Bad white blood cells in the urine. Causes of increased leukocytes in urine in adults

Coloring

Leukocytes, or white blood cells, circulate in the blood in a healthy female body. When blood passes through the capillaries of the kidneys, these cells do not pass into the urine, since they have big sizes. Therefore, the physiological content of leukocytes in urine is very low.

If a woman’s indicator increases significantly, then it is worth suspecting the presence of some disease. Since leukocytes are involved in providing immunity, their content usually increases during infectious diseases. In particular, elevated levels of white blood cells in the urine are usually associated with infections affecting the kidneys, urinary tract, or genitals.

Sometimes the release of leukocytes in the urine can be associated with diseases of other organs and systems. It is possible to determine what is causing the increase in their level with the help of an additional examination of the woman.

Thus, analysis of the content of leukocytes in excreted urine is an important element in the diagnosis of many diseases. Its implementation is included in the gold standard for examining the patient.

Characteristics of leukocytes

Leukocytes are one of the main elements that protect a woman’s body from adverse environmental influences. All leukocytes are divided into several groups. Doctors classify them into granulocytic and agranulocytic cells. Granulocytes include:

Neutrophils;
Basophils;
Eosinophils.

The group of agranulocytes includes:

Lymphocytes;
Monocytes.

Each group of cells is involved in providing a specific immune function.

Normal level of leukocytes in urine in women

In a healthy woman, white blood cells circulate in the blood. When blood passes through the capillaries of the kidneys, plasma, waste and small molecules are filtered through special pores. Primary urine is formed from them.

The pores in the capillaries are very small, so large leukocyte cells cannot exit in large numbers from the lumen of the vessel into the renal tubule. Thus, normally the content of white blood cells in the urine should be minimal. An acceptable value for this indicator is 5-6 cells in the microscope field.

If the number of cells exceeds a threshold value, then this can be considered a sign of pathology. In this case, the woman should consult a doctor and undergo a full examination to find the cause of the increased excretion of leukocytes in the urine.

Causes of increased levels of leukocytes in urine in women

An increase in the level of white blood cells excreted in the urine is divided into two types depending on the severity. When the number of cells per field of view ranges from 7-60, this phenomenon is called leukocyturia. If their number is more than 60, then the patient has pyuria (literal translation - “pus in the urine”).

A physiological increase in the level of leukocytes in a woman’s urine can be observed during pregnancy and lactation. This process cannot be considered a sign of illness, since this is a specific feature of the body of the expectant mother.

An increase in the secretion of leukocytes may be associated not only with any pathologies. This process is often observed when using certain groups of drugs. These include:

Antibiotics and sulfa drugs;
Medicines from the group of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors;
Diuretics (diuretics);
Anti-inflammatory drugs from the group of non-steroidal drugs;
Immunosuppressants;
Medicines for the treatment of tuberculosis.

If drug-induced leukocyturia is detected, the decision to replace or completely discontinue this drug should be made by the patient’s attending physician.

Diagnosis and treatment

The range of pathologies in which elevated leukocytes in the urine occur is very wide. It is impossible to determine an accurate diagnosis based on only one test result. The patient will need to undergo a full examination, including instrumental studies and other laboratory tests.

In addition, she is re-ordered to test urine leukocytes, since the increased level may be temporary due to physiological processes in the body. In this case, leukocyturia is not detected in the repeated analysis.

The clinical picture of the pathology is also of great importance in establishing the diagnosis. Kidney diseases are accompanied by lower back pain and urination problems. With diseases of the reproductive system, a woman experiences pathological discharge and itching in the vaginal area. Infections of other organs also manifest themselves with symptoms specific to them.

Thus, the level of leukocytes in a woman’s urine is an important indicator that allows diagnosing a wide range of pathologies. Most often, the content of white blood cells increases in diseases that affect the reproductive or excretory system.

Based on the data obtained during diagnostic studies, the doctor determines what disease the woman has. After this, treatment is prescribed. The specific range of therapeutic procedures is determined by what pathology was identified, what stage it is at, whether the patient has any concomitant diseases, etc.

If leukocyturia or pyuria is detected, a woman is advised to urgently make an appointment with a specialist, since the progression of the disease can lead to a number of serious complications. Timely detection of pathologies and early start their treatment is the key to a quick recovery.

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Leukocytes are an important fraction of blood cells responsible for the body's immune defense. Depending on their structure, they perform different functions. Thus, agranular (non-granular) cells produce antibodies to pathogens, promoting their rapid elimination, and granulocytes are capable of phagocytosis - absorption and intracellular digestion of microbial particles. Thus, with the development of infectious diseases, the number of leukocytes increases. However, non-infectious inflammatory processes also lead to this.

Phagocytes are able to leave the bloodstream, migrating into damaged tissues. It is noteworthy that having absorbed the pathogen, such leukocytes die, and their components are excreted in the urine, therefore, with any pathological process in the body, the concentration of white cells in urine increases.

