OpenHealth Q&A

Your urinalysis showed some findings that can be concerning but are often not serious, especially since you are asymptomatic. The presence of 6-10 white blood cells (WBCs) in your urine may suggest a mild infection or inflammation, while a “Trace” reading for leukocyte esterase indicates that there might be some white blood cells present, which can occur with urinary tract infections (UTIs) or other conditions. However, your doctor is not worried, and the absence of symptoms is reassuring.

Understanding Your Results:

• White Blood Cells (WBCs): Normally, urine should have very few or no WBCs. An increase may indicate a response to infection or inflammation in the urinary tract.
• Leukocyte Esterase: This marker is released by white blood cells and can suggest an infection, but trace amounts can also appear in non-infectious states.

Next Steps:

1. Stay Calm: Given that you have no symptoms, it’s good that your doctor is taking a wait-and-see approach. Many findings resolve on their own or are benign.
2. Monitor Your Health: Pay attention to any new symptoms such as pain during urination, increased urgency, or changes in the color or odor of your urine. If you notice these, keep track of when they occur.
3. Hydrate: Increasing your water intake can help flush out your urinary system, which may resolve mild irregularities.
4. Prepare for Follow-Up: Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss with your doctor during your follow-up appointment. This can include asking about the necessity of additional tests or what the findings might mean given your recent health improvements.

It's great to hear that your overall health is improving with significant weight loss. Keep focusing on those positive changes, and rest assured that you'll have a clearer picture after your next visit. If you have more specific concerns or symptoms before then, feel free to reach out again.