WHY EPITHELIAL CELLS IN URINE

Each day, our kidneys filter about 150 quarts of blood to produce about 1 to 2 quarts of urine. Urine consists of water, urea, uric acid, creatinine, and other waste products. Epithelial cells are thin, flat cells that line the surfaces of the body, including the urinary tract. Small numbers of epithelial cells are normally found in urine. However, an increased number of epithelial cells in urine may indicate a problem with the urinary tract.

Types of Epithelial Cells in Urine

There are three main types of epithelial cells that can be found in urine:

• Squamous epithelial cells: These are the most common type of epithelial cells found in urine. They are thin, flat cells that line the urethra and the bladder.
• Transitional epithelial cells: These cells are found in the ureters and the renal pelvis. They are able to change shape to accommodate changes in the volume of urine.
• Renal tubular epithelial cells: These cells are found in the tubules of the kidneys. They help to filter waste products from the blood and reabsorb nutrients.

Causes of Increased Epithelial Cells in Urine

There are a number of factors that can cause an increase in the number of epithelial cells in urine, including:

• Urinary tract infection (UTI): A UTI is an infection of the urinary tract. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Symptoms of a UTI can include pain or burning during urination, increased frequency of urination, and cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
• Kidney disease: Kidney disease can cause damage to the kidneys, which can lead to an increase in the number of epithelial cells in urine. Symptoms of kidney disease can include fatigue, swelling in the hands and feet, and high blood pressure.
• Bladder cancer: Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the bladder. Symptoms of bladder cancer can include blood in the urine, pain or burning during urination, and increased frequency of urination.
• Prostate cancer: Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the prostate gland. Symptoms of prostate cancer can include difficulty urinating, pain or burning during urination, and blood in the urine.
• Medications: Some medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, can cause an increase in the number of epithelial cells in urine.

When to See a Doctor

If you have an increase in the number of epithelial cells in your urine, you should see a doctor. This is especially important if you have other symptoms, such as pain or burning during urination, increased frequency of urination, or blood in the urine.

Diagnosis

To diagnose the cause of the increased epithelial cells in your urine, your doctor will likely ask you about your symptoms and medical history. They will also perform a physical exam and order some tests, such as a urinalysis and a urine culture.

Treatment

The treatment for the increased epithelial cells in your urine will depend on the underlying cause. For example, if you have a UTI, you will be prescribed antibiotics. If you have kidney disease, you may need to take medication to slow the progression of the disease. If you have bladder cancer or prostate cancer, you may need surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.

Conclusion

An increased number of epithelial cells in urine can be a sign of a problem with the urinary tract. If you have an increase in the number of epithelial cells in your urine, you should see a doctor to determine the cause and receive treatment.

FAQs on Epithelial Cells in Urine

1. What are epithelial cells?
   Epithelial cells are thin, flat cells that line the surfaces of the body, including the urinary tract.

2. What are the different types of epithelial cells found in urine?
   There are three main types of epithelial cells found in urine: squamous epithelial cells, transitional epithelial cells, and renal tubular epithelial cells.

3. What causes an increase in the number of epithelial cells in urine?
   There are a number of factors that can cause an increase in the number of epithelial cells in urine, including urinary tract infection (UTI), kidney disease, bladder cancer, prostate cancer, and medications.

4. When should I see a doctor about epithelial cells in urine?
   You should see a doctor if you have an increase in the number of epithelial cells in your urine, especially if you have other symptoms, such as pain or burning during urination, increased frequency of urination, or blood in the urine.

5. How is the cause of increased epithelial cells in urine diagnosed?
   To diagnose the cause of the increased epithelial cells in your urine, your doctor will likely ask you about your symptoms and medical history. They will also perform a physical exam and order some tests, such as a urinalysis and a urine culture.