This sign is diagnostically important for identifying inflammatory diseases that occur in both latent and acute forms.

Increased leukocytes in urine - what does this mean?

Ideally, the concentration of white blood cells in the urine should be zero, but this condition occurs in less than 1% of people. When examining urine microscopically, the content of up to 3 leukocytes in one field of view in men and up to 6 in women is considered normal.

This difference is explained by the peculiarities of anatomy. The urethra of women is in close proximity to the vagina, and urine may not contain a large number of vaginal secretion, rich in leukocytes.

Non-pathological causes

However, if an adult’s urine leukocytes are slightly elevated, there is most likely no cause for concern. This indicator increases slightly against the background of the following conditions:

Eating food, especially sweet, fatty, fried;
Menopausal vaginal dryness;
Intense physical activity, sports training;
Taking certain medications (antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anti-tuberculosis drugs, diuretics).

Often the reason for a poor urine test is the lack of proper hygiene before collecting biomaterial. If a person has not washed before collecting urine, the number of leukocytes in it will exceed normal. In addition, other errors associated with the selection of biomaterial are common:

Using unsterile glassware;
Collection of the first, rather than intermediate, fraction of urine;
Long-term storage of biomaterial before delivery to the laboratory (more than 2 hours);
The collection is not of morning urine, carried out before breakfast, but of evening urine.

If leukocytes are elevated in the urine, the doctor prescribes the patient to take the test again, drawing his attention to the rules for collecting biomaterial. In cases where the result is again unsatisfactory, there is reason to suspect pathological conditions.

Pathological causes

The main causes of elevated white blood cells in the urine of an adult:

inflammatory diseases of the urinary system;
oncopathology;
renal failure;
diabetes;
inflammatory processes in the vagina;
dehydration;
overheating (abuse of baths and saunas);
prostatitis;
Infectious mononucleosis;
urolithiasis disease;
venereal diseases;
stagnation of urine;
injuries of the pelvic organs.

In inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system, including cystitis, nephritis, urethritis, prostatitis, leukocytes rush to the affected bladder, kidneys, urethra, prostate gland, respectively.

White blood cells penetrate the tissues and are localized on the mucous membranes of these organs. When urine outflows, it washes away leukocytes from the walls and takes them along with it. With prostatitis, leukocytes are contained in the secretion of the prostate gland and can enter the urethra.

Sexually transmitted and other inflammatory diseases of the female reproductive system are accompanied by increased discharge. Containing an increased number of leukocytes, they also enter the urine and are recorded during its analysis.

In severe cases of nephritis, narrowing (stenosis) of the ureters progresses, against this background the development of reflux is possible - the reverse flow of urine. Urine is a suitable medium for the proliferation of many microorganisms and, if it stagnates (including with reflux), bacterial inflammation of the corresponding part of the urinary system is possible, as well as associated leukocyturia - an increased content of leukocytes in the urine.

However, a strong deviation in the concentrations of several indicators at once is especially dangerous. For example, if a person is diagnosed with elevated white blood cells and red blood cells in the urine. At the same time, urine acquires pink tint or turns red.

Reasons for this condition:

Injuries of the pelvic organs;
Passage of stones due to urolithiasis, traumatic to the ureters;
Oncopathologies of the genitourinary system, causing tissue destruction;
Erosion of the mucous membranes of the urinary organs during severe infections.

The increase in the concentration of leukocytes in the urine can be pronounced or slight. In a condition referred to as leukocyturia, the content of white blood cells in the field of view does not exceed 20 units. The urine does not visually differ from normal. If the concentration of leukocytes is in the range of 20-60 cells or even more, we are talking about pyuria.

In this condition, the urine becomes cloudy, and purulent cords can be seen in it with the naked eye. Pyuria is characteristic of severe inflammation, purulent damage to the organs of the urinary system.

However, if leukocytes are highly elevated in the urine, this does not necessarily mean that the situation is critical. This condition is possible with inflammation of the external genitalia in women and men, which is often caused by candidiasis.

Leukocyturia should be considered and evaluate comprehensively with the results of other studies, also take into account the patient’s complaints. In particular, during acute and chronic inflammation in the genitourinary system, patients are concerned about the following symptoms:

pain in the back, lower back;
discomfort when urinating, pain;
increased frequency of urination;
reducing the amount of urine excreted;
change in the color and smell of urine;
discharge from the urethra;
general malaise, increased body temperature.

If these signs appear, you should not try to relieve the symptoms on your own - you should definitely visit a therapist or urologist.

Elevated white blood cells in the urine of women is a common phenomenon, and its causes are associated with inflammatory diseases of the urinary and reproductive systems. Due to the peculiarities of anatomy, representatives of the fair sex more often suffer from cystitis than men. Often the pathology has a hidden chronic course and manifests itself only as leukocyturia.

