In most cases a healthy person will not experience any blood cells in their urine. This is because a healthy kidney will not let blood cells to enter the urine; in addition blood should not normally have any contact with urine. Sometimes, however, the kidneys or bladder become infected allowing blood to enter the urine. It is also possible that inflammation from growths along a person’s genitourinary system, allergies, immune disorders or stones may lead to blood in the urine.
Causes of White Blood Cells in Urine
There are several possible causes that can lead to the presence of white blood cells in urine. The most common of these include cystitis, kidney stones and kidney infections.
1. Cystitis
Cystitis refers to when the bladder is inflamed or infected and is sometimes known as a urinary tract infection (UTI). These bladder infections may just be annoying and painful but at times the infection may spread to the kidney at which point it becomes a more serious health problem.
- Symptoms. Cystitis or urinary tract infections do not always lead to symptoms. Because of this, they can frequently be overlooked or simply mistaken for another condition. Despite the possible lack of signs, the most common possible symptoms include rectal pain for men, pelvic pain for women, strong-smelling urine, urine which is cloudy, urine which is cola-colored, bright pink or red (indicating the presence of blood), frequently passing small quantities of urine, a strong constant urge to urinate, burning during urination.
- Causes. In most cases a urinary tract infection will occur because bacteria enter through the urethra and then multiply while in the bladder. This occurs when the system’s defenses fail and the microscopic invaders can enter. If the defenses fail, the bacteria may be able to take hold and then lead to the development of a full-blown urinary tract infection.
- Risk Factors. As with all conditions, there are certain risk factors that increase your chances of developing it. Risk factors for cystitis include being female, being sexually active, specific birth control methods such as spermicidal agents and diaphragms, menopause, urinary tract abnormalities, urinary tract blockages, suppressed immune system and using a catheter.
- Home Remedies. To help decrease the discomfort associated with cystitis and other types of UTIs you can drink water to help flush out bacteria, avoid irritating drinks for your bladder (such as soft drinks, caffeine, alcohol or coffee), use a warm (not hot) heating pad. You can also prevent their formation by drinking plenty of water, always wiping starting in the front and going towards the back, going to the bathroom after intercourse and avoid irritating feminine products.
2. Kidney Stone
Kidney stones are also known as renal lithiasis and are hard and small deposits found in the kidneys. They are made of acid and mineral salts and can affect the entire urinary tract.
- Symptoms. Kidney stones don’t always cause symptoms until they begin to move either within the kidney or enter the ureter. Then these symptoms will usually occur, including fever and chills (in the case of an infection), frequent urination, constant urge to urinate, vomiting and nausea, urine that is cloud or foul-smelling or brown, red or pink, pain with urination, pain that fluctuates and comes in waves, pain that goes to the groin and lower abdomen, severe back and side pain.
- Causes. There are no definite causes of kidney stones. It may be that the urine has higher quantities of crystal-forming substances or that it lacks substances that prevent their formation.
- Risk Factors. There are several risk factors for kidney stones including a personal or family history, being over 40, being male, being dehydrated, eating too much sodium, sugar or protein, being obese and having digestive surgery or diseases.
- Home Remedies. In addition to medical treatment there are several home remedies including drinking water or taking pain relievers. You can also make lifestyle changes such as drinking plenty of water, having fewer foods by oxalates, eating less animal protein or salt and avoiding calcium supplements.
3. Kidney Infection
The kidneys are responsible for removing extra water and waste products in the form of urine. A kidney infection can involve the following features.
- Symptoms. Symptoms of a kidney infection include hematuria (blood or pus in the urine), burning or pain during urination, strong need to urinate, frequent urination, abdominal, back, groin or side pain, and fever.
- Causes. Most of the time a kidney infection will happen if bacteria enter the urinary tract via the urethra and multiply. Sometimes bacteria from other areas of the body may spread via your blood stream.
- Risk Factors. The following are risk factors for a kidney infection, including being female (due to anatomy), urinary tract obstruction, weakened immune system, using a catheter for a long time, nerve damage around the bladder, conditions which lead to urine flowing in the wrong direction (such as vesicoureteral reflux).
- Home Remedies. To help reduce any discomfort from a kidney infection you can apply heat, use pain medication and stay hydrated. You can also reduce your risk by drinking plenty of fluids, urinating frequently, going to the bathroom after intercourse, wiping carefully and avoiding irritating genital products.
