Why do urine tests have high white blood cells?

The article was professionally consulted by Doctor Vo Ha Bang Suong - General Internal Medicine - Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Phu Quoc International General Hospital

White blood cells are a very important component in the human body's immune system, helping the body fight harmful foreign agents and prevent infection. In the case of high white blood cells in the urine is a warning sign of serious disease.

White blood cells, also known as white blood cells, are one of the types of blood cells that exist together with platelets and red blood cells, which are an integral part of the human body's immune system. prevent infection and harmful agents from the external environment. White blood cells are produced and stored in many places in the human body.
In a normal body, white blood cells are very few or none in the urine. The white blood cell count in the urine is within the permissible limit of 10-25 cells/UL.

When the urine test results show a high level of white blood cells in the urine, it is possible that the body has an infection or other health problem. In this case, the patient needs to conduct some other tests to accurately diagnose his health situation.
Some common causes of high white blood cell count in the urine may be:
2.1. Bladder infection The lining of the bladder can become irritated when the body is infected with bladder bacteria, white blood cells. The bridge now plays the role of killing harmful bacteria. An infection or inflammation of the bladder can cause bladder pain, burning, and pain when urinating or urinating more often.
Bladder infections are common in adolescents and adult women. Some of the risk factors that increase bladder infections are sex and pregnancy. Accordingly, when the bladder is infected, the white blood cells in the urine will increase.
2.2.Urinary tract infections and blockages Urinary tract infections and blockages occur when harmful bacteria enter the urethra from the urethra into the urinary tract, this type of infection causes a high white blood cell count in the urine. burning sensation when urinating.
Urinary tract obstruction: The main cause is urinary stones, including kidney stones, ureteral stones, bladder, urethra. Less common causes are abnormalities or malformations of the urinary system that partially or completely obstruct the flow of urine. Any stasis raises the risk of urinary tract infections.
2.3. Kidney infection Including kidney infection - pyelonephritis. This is also a urinary tract infection. The severity of this condition can cause dangerous complications. Early detection is important in the treatment process.
In addition to signs of increased white blood cells in the urine, there are other clinical and laboratory symptoms combined. Feelings of pain in the lower back and frequent urination will cause a lot of discomfort for the patient. Therefore, patients need to be examined for timely treatment.
In addition to the above main causes, high white blood cell count in the urine can also be caused by the following reasons:
Habit of holding urine, not urinating often makes the bladder stretch and stagnate urine, causing bacteria growth and high white blood cell count in the urine. White blood cells in the urine increase during pregnancy: In some pregnant women, the level of protein and white blood cells in the urine increases. The fetus is also a compression factor causing urinary tract obstruction, so it can cause infection. Correct diagnosis and classification are important in treatment to avoid serious complications such as pyelonephritis, retrograde pyelonephritis. Sexually transmitted diseases cause inflammation of the urethra, the genital tract also causes high white blood cells in the urine. In some cases, the causes can cause white blood cells in the urine:
Certain cancers such as prostate, bladder or kidney cancer; Blood diseases such as sickle cell anemia; Due to the effect of some analgesics and anticoagulants; Working or exercising too hard.

The treatment of high white blood cells in the urine will depend on the cause of the disease:
In case of high white blood cells in the urine due to a urinary tract infection, it will be treated with short-term antibiotics. If there are many recurrences, long-term antibiotics may be needed, and increased fluid intake to limit bladder and urinary tract infections. If the cause is a urinary obstruction, then in addition to treating the infection, consideration should be given to resolving the obstruction. Patients can have surgery (large stones) or if the kidney stones are small, the patient can drink plenty of water daily to help push the stones out of the urinary system. In cases of obstruction due to malignancy, treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. The treatment of elevated white blood cells in the urine requires the correct regimen, so the patient needs to go to the hospital to conduct the necessary tests and treatment as prescribed by the doctor. Treatment may make the condition worse.
Vinmec International General Hospital is a professional quality hospital with a team of leading medical professionals, a system of modern technological equipment, comprehensive and professional medical examination, consulting and treatment services. ; civilized, polite, safe and sterile medical examination and treatment space. Customers when choosing to perform tests here can be completely assured of the accuracy of test results.