However, this phenomenon is sometimes observed normally, for example, if a woman neglected personal hygiene and violated the rules for collecting biomaterial. In addition, elevated leukocytes in the urine are diagnosed during pregnancy. The reasons for this may be related to the following conditions:

changes in hormonal levels;
early stages of pregnancy;
gestosis and other systemic pathologies.

Against the background of physiological hormonal changes, a pregnant woman may experience a decrease in immunity. As a result, the body compensatory increases the concentration of leukocytes, which is recorded in a urine test. In addition, in the first weeks of pregnancy, the fetus is perceived by the immune system expectant mother as an alien agent. Against this background, physiological leukocytosis develops.

As pregnancy progresses, the kidneys begin to experience increasing stress. They need to filter the metabolic products of not only the mother’s body, but also the growing fetus. If the kidneys fail, this is indicated by a urine test, in which not only leukocytes are elevated, but often protein is also elevated.

The same laboratory indicators can warn of the development of severe pathology in pregnant women - gestosis. The disease requires careful inpatient monitoring and treatment of the patient, since it threatens her life.

If the cause of leukocyturia during pregnancy lies in the peculiarities of physiology, the condition does not pose a danger. The increase in the concentration of white blood cells is insignificant and occurs sporadically. If leukocyturia is constantly observed in a pregnant woman, progresses and is accompanied by symptoms of inflammation, a comprehensive diagnosis is required.

Elevated leukocytes in the urine of a child

For timely detection of pathologies of the urinary organs, children in the first year of life are regularly prescribed a urine test. It allows you to diagnose many congenital pathologies of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. However, elevated leukocytes are often recorded in the urine of infants, and this is not always associated with serious diseases.

In the vast majority of cases, leukocyturia in children of the first year of life is diagnosed due to incorrect collection of material for analysis by parents:

Failure to wash the baby before urinating;
Using non-sterile urine containers;
Long-term storage of the sample before sending it for analysis (urine collection not in the morning, but in the evening);
Storage of biomaterial outside the refrigerator before transportation to the laboratory.

Urine from babies should be collected using special sterile urine bags that are attached to the body. The use of a pot is unacceptable, since it is very difficult to achieve its complete sterility, and this leads to additional microbial contamination of the sample.

Leukocyturia in children can be a consequence of the following conditions:

diaper rash;
reflux;
inflammatory diseases of the urinary system;
allergic reactions;
helminthic infestations.

In an older child, one should not exclude a condition when he, engrossed in playing or watching TV, endures for a long time, holding urine.

Possible treatment

Repeatedly detected leukocyturia, especially if it is complicated by other symptoms, requires serious diagnosis. There is no point in treating the elevated leukocyte count itself if the underlying pathology is not eliminated.

In most cases, drugs from the group of uroantiseptics are prescribed: urolesan, canephron, pazin, furazidin and others. Additionally, the patient is recommended to adhere to a diet: include more fiber and juicy fruits (watermelon, melon) in the diet. Drinking plenty of fluids is beneficial, especially cranberry juice. It gives a bactericidal effect, and increased urination promotes natural flushing of the urinary tract.

If leukocyturia occurs against the background of an infectious process, antibiotics cannot be avoided. These may be doxycycline, amoxicillin, tetracycline, ceflox.

Oncopathologies, ureteral stenoses leading to reflux disease, large kidney stones or stones with sharp edges are treated only surgically.

Conclusion, forecast

Many inflammatory diseases of the urinary organs respond well to treatment. It is only important to seek help in a timely manner, preventing the process from becoming chronic. In the case of cancer pathologies and developmental defects, delay can have serious consequences.

Untreated sexually transmitted infections are a serious blow to reproductive health. You should not ignore your body’s signals and if you experience any discomfort, you should visit a doctor.

Pathology can occur in any part of the urinary system, so it is believed that an increased content of leukocytes in the urine is a reliable sign of a pathological process.

Leukocytes in urine are an important indicator that carries information about the state of the body. A general urine test is a laboratory test that is prescribed by doctors of any specialty. Studying urinary sediment reveals various cells that are excreted from the body in urine. Among such elements, leukocytes are often detected, which indicate an inflammatory process. The norm of this indicator, the reasons for its appearance in tests to clarify the diagnosis, in each case must be clarified with the doctor who recommended the examination.

Standard indicators

Urine is a liquid, sterile medium in which various substances are dissolved. Filtration, reabsorption and secretion processes continuously occur in the kidneys, which ensure the removal of excess water and unnecessary compounds from the body.

Collecting in the renal pelvis, urine reflexively flows through the ureters to the bladder. From there, it is released through the urethra (urethra) during urination (mictuation).

During inflammatory processes of infectious and other origins, a large number of immune cells and, in particular, leukocytes, which perform a protective function, are concentrated at the site of damage.

