What does it mean when white blood cells are high in a routine urine test?

Sep 30, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, elevated white blood cells in a routine urine test may be caused by intense physical activity, strong emotional fluctuations, menstruation, urinary tract infections, urethritis, etc. It is important to maintain good personal hygiene, stay well-hydrated, and avoid holding urine to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance.

Under normal circumstances, elevated white blood cells in a routine urine test may be caused by intense physical exercise, strong emotional fluctuations, menstruation, cystitis, urethritis, and other factors. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a physician. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Intense physical exercise

After intense physical activity, accelerated blood circulation and metabolic changes in the body may lead to a transient increase in white blood cells, resulting in elevated white cell levels in routine urine tests. Rechecking the urine test after rest usually shows normalization of white blood cell counts. Maintain moderate exercise and avoid excessive fatigue.

2. Strong emotional fluctuations

Strong emotional fluctuations such as stress or anxiety may affect hormone levels and the immune system, causing a temporary rise in white blood cell count, which can lead to elevated white blood cells in urine tests. Regulate emotions, maintain mental calmness, and engage in appropriate relaxation activities.

3. Menstruation

During menstruation, localized inflammatory responses in the female reproductive system may slightly increase, leading to higher white blood cell levels in urine and causing elevated results in routine urine tests. It is recommended to repeat the urine test outside the menstrual period to eliminate the influence of the physiological cycle on test results.

4. Cystitis

Cystitis is primarily caused by bacterial infection, allowing bacteria to invade the urinary tract and trigger an inflammatory response. This leads to a large accumulation of white blood cells at the site of infection, with some white blood cells entering the urine, resulting in high white blood cell levels in routine urine tests. Symptoms may include frequent urination and urgency. It is recommended to take medications such as cefixime dispersible tablets, amoxicillin capsules, etc., under medical supervision.

5. Urethritis

Urethritis is mainly caused by pathogens such as bacteria infecting the urethra, leading to inflammation of the urethral mucosa. White blood cells accumulate to eliminate the pathogens, which may result in elevated white blood cell levels in urine tests. Symptoms may include redness and swelling of the urethral opening, painful urination, and others. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions to take medications such as levofloxacin hydrochloride capsules, amoxicillin capsules, compound sulfamethoxazole tablets, etc., to relieve symptoms.

Maintain good personal hygiene, ensure adequate fluid intake, and avoid holding urine to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections.

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