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What Does Presence Of Nitrates And Wbc In Urine Indicate?

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Posted on Tue, 19 Aug 2014
Question: I have had two rounds od antibiotics, first Cipro, then Macrobid. I had nitrates and wbcells in my culture. This has been going on for about a month. I have days when I don't have as much frequency in going as others. I really don't have any burning when I urinate. I had no red blood cells. I am scared to deathe as to what it could be.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Normal for women to get frequent UTI...

Detailed Answer:
Hi my dear,

There is nothing to be scared. The presence of nitrates and wbc in urine analysis is indicative for urinary tract infection (UTI) most probably due to gram-negative bacteria. It does not necessary mean that rbc to be present.

The culture and sensitivity testing of urine determines the type of infection (most probably E.coli) and the most suitable antibiotic to fight the infection.

You should be patient as it might take too long for the infection to subside. Apart taking antibiotics, I also recommend to:
- drink plenty of water
- take urine alkalinizers that will help speed up healing process
- take herbal supplements for UTI (I always recommend to my patients for long term use)
- run diabetes testing (usually, UTI is difficult to heal if diabetes is present)
- apply good hygienic measures (do wash your vagina first, then, your anal area after going to bathroom)
- schedule regular follow ups with your doctor until infection is finally eradicated.

Once again, there is nothing to get scared. It is normal for females to get UTI due to anatomical properties.

Wish fast recovery!
Dr.Albana
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (7 minutes later)
Thank you, I feel better after your response. I have an appt. with a doctor on Wed. morn. This is a new doctor for me, since I just recently moved to California. I am out of antibiotics and I am just scared of getting a kidney infection. Do you think I should take the phenazopyridine in the mean time? What do you think this new doctor will do as a next course of action?Also my blood sugar was taken at the urgent care office and it was 88.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (16 hours later)
Brief Answer:
No need to worry too much...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Thank you for following up.

The very first thing the new doctor is to:
- get your medical records
- based on the information there, he/she will ask questions regarding your symptoms
- would ask if you are taking any medication or supplement
- will take a urine sample to the lab to check for urine/kidney infection; perhaps a blood sample will be taken for further evaluation

Your blood sugar at the ER is perfect, no need to get worried.

Once the doctor will complete your current background, would decide for the best treatment.

With regards to using phenazopyridine, if you do not have pain, burning while urinating, I do not see any reason why to use it.

Instead, I highly recommend to use herbal tea supplementation which are specifically for uro-genital problems (cranberry, uva-ursi, etc.)

Wish fast recovery!
Dr.Albana
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 7300 Questions

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What Does Presence Of Nitrates And Wbc In Urine Indicate?

Brief Answer: Normal for women to get frequent UTI... Detailed Answer: Hi my dear, There is nothing to be scared. The presence of nitrates and wbc in urine analysis is indicative for urinary tract infection (UTI) most probably due to gram-negative bacteria. It does not necessary mean that rbc to be present. The culture and sensitivity testing of urine determines the type of infection (most probably E.coli) and the most suitable antibiotic to fight the infection. You should be patient as it might take too long for the infection to subside. Apart taking antibiotics, I also recommend to: - drink plenty of water - take urine alkalinizers that will help speed up healing process - take herbal supplements for UTI (I always recommend to my patients for long term use) - run diabetes testing (usually, UTI is difficult to heal if diabetes is present) - apply good hygienic measures (do wash your vagina first, then, your anal area after going to bathroom) - schedule regular follow ups with your doctor until infection is finally eradicated. Once again, there is nothing to get scared. It is normal for females to get UTI due to anatomical properties. Wish fast recovery! Dr.Albana