Pathology can occur in any part of the urinary system, so it is believed that increased levels are a reliable sign of a pathological process.

The generally accepted norm of leukocytes in urine in adults and children is:

men – 2–3 shaped elements in the field of view (in the visual field);
women – up to 6 in the field;
girls – 6–10 in p/z;
boys - up to 7 in p/z.

If the level of leukocytes in the urine is above 60 elements, then a conclusion is made about pyuria, that is, it is purulent in nature.

It has been established that a slight excess in the leukocyte count is acceptable in some conditions and is not a sign of a disease of the urinary system. The difference in indicators depends on the anatomical and physiological differences in the urogenital tract in men and women (the urethra is wide and short, the outlet is located close to the genital tract).

In children, in addition to morphological and gender differences, the number of formed elements in the urinary sediment depends on the functional maturity of the organs.

Causes of leukocyturia

The reasons why the levels of leukocyte cells in the urine increase may be pathological processes of both the urinary system and conditions caused by extrarenal factors.

Elevated leukocytes in the urine of an adult can be detected with the following lesions of the urinary system:

acute and chronic pyelonephritis;
urolithiasis disease;
cystitis;
urethritis;
glomerulonephritis;
nephritis of non-infectious origin (lupus, interstitial);
kidney tuberculosis;
nephrosclerosis;
amyloidosis;
tumor formations;
infectious lesions of the ureters.

In addition, in women, the causes of leukocyturia can be

gynecological infections (trichomoniasis, mycoplasmosis, chlamydia);
vulvovaginitis;
adnexitis - inflammation of the uterine appendages;
bartholinitis – damage to the glands of the vaginal vestibule.

In men, an increase in leukocytes in urine sediment may be due to

prostatitis;
balanoposthitis - inflammation of the glands at the outer edge of the urethra;
prostate adenocarcinoma;
phimosis - narrowing of the foreskin;
prostate adenoma;
sexually transmitted infections.

White blood cells are found in urine sediment due to the following factors:

excessive physical activity (especially static, caused by lifting weights);
fever;
taking antibiotics (penicillins, aminoglycosides);
treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ketoprofen, Diclofenac, Indomethacin);
use of radiocontrast agents;
use of iron supplements.

Often the results are distorted due to poor hygiene before urine collection and the use of an unsterile container.

Tests to detect leukocyturia

A screening method that detects leukocytosis in urine sediment is a general analysis. Based on its results, organoleptic and physicochemical characteristics, and microscopy of the sediment obtained by centrifugation makes it possible to determine the cellular composition.

To clarify the diagnosis or identify latent leukocyturia, specialists can use other laboratory methods and tests:

study according to Nechiporenko;
Addis-Kakovsky test;
Amburge analysis;
identification of “active” leukocytes;
prednisolone test.

The Nechiporenko analysis allows you to determine how elevated leukocytes, red blood cells and casts are. The study requires 1 ml of urine obtained from an average portion of morning urine.

Methods for determining the formed elements and cylinders of urinary sediment according to Addis-Kakovsky are not used so often, since prolonged urine collection leads to the destruction of leukocytes. Within 12 hours, urine is collected in one container and delivered for examination. Laboratory assistants analyze the composition of the sediment and recalculate it for 24 hours. The method is the most reliable and allows you to identify hidden inflammatory processes in the kidneys.

The Amburge analysis allows you to estimate the number of leukocytes and other elements excreted in the urine in 1 minute. Microscopy of sediment obtained from a urine sample collected 3 hours after the first urination is performed.

Identification of “active” or “live” leukocytes is indicated for pyelonephritis. When the relative density of urine decreases, “active” white blood cells that are released from the inflamed kidney can transform into Sternheimer-Malbin cells. If the density of the liquid increases, they will again turn into “living” forms. To carry out the test, distilled water and dye are added to the urine sediment. Microscopy is then performed, where the percentage of “active” cells relative to the total number of white blood cells is calculated.

Sometimes kidney diseases have a mild clinical picture, and laboratory results remain within normal limits. In order to detect leukocyturia, a prednisolone test is performed. Analyze the urinary sediment before and after the administration of prednisolone (three times every hour). The test is considered positive when white blood cells appear or their concentrations are elevated.

The doctor must interpret the test results. But normally their number should not interrupt the indicator of 5 leukocytes in any analysis.

Types of leukocyturia

In an adult, several types of leukocyturia are distinguished, which can be divided depending on the source of origin, connection with infection and quantitative expression.

Thus, leukocyturia occurs:

true (explicit and hidden);
asymptomatic;
false;
infectious and non-infectious;
insignificant;
moderate;
expressed.

If laboratory diagnostic methods reliably identify leukocytes in urine sediment, then obvious true leukocyturia is confirmed. If provoking methods were used to identify it (for example, a prednisolone test), then it is considered hidden.

