Leukocytes in Urine: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Like superheroes in our body, Leukocytes (also known as white blood cells (WBC)) work tirelessly to keep us safe from harmful invaders like infections and diseases. The presence of leukocytes in urine points to an infection or inflammation in the urinary system. This article explains what pyuria (leukocytes in urine) is and its effects on our health.

What are Leukocytes?

White blood cells also known as leukocytes, are a type of blood cell. The bone marrow and lymphatic system produce these cells. They protect the body from infections, diseases, and outside threats. Doctors group white blood cells into different categories each with its own job:

• Neutrophils: These leukocytes make up the largest group and jump into action to combat bacterial and fungal infections.
• Lymphocytes: These cells are responsible for the body's immune response, which includes making antibodies. Two types are;
  • T lymphocytes - natural killer cells
  • B lymphocytes - create antibodies to fight infection
• Monocytes: These bigger leukocytes play a part in the body's response to inflammation and can turn into macrophages or dendritic cells.
• Eosinophils: Their duty is to protect you from parasitic infections and allergies
• Basophils: Whenever there is any allergy these cells let out histamine and other chemicals.

White blood cells also known as leukocytes circulate in the blood. However, you can also find them in other body fluids, including pee.

Why You Might Have White Blood Cells in Your Pee

When doctors find white blood cells in your urine, they call it pyuria. This happens for several reasons. Here are some of the main causes:

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
• Kidney Infections (pyelonephritis)
• Transmitted Infections (STIs)
• Interstitial Cystitis
• Kidney Stones
• Medicines: Taking some drugs (antibiotics or cancer treatments) can have a side effect. This side effect is white blood cells ending up in your urine.
• Systemic Conditions: Some health issues can lead to white blood cells in your urine. These include cancers in organs related to urination (like prostate, bladder, or kidney cancer), blood problems (such as sickle cell disease), or holding your pee for too long.

Remember finding white blood cells in your pee does not always mean you have got a big health issue. Sometimes they show up just because you have been exercising or due to other reasons that aren't linked to any disease.

Symptoms of White Blood Cells in Urine

White blood cells in urine can lead to different symptoms, based on what is causing them. Below are some symptoms including but not limited to:

• Peeing often
• Pain or burning when you urinate
• Pee that looks cloudy or off-colour
• Pee with a strong or bad smell
• Pain or discomfort in your lower belly
• Pain in your back
• High temperature
• Feeling cold and shaky
• Feeling sick or throwing up

Diagnosis

Figuring out if there are white blood cells in urine involves a mix of lab tests and looking at your medical history. Here are some common methods with the help of which your doctor can figure out whether there is a problem or not (including but not limited to):

• Urinalysis: This basic urine test looks at the physical, chemical, and microscopic aspects of urine, including whether leukocytes are present.
• Urine Culture: This test grows bacteria or fungi from a urine sample to find out which specific germ is causing the infection.
• Imaging Tests: Sometimes, doctors ask for imaging and radiological tests, like ultrasounds or CT scans, to check the kidneys and urinary tract for any underlying problems.
• Cystoscopy: During this procedure (also called cystourethroscopy) your doctor puts a small flexible camera into your urethra to examine the bladder 

Looking at the results of these tests, your doctor can figure out why you have white blood cells in your urine and come up with a plan to treat you.

How to Treat White Blood Cells in Urine

The way to treat white blood cells in your urine depends on what's causing them. 

Here are some common ways to treat this condition:

• Antibiotics: When bacteria cause leukocytes, like in a UTI, the doctor will give you antibiotics to fight the infection
• Antifungal drugs: If fungi cause the leukocytes, your doctor might prescribe medicine to kill the fungus
• Medicines for chronic conditions: For persistent issues causing leukocytes like interstitial cystitis, your doctor may give you medicine to control the underlying cause
• Easy lifestyle changes: At times minor adjustments to your daily routine can help reduce leukocytes in your urine. 
• Surgery: Sometimes your doctor may go for an operation to fix underlying problems (like kidney stones or unusual shapes in the patient's pee system)

Sticking to the doctor's orders and taking all prescribed medicines as directed helps make sure you get the best results possible.

Conclusion

White blood cells in urine can point to many different health problems, from bladder infections to long-term conditions. By knowing what causes them, what symptoms to look for, and how to treat them, people can team up with their doctors to create the right treatment plan and keep their urinary system healthy.

FAQ's

1. What counts as a lot of white blood cells in urine?

A high white blood cell count in urine also called pyuria means more than 5-10 white blood cells per high-power field (HPF) when looking at the urine sample under a microscope. The normal range for white blood cells in urine can change a bit based on the parameters and protocols your lab is following.

2. What if there are white blood cells in urine?

White blood cells in urine might point to health issues like UTIs, kidney infections or other conditions that cause swelling.

3. What happens if white blood cell levels are high in urine?

When urine contains high levels of white blood cells, it might point to a bigger problem, like a severe bladder infection or a kidney infection. If left untreated, these issues can cause some bad complications. The infection could spread to your kidneys or even get into your blood. This can be dangerous.