Presence of Leukocytes in urine is generally a normal condition. However, it turns serious when the amount of these Leukocytes present in urine increases drastically. Excessive release of these cells in the urine can be an indication of underlying UTI or Urinary Tract Infection.
Urinary system is made up of ureters, bladder, urethra and kidney. If presence of leukocytes is detected through urinalysis but no nitrates are seen then it may suggest that patient is suffering from some kind of infection or urinary system.
Leukocytes in urine – normal range
Leukocytes are White blood cells or WBC. These cells fight infection in the body but when they are present in urine they commonly serve as a sign for bacterial infection. In normal cases small amount of leukocytes cells which are damaged and old are expelled through urine. The normal range of these cells present in urine is 0 to 10 lev/vl. You may what to consider serious medical help if the level of these cells is equal to or more than 20 lev/vl.
To check the level of leukocytes in urine it is essential to test the urine of the affected individual. Urinalysis is a common test suggested for most people which can help in detecting the level of leukocytes in urine. If these cells are present in access in the sample provided, then perhaps kidney and bladder are susceptible to damages. There are several home tests which can help you determine presence of these cells and protein nitrites in urine. However, providing a sample for laboratory test is best as it provides more details on health of the patient. The given sample would be used to perform three different tests which are microscope, chemical test and visual test. Microscopic test or chemical tests are used to determine the urine leukocytes level.
Causes of Leukocytes in Urine
Kidney infections such as pyelonephritis may contribute to cause increased number of white blood cells in the urine. This infection occurs in the urinary tract and may metastasize to kidneys. The risk of such infection is common in people who suffer from weakened immune system. People who use catheter for long time are also at increased risk of suffering from this condition. Bladder infection or inflammation of Urinary Tract may also cause excessive release of leukocytes in the urine.
Sometimes these cells may appear in urine due to blockage in the urinary system that can cause hematuria, a condition in which blood is detected in urine. Such blockage may occur due to bladder stone, pelvic tumor, kidney stone, injury, prostate hypertrophy or occurrence of foreign bodies in the urinary tract.
During pregnancy females may experience presence of leukocytes in the urine which is said to be a common occurrence during this phase. There are chances that biological alterations may also cause increase in white blood cells level. Protein contamination from vagina may also lead to such urine state. If such condition persists and the cells are present in anomalous amount then it is better to consult a doctor and undergo diagnosis for any bladder condition.
Sexual intercourse may also make you prone to this condition. The bacteria present in one person may get transferred to the urethra that may lead to infections. Weakening of the bladder may also cause increased presence of leukocytes in the urine. Such cases appear when urine is held for longer time. This causes the bladder to overstretch and become weak. This may cause bladder to become incompetent to empty itself. The urine is then left in the bladder which can lead to bacterial infection.
Symptoms of Leukocytes in urine
- Inflammation of the kidney
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
- Bladder tumor
- Tremor and fever
- Frequent urination
- Occurrence of blood in urine
- Experiencing burning of painful sensation while urination
- Smelly and cloudy appearing urine
Treatment
Leukocytes in urine treatment significantly depend on the cause of the condition. In case if infection is determined to be the reason behind increased amount of Leukocytes in the urine then antibiotics are prescribed to treat the condition. Antibiotics are in fact the first line of treatment against infections. Along with the treatment one should try to avoid aggravation of underlying infection. Try to avoid urinary tract infection by taking suggestions from your doctor. In some cases wherein the infection becomes extremely severe one may have to be hospitalized.
Presence of leukocytes in urine due to urinary tract infection is said to be common in women than in men. The condition may range for mild cystitis to severe bladder to kidney infection. Doctor will usually recommend you to maintain hygiene to avoid infection from metastasizing and preventing it if not affected. Personal hygiene is extremely important in this case. In case if weak immune system is detected then supplements of vitamin B and C can help in improving the immune system to fight infections.