Asymptomatic leukocyturia is characterized by laboratory changes without an obvious clinical picture. This form can be detected in diseases with a latent course, in newborns, pregnant women, after physical exercise or taking medications.

Urine tests show false results if the inflammation is localized outside the urinary system. Thus, in case of diseases of the genital area, leukocytes from the genital tract enter the material for analysis.

With infectious leukocyturia, bacteria, erythrocytes and leukocyte casts can be simultaneously detected in the biomaterial. If white blood cells appear in large numbers due to non-infectious damage to the kidneys and other parts of the urinary system, for example, with lupus, then a conclusion is drawn about non-infectious leukocyturia. The number of leukocyte cells can be insignificant (10–15 per p/z), moderate (20–50 per p/z) and pronounced (60 or more per p/z).

What to do

If the results of a urine test reveal deviations from the norm, to obtain reliable data and clarify the localization of the pathological focus, the doctor prescribes the following tests:

repeated urine collection in compliance with the collection technique;
daily urine collection for analysis according to Addis-Kakovsky;
urine culture to determine bacterial flora and antibiotic sensitivity;
carrying out a three-glass test.

The three-glass test is a simple method to determine the location of the lesion in the urinary system. For women, a two-glass test can be used. Urine is collected in three sterile containers. The first is filled with the front portion of urine, the second with the middle portion, and the third (in men) after massage of the prostate.

An increase in the content of formed elements in the first glass is a sign of inflammation in the urethra. Elevated midstream white blood cells indicate bladder or kidney damage. And a high content of leukocyte cells in the third glass is a sign of inflammatory damage to the prostate.

It is not advisable to start treating leukocyturia without finding out the cause, since it is only one of the manifestations of the disease. Therapy should be comprehensive and aimed at eliminating the underlying inflammatory process.

How to take a urine test correctly

The correct technique for collecting urine for analysis can significantly reduce the severity of leukocyturia or completely eliminate it. To do this, you need a sterile container, which it is advisable to purchase at a pharmacy.

The day before the analysis, you should reduce the amount of liquid you drink to 1.5 liters and exclude the following foods and drinks from your diet:

sorrel;
spinach;
spicy seasonings;
poultry meat;
offal;
alcohol (red wine);
chocolate and cocoa;
coffee and strong tea.

Before the analysis, you need to agree with your doctor on the temporary withdrawal of certain antibacterial agents, hormones, and NSAIDs. It is important to avoid heavy physical labor the day before.

For general analysis, the entire first morning urine is collected. Before intercourse, you should thoroughly toilet the genitals and perineum. Women with heavy vaginal discharge or menstruation should insert a cotton swab into the vagina.

Reliable results of additional laboratory diagnostics will help to promptly cure inflammation of the urinary system.

When people talk about leukocytes, they mean white blood cells produced by the lymph nodes, thymus gland, bone marrow and spleen. After their production, white blood cells begin to spread throughout the body, which is necessary to protect the body from the harmful effects of various infectious agents. It should be noted that leukocytes in the urine of women, the stronger sex and children are normal, but only if their number does not exceed clearly established limits.

In a normal state, not so much - up to 5-6 units in women, if we talk about analyzes “in the field of view”, and up to 3 in men. However, under the influence of certain factors, an increase in leukocytes in the urine may occur, and then it is necessary to determine why this is happening, assess the current situation and prescribe competent treatment.

Some features of leukocytes

Above we mentioned what white blood cells are. Their mission is to help the body maintain immunity at the proper level. Being in the urinary system, when bacteria, pathogenic fungi or viruses appear, or signs of cancer cells appear, they are directed to the problem area and destroy pests. After this function is completed, the bodies enter the urine, where they can be detected during laboratory tests:

General analysis, for which it is enough to take a regular portion of morning liquid. This method is the easiest to carry out; it is OAM that is able to show how many leukocytes are contained in the body and whether we are talking about leukocyturia - a condition in which their number is increased.
Checks according to Nechiporenko, for which the average portion of morning urine is taken. Such a study is considered more informative in terms of determining whether leukocytes are elevated in the urine and what this means. In this case, the analysis allows you to determine the level of red blood cells in the liquid and the presence of cylinders.
Amburger's test. A correct study is considered to be the selection of 10 ml of urine from its total volume collected over three hours.
Addis-Kakowski test, which requires a count of urine cells contained in a fluid collected over a 24-hour period.

The purpose of the last two methods is not to detect elevated leukocytes in the urine, but to detect leukocyturia occurring in a latent form. In this case, during the analysis, white cells may not increase, or when several tests are carried out, either the norm or an excess of generally accepted indicators is observed. Such tests will not only not miss pathology, but will also be able to detect it at an early stage of development, when even ultrasound techniques will not provide a comprehensive answer. Another form of checking and monitoring treatment is the leukocyte formula, which is a percentage ratio different forms cells in the blood with their subsequent counting in each unit of volume.

