Leukocytes in urine are elevated: causes and consequences

Any doctor will say that if the white blood cells in the urine are raised, then something in the body is not in order. Below is the details of which problems may be accompanied by such a symptom.

What are white blood cells?

Leukocytes are special bodies that are present in the human body and perform a special function in it - they protect against various infections. There are different leukocytes: some of them penetrate into the site of infection and destroy it, others produce antibodies. If the number of foreign bodies is large, then the transparent corpuscles swell, and then decay, forming a pus known to all.

The norm of leukocytes in the urine

How to understand that white blood cells in the urine are elevated? It is clear that you need to pass urine analysis and compare the results with the generally accepted standards in medicine. And what are these very norms? For children and adults, they are different. In addition, there are differences in gender. So, in the urine of a man, approximately 3 cells of leukocytes (no more) can be contained in the field of vision, for a woman this norm is 5-6 cells. As for boys, the admissible value is 2 cells, and in girls in urine they can be contained 3. But in the case if the white blood cells in the urine are slightly increased during pregnancy, this is considered normal, since at this stage the number of such cells can increase Up to 7-8, which is associated with some hormonal changes.

The reasons for the increase in leukocyte count in the urine

For what reasons can the white blood cells in the urine be increased? Listed below are the main ones.

1. Urinary system infections, for example, cystitis.

2. Infections of the kidneys (pyelonephritis) can also provoke leukocytosis, that is, an increase in the number of white blood cells in the urine.

3. The presence of foreign bodies in the genitourinary tract, which led to inflammation.

4. Trauma or swelling of the excretory system organs can also lead to the fact that there will be white blood cells in the urine increased.

5. Stones in the kidneys or in the gallbladder.

6. Containment of urine. Because of this, the bladder becomes weak and will begin to empty out when urinating not completely. Urine will remain inside, in it harmful bacteria will start to multiply, and the inflammation will begin.

7. If the white blood cells in the urine are elevated in the child, this may be due to the fact that the rules of personal hygiene are not observed, the toddler touches the genitals with dirty hands.

8. If the tests are not going well, the number of white blood cells in the urine may be elevated (but not too much).

What to do?

If the tests showed that the level of leukocytes in the urine is elevated, then the analysis needs to be re-done first, as laboratory tests do not always give an accurate result (probably the urine was collected or stored without observing certain conditions). If repeated tests have revealed an increase, then the doctor should prescribe the treatment. If there is an infection, then, most likely, it will be expedient to take antibiotics.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we can add that increasing the level of white blood cells in the urine is a signal about health problems, in particular, about the presence of infection. Therefore, the problem requires an immediate solution. But self-treatment is unacceptable, you should see a doctor!