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The detection of leukocytes (or white blood cells) in your urine may feel alarming, but it is just an indication that your body may be dealing with an infection or inflammation somewhere in your urinary tract. White blood cells are part of your immune system's defense team, and their presence in urine is commonly noted in conditions such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney issues, or other concerns. Sometimes you will see them with other symptoms like pain while urinating, fever, or cloudy urine, and other times they are solely found on your routine testing. If diagnosed in time, most reasons for finding leukocytes in urine are treatable and can be resolved quickly and easily.
Synopsis
What are Leukocytes?
Leukocytes, or white blood cells (WBCs), are a major component of your immune system as the body's army to fight infection, inflammation, and other potential invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. In a normal urine sample, only a small amount of leukocytes would be present; large amounts mean there is inflammation and/or infection somewhere in the urinary tract (bladder or kidneys). Different types of leukocytes have different roles, but together, they work to keep you healthy by identifying, attacking, and eliminating anything that could pose a threat to your well-being.
What Symptoms to Look Out For?
Finding leukocytes (white blood cells) in your urine is not a diagnosis, but an indicator of a problem, like a urinary tract infection (UTI), inflammation, or other urinary issue. Depending on the cause, your symptoms might look a little different, but they usually include:
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An overwhelming need to urinate with very little actual output - |
You may feel the need to go often, but only needing to urinate a small amount of urine each time. |
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Burning or discomfort while urinating - |
If you feel pain or discomfort while urinating you might have irritation, or in many cases, an infection in the urinary tract. |
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Cloudy or foul-smelling urine - |
Your urine may take on a cloudy appearance that often has a foul or pungent smell. This could be a sign of infection or inflammation. |
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Blood in your urine (hematuria) - |
Your urine may appear pink, red, or brownish due to bleeding (hematuria) where the blood can indicate irritation or damage or infection, or possibly a more serious condition. For starters, you may have cramping or discomfort in the lower belly or pelvic region as many times this is an indication of irritation in the bladder or urinary tract. |
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Fever or chills - |
These symptoms, especially if they are severe, may indicate that the infection is in the kidneys and needs to be addressed urgently. |
Sometimes, leukocytes are noted on routine urinalysis without any other symptoms. An absence of symptoms is still notable because they may indicate an early infection or something else. Either way, it is critical to identify the cause and treat it sooner, rather than later, to avoid complications even if you are not concerned about your discomfort.
8 Common Causes for Leukocytes in Urine
Leukocytes in urine can result from a variety of reasons, generally related to infections, inflammation, or other problems with the urinary system. Some common causes include:
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Urinary Tract infections (UTIs): The most common cause, often due to bacteria entering the urinary tract.
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Kidney infection or kidney stones: Both can cause inflammation.
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Obstruction in the urinary tract: An enlarged prostate, strictures, or bladder stones can all lead to blockages.
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Pregnancy: Pregnancy increases the risk of a UTI due to hormonal and anatomical changes.
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Not fully emptying the bladder: When the bladder is not emptied fully, there is urine that is stagnant, and bacteria can multiply.
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Tumors in the pelvis or treatment for cancers: Tumors can impact the immune system and make the body more susceptible, as can certain cancer treatments.
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Sterile pyuria: Increased leukocytes with no bacteria; has been linked to tuberculosis, some sexually transmitted infections, cystitis, autoimmune disorders, and bladder cancer.
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Medications : such as NSAIDs, steroids, PPIs, or some antibiotics.
Diagnosis for Leukocytes in Urine
To identify leukocytes in urine, a doctor will typically consider testing in addition to any signs or symptoms and any other relevant information in the history. If the doctor is concerned about a urinary tract problem, it is common for them to take the initial step of ordering a urinalysis, which checks for:
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White blood cells (WBCs) - normally ≤10 WBCs per high-power field.
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Red blood cells - the presence of blood may indicate inflammation or injury.
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Bacteria or nitrites - which would indicate an infection.
If a doctor is concerned about whether there is an infection, then a urine culture tells whether the patient has an infection, and helps specify the bacteria so that the right antibiotic can be chosen. If stones or structural problems are suspected, the doctor may use an ultrasound, an X-ray, or a CT scan as image. This systematic approach directs the clinician to a final diagnosis that is best suited for treating the patient's symptoms, as well as the underlying condition responsible for the new symptoms.
Treatment
The treatment for leukocytes in urine will differ based on the cause. If the reason is a bacterial infection (i.e., UTI), usually antibiotics will be given to help clear the infection. If the infection is severe or there are complications, hospitalisation may be necessary to assist in monitoring, and stronger antimicrobial treatment options may be available.
Beyond medical treatment, there are some lifestyle modifications that can help manage symptoms and promote urinary health:
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Stay hydrated and drink enough to flush the bacteria from the urinary tract
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Do not hold in urine for long periods of time
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Maintain your overall health with diet and exercise
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Over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help relieve some of the discomfort, but it would be best to speak about appropriate options with your healthcare provider.
Closing Thoughts
Discovering leukocytes in your urine can be concerning, but in most cases, it simply indicates that your body is responding to inflammation or an infection. The treatment and management of urinary problems are dependent on the reason for your urinary issues. For instance, urinary tract infections typically require a course of antibiotics, kidney stones may require surgical intervention, and maintaining a reasonable level of health (drinking lots of fluids, keeping your eye on your posters, and so on) can help the body to recover. Your body is good at letting you know an area needs help, and attending appropriate and routine medical appointments helps to ward off more serious issues. Seeing your healthcare provider will help with diagnosis and treatment in order to assist you in maintaining a healthy and well-functioning urinary system.
Concerned about urinary symptoms? Book a consultation with our expert urology team at Manipal Hospitals for accurate diagnosis and care.
FAQ's
High levels of leukocytes would indicate inflammation in the urinary tract, which may be infections, kidney stones, or other conditions.
Yes, sterile pyuria is where leukocytes were present, but there were no bacteria. This can occur for any number of reasons, such as some autoimmune conditions, certain medications, or infections like tuberculosis.
It depends on the cause. UTIs are the most common cause and are usually treated with antibiotics; kidney stones and other blockages may require further procedures or simply a lifestyle change, such as drinking more water.
Staying hydrated, going to the bathroom when you need to, good hygiene, and controlling any medical conditions can all limit the risk of having elevated leukocytes.
You should seek medical attention if you notice persistent urinary symptoms such as pain or burning during urination, blood in the urine, fever, back pain, or if your symptoms do not improve with home care.
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