When test results are considered normal

If we talk about normal indicators, urine may contain several immune cells. Moreover, for women, the presence of a larger number of such cells is allowed, since urine may also contain leukocytes responsible for checking the genital organs. Each test that checks the presence of leukocytes in urine normally has certain values:

As mentioned above, when performing OAM, the norm of leukocytes in the urine in women implies a normal value ranging from 0 to 6 cells in the field of view, in the stronger half - from 0 to 3.
When performing the Nechiporenko analysis in men, an indicator of up to 2000 cells/1 ml is not of concern. The number of leukocytes in the urine of women should not exceed 4000 units per milliliter of fluid.
If we talk about the Amburger test, 2000 cells are considered the critical mark, after which a diagnosis of leukocytosis is made.
When using the Addis-Kakowski method, the norm is 2,000,000 bodies in the fluid collected over 24 hours.

When considering indicators in babies, they are guided by different standards, since before the onset of 12 months, 1-8 cells should fall into the field of view when a general urine test is performed. However, there are a number of conditions in which the number of white blood cells in infants will be increased. Often the indicators change during the period of tooth growth - when they erupt, the tooth socket may become inflamed not under the influence of microbes. In an older child, the indicators are close to the norms of adult patients.

How is leukocyturia classified?

There are several types of leukocyturia. She may be:

The true cause of elevated leukocytes in the urine of women is diseases affecting the urinary system.
False - in this case, the presence of white blood cells in the urine is due to their penetration into the system from the genital tract. This problem can occur in both sexes. As for the reasons for the false form, they may be inflammatory processes occurring in the external genitalia, or insufficient hygiene before testing.

Leukocyturia can be classified according to other parameters. Often, separation is carried out in accordance with the sterility of the urine, in which a large number of leukocytes are found. Leukocyturia in this case can be infectious or non-infectious, that is, aseptic. In the first case, the problem is caused by inflammation in the urinary tract, and in the case of bacteriological culture or PCR testing, the presence of a pathogenic agent is detected in the urine. In the second case, an increased level of leukocytes in the urine is caused by various non-infectious pathologies, which include the same autoimmune glomerulonephritis or cystitis of an allergic nature. It is also possible to be affected by inflammation occurring in organs located in close proximity to the urinary tract and taking certain pharmaceuticals.

Depending on how many leukocytes are detected during OAM, leukocyturia is divided into:

Insignificant, when the field of view includes single bodies at the level of 7-40 cells.
Moderate with a leukocyte count of 41 to 100 units.
Severe, in other words, pyuria, when leukocytes are completely in the urine and at the same time more than 100 cells are detected in the visual area.

Important. It should also be taken into account that leukocytes are a collective concept that includes several types of bodies.

Leukocyturia can also be neutrophilic, eosinophilic, lymphocytic or mononuclear. To get rid of each of them, additional research is required, since each type of pathology is characteristic of a specific disease, and a standard test is not able to determine the required indicator.

What is the reason for the increase in leukocyte levels?

diuretics;
anti-tuberculosis drugs;
certain antimicrobials;
suppressors immune system, used in the treatment of neoplasms, autoimmune diseases and after transplantations;
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory substances commonly used to relieve pain.

However, there are more serious reasons that cause white blood cell counts to exceed normal levels. The most common include infections affecting the urinary system. These may be pathologies of the kidneys and ureters, processes occurring in the bladder, urethral canal - that is, we are talking about cystitis, renal abscess or pyelonephritis. The development of an infectious lesion is caused by the proliferation of pathological bacteria that have entered the urethra - Escherichia coli, Proteus, staphylococcus and others.

If leukocytes are increased in the urine, we may be talking about kidney stones. Normally, urine should contain a certain amount of salts and soluble minerals. However, in the case of impaired metabolic processes, salts cannot dissolve, so the risk of stone formation increases. Formed stones prevent urination; such a blockade facilitates the activity of bacteria, which leads to infection of the system.

Elevated white blood cells during a urine test may indicate a kidney infection, the development of which begins in urine and then spreads to the paired organ. Kidney infections mostly occur in those who do not have a strong enough immune system or have used catheters for a long time.

Laboratory results may be negative if there is a blockage of the ureter, also called hydronephrosis. This condition occurs against the background of damage to the urinary tract, in the presence of neoplasms or urolithiasis. In these cases, internal pressure increases along with the size of the organ, whose functionality gradually deteriorates. With hydronephrosis, there are problems with urinating painlessly; there may be traces of blood in the urine.

If you are in the habit of forcibly holding back urination, you should be wary of weakening the bladder and subsequent problems with emptying it. If urine remains in the organ for a long time, there is a high risk of bacterial infection. There are other reasons that cause an increased level of leukocytes in the urine in women or men:

Oncological pathologies, which include prostate, kidney or bladder cancer.
Presence of sickle cell anemia.
Excessive physical stress.

