where the white blood cells figure in the urine. This gets us thinking as to why we find traces of WBCs in the urine. Through this article, we understand why they feature in urine and what do the traces specifically indicate.
However, when white blood cells are present more than the prescribed amount, in addition to being found in inappropriate regions, this could pose to be a matter of great concern. It could indicate the onset or early presence of a particular disease. In normal conditions, it is the urinary system that ensures there are no WBCs in the urine. If urinalysis is conducted, there are chances that the presence of WBCs is indicated. This can lead us to believe that there are certain complications that the urinary system is enduring. The condition where they are found in the urine is called Hematuria. In normal circumstances, the kidney filters blood and white blood cells from passing into the urine. However, when WBCs are found in the urine sample, the presence of WBCs have diluted and contaminated the urine content in the urinary tract.
Interpreting the Presence of White Blood Cells in the Urine
Bladder Infections
The bladder is an essential part of the urinary system. When there is any type of deviation noticed in the bladder activity, such as bladder infection, this can lead to WBCs collecting in the urine. The symptoms that you are bound to notice when this occurs is a burning and painful sensation during urination. You are also likely to notice that the urine appears to be cloudy and frothy. Also known as Cystitis, it is prevalent in boys than girls during adolescence, however as one progresses into adulthood, it is women who are prone to this type of infection. It is important that a dose of antibiotics is administered to the patient to treat cystitis. Any kind of discrepancies in the bladder, sexual intercourse, and certain pregnancy related conditions, also have the potential to cause this infection which may significantly increase the white blood cells count in the urine.
Urinary Tract Infection
This is one of the most common infection to affect the urinary system. A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria makes way into the opening of the urethra. This happens during sexual intercourse or voiding. Thus, the urinary tract infection could be a cause of white blood cells in the urine. Other symptoms that indicate the count has risen are pain during urination and a frustrating burning sensation.
Kidney Infection
A major reason for inappropriate count is infection of the kidneys. Any type of infection of the kidneys can cause the white blood cells to appear in the urine. Kidney infection or Pyelonephritis, has its origination in the urinary tract, spreading gradually to the kidneys. As the kidneys filter the blood and the WBCs during urination, this normal process is not followed when there is infection in the kidney. The white blood cells thus enter the urine. If the kidneys are not functioning well and have countered an infection, then there are probabilities that WBCs can occur. Kidney Stones may block the urethra passage for the urine to pass with ease. It is this blockage that restricts the urine flow, thereby leading to a bacterial infection. As the urethra passage is blocked and the infection has seeped in, the presence of white blood cells is also evident. Kidney stones block the urethra which causes discomfort and difficulty in urinating as one may not relieve oneself completely after visiting the bathroom as the individual passes very little urine.
After the aforementioned causes and indicators of what the condition could mean, there could also be other disturbances leading to interference, such as a tumor that can result in the occurrence of white blood cells in urine. As far as treatment is concerned, for infections, a dose of corresponding antibiotics could cure the urinary tract and the infection could be waived. The treatment depends on the severity and frequency of the WBCs in urine. This will also decide if there is any serious disease detection left pending. However, it would always be to your advantage not to go through the trauma, and inhibit the occurrence of urinary tract infection as far as possible.
Hopefully, this article has helped you. Understand that there is nothing grandiosely serious about the condition. Keep in mind that having a strong immunity system is the key.
