Elevated White Blood Cells in Urinalysis Results - Internal Medicine

More Info

---

Elevated white blood cells (WBC) in urinalysis, such as the result of 8-10 WBCs per high power field (HPF), can indicate several potential health issues, primarily related to inflammation or infection in the urinary tract. In a healthy individual, the normal range for white blood cells in urine is typically 0-5 WBCs per HPF. When the count exceeds this range, it often suggests an underlying condition that requires further evaluation.

One of the most common causes of elevated white blood cells in urine is a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs can occur in various parts of the urinary system, including the bladder (cystitis), urethra (urethritis), and kidneys (pyelonephritis). Symptoms of a UTI may include frequent urination, a burning sensation during urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and sometimes fever or flank pain if the kidneys are involved. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Another possible cause of elevated WBCs in urine is interstitial cystitis, a chronic condition characterized by bladder pressure, bladder pain, and sometimes pelvic pain. Unlike UTIs, interstitial cystitis does not typically respond to antibiotics, as it is not caused by a bacterial infection.

In some cases, elevated white blood cells can also be associated with kidney stones, which can cause irritation and inflammation in the urinary tract. Additionally, conditions such as glomerulonephritis, which involves inflammation of the kidney's filtering units, can also lead to increased WBCs in urine.

It is important to note that elevated white blood cells in urine can sometimes be a result of contamination during the urine collection process, particularly if the sample is not collected midstream or if proper hygiene is not maintained. Therefore, if there are no accompanying symptoms of infection, it may be beneficial to repeat the urinalysis to confirm the findings.

In terms of next steps, if your urinalysis shows elevated WBCs and you have symptoms suggestive of a UTI or other urinary issues, your healthcare provider may recommend a urine culture to identify any bacteria present and determine the appropriate antibiotic treatment. If there are no symptoms, they may suggest increased fluid intake and a follow-up urinalysis to monitor the situation.

In summary, elevated white blood cells in urine can indicate various conditions, primarily related to infections or inflammation in the urinary tract. It is essential to consider accompanying symptoms and possibly repeat the test to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment. If you have any concerns or symptoms, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and tailored advice.