If leukocytes are elevated in the fairer sex, we must not forget about bearing a child - during this period there are difficulties with the outflow of urine, which leads to the development or exacerbation of pyelonephritis. In addition, during pregnancy, we can talk about a weakening of the mother’s immune system, when aggravated sexually transmitted infections begin to be accompanied by an increased number of white cells in a urine test.

What symptoms appear with leukocyturia?

Depending on the pathology, leukocytes contained in the urine may not be the only sign; other negative symptoms are also possible. So, with acute cystitis, severe pain appears in the lower abdomen, constant urge to urinate, and bleeding. In the case of urethritis, pain occurs when urinating. With pyelonephritis, there is an increase in temperature, signs of intoxication, and pain in the lumbar region. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, swelling of the face and legs is observed, the volume of urine produced decreases, and the temperature rises. This table of contents in the list of symptoms can be continued for quite a long time. However, there are constant signs that mean that leukocytes in the urine are elevated, including:

Changes in the properties of urine, which is the most a clear sign. The liquid may become cloudy and bad smell.
Urination becomes more frequent.
The process of urine excretion is accompanied by pain or burning.
Alarming, but not so obvious signs include chills and fever.
Pain that appears in the lumbar region, abdomen or side.
Unpleasant sensations during sexual intercourse.
The appearance of nausea, vomiting attacks.

Important. If suspicious symptoms appear, a visit is necessary medical institution, since therapy should be carried out on the basis of test results, the direction for which is given by the attending physician.

Often, the need for treatment can be indicated by TAM alone - it is quite sufficient to detect problems in the urinary system. One urine sample can be analyzed in several ways. When calculating the number of leukocytes in urine, stage 1 involves an organoleptic analysis, when the color of the liquid, its smell, foaminess, transparency and volume are assessed. When checking for the presence of leukocytes in urine, stage 2 is calculating the density and acidity of urine. Next, a biochemical study is carried out, which allows you to identify the protein. Microscopic examination reveals not only leukocytes, but also erythrocytes, unorganized sediment, flat or cylindrical epithelium.

Ways to reduce the number of leukocytes in urine

Now let's talk about how to reduce white blood cells in the urine. If the fluid contains too many white blood cells, it is necessary to develop a treatment, which the doctor carries out based on the cause contributing to the development of the anomaly. In 70% of cases of leukocyturia formation, it is permissible to treat the pathology with the help of only medications. In this case, the course of therapy usually does not exceed three weeks and takes into account:

What exactly causes the growth of leukocytes - viral or bacterial agents, exposure to fungi or other factors.
What factors provoked the development of pathology.
How severe is the disease?

It should be understood that traditional methods in this case, they will not reduce the level of leukocytes. Moreover, it is important to remember that if tumors are detected in the kidneys, surgical intervention may be required using methods of varying levels of complexity. There are several principles for proper treatment of pathology. So, before visiting a doctor, if there are negative symptoms, it is recommended to drink an increased amount of fluid. In this case, preference should be given to a fruit drink made from natural cranberries, a decoction of blackcurrant leaves - these natural drinks cleanse the kidneys well and help improve their functioning. As for medications, the following may be prescribed:

Antimicrobial substances if a bacterial infection is detected in the body.
Antiprotozoal agents in cases where the pathology is caused by protozoan microorganisms.
Fungicidal medications if the condition is caused by a fungal infection.
If necessary, symptomatic treatment can be used.

Why might you need to take aloe, ginseng, or Chinese lemongrass? These remedies can improve the condition of the immune system. Each disease affecting the urinary system is treated differently; if, after a course of therapy, leukocytes remain in the urine, a more thorough examination and adjustment of methods to eliminate the problem may be required.

Leukocytes are white blood cells and are responsible for the functioning of the human immune system. There are several types that differ in the type of action. Elevated white blood cells in the urine may indicate pathologies of the urinary system and kidneys, infections of the genital organs, or problems in endocrine regulation. In addition, slight leukocyturia is observed when carrying a child or after perineal herbs. A general urine test, which is taken at the clinic, will help determine the level of white blood cells in urine. If the doctor detects a deviation from the norm, he will prescribe further examination and treatment, which will depend on the diagnosis.

Also, increased results can occur when a woman does not follow the rules of intimate hygiene.

As a result, the flora and acidity in the vagina changes and leukocytes appear. When collecting urine for analysis, part of the vaginal discharge may end up in the jar, as a result, leukocyturia will be determined in the laboratory.

If leukocyturia or pyuria is detected, the doctor must prescribe additional examinations, determine the cause and prescribe the correct treatment. You should not delay treatment, since a long-term inflammatory process in the body leads to complications. In addition, it is possible for the acute form of the disease to transform into a chronic form, which is fraught with frequent relapses.

Causes of leukocyturia during pregnancy and after childbirth

When a girl is carrying a child, various changes and restructuring are constantly occurring in her body under the influence of hormones. In this regard, leukocytes may appear and slightly increase in the urine during pregnancy. But if this condition lasts for a long time, the concentration of white cells increases or active leukocytes appear, additional examinations must be urgently carried out. Since this indicates the presence of a focus of inflammation, pyelonephritis is especially common in pregnant women.

Postpartum leukocyturia is a normal phenomenon if the concentration of leukocytes is slightly higher than normal. Most often, cells enter the urine not from the urinary tract, but from the vagina of the woman in labor. Together with them, the presence of red blood cells is determined. This is due to the difficulty of taking material for analysis, since after childbirth women continue to have bleeding for several weeks.

If leukocyturia is accompanied by any other symptoms - headache, weakness, malaise, lower back pain, frequent urge to go to the toilet, fever, etc. - this indicates the presence of a pathological process in the body that requires treatment.

Symptoms of increased importance

Leukocyturia itself is not accompanied by any symptoms, except that the body temperature may rise against the background of the inflammatory process.

The main clinical picture is given by a disease that provokes an increase in white blood cells:

Pyelonephritis - manifests itself as general malaise, pain in the lower back from the affected kidney, and slight hyperthermia. Pyuria, protein, many bacteria, and sometimes blood - red blood cells are detected in the urine.
Glomerulonephritis – accompanied by swelling and increased blood pressure. In the urine, protein levels are significantly increased, leukocyturia, bacteria are usually absent.
Stones - when the stone comes out of the kidneys, the patient feels severe pain in the lower back, which radiates to the groin and leg. He cannot lie still and constantly throws himself around the bed. A urine test determines leukocytes, red blood cells and salt crystals.
Cystitis, urethritis - frequent urge to empty the bladder, burning and painful sensations during and after urination. Urine contains leukocytes, bacteria, and pus.
Generalized allergy – there are signs of an allergic reaction: itching, rash, swelling, anaphylactic shock.
Vulvitis, colpitis – unpleasant odor, severe itching. In this case, leukocytes enter the urine not from the urinary tract, but from the woman’s genital organs.

The appearance of leukocytes in the urine after taking medications does not appear outwardly. The patient feels absolutely normal, and the deviation can only be determined by analyzing the urine.

When is it prescribed and how to get tested correctly

The number of leukocytes, red blood cells, bacteria, protein, crystals is determined during a general urine test. This analysis is prescribed for any medical procedure. examination, as well as at almost every visit to the doctor. The data obtained in the laboratory will help the specialist determine which direction to move in order to make the correct diagnosis.

To ensure the most accurate result, it is important to know how to properly collect urine for analysis:

You need to buy a special container for urine, which is sold at the pharmacy. It seals tightly and will not allow the contents to spill.
Material for research is collected in the morning, immediately after sleep.
Before peeing in a jar, a woman should wash herself thoroughly so that vaginal secretions do not get into the urine.
The first few milliliters of urine need to be flushed down the toilet, then substitute a container and collect about 100 ml of liquid. After this, empty your bladder completely past the jar.
Close the container with the material for analysis with a lid and deliver it to the laboratory within 2 hours.

It is also possible to take the test at other times of the day when the result needs to be obtained immediately. It is important that the patient does not visit the toilet for at least 2-3 hours before taking the material.

How to treat an increased white cell count

Treatment depends on the cause that caused the appearance of leukocyturia. Only an experienced specialist can determine it and choose the right medicine, so you should not self-medicate, as this can only lead to a worsening of the condition.

For bacterial infections, antibiotics are used, which are applied locally (vaginal suppositories, bladder lavage) and administered by injection or in the form of tablets; drugs such as Ceftriaxone, Ampicillin, Tetracycline are popular.
To treat a viral infection, antiviral drugs are used, as well as symptomatic treatment.
Allergic conditions are relieved with the help of antihistamines - Suprastin, Diphenhydramine.
Tumor formations are treated surgically using radiation and chemical therapy.

Minor leukocyturia during pregnancy and the postpartum period does not require treatment, you just need to monitor the dynamics of changes.

If there is an increase in leukocytes in the urine after taking medications, the doctor will reduce the dosage or select analogues.

Preventive measures

The presence of leukocytes in the urine most often indicates inflammation of the internal organs.

To avoid illness, you need to follow several rules:

News healthy image life, harden the body.
Avoid hypothermia (dress warmly, do not stay in the cold for a long time, do not walk with wet feet).
Observe the rules of personal and intimate hygiene.
Regularly visit doctors and treat acute and chronic pathologies.
Do not overload your kidneys with junk food, medications, or alcohol.

Norm of leukocytes in urine in women, table

The rate of leukocytes in the urine of women may fluctuate somewhat depending on the age and condition of the patient.