![]() High levels of bacteria and WBC is considered a telling sign of infection or irritation. The condition is more common in women, and it is thought that 10% to 20% of all women have at least one UTI every year. The following is a detailed explanation of the possible diseases associated with leukocytes in urine.īladder Infections or Irritation: A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common cause of leukocytes in urine, as is bladder irritation (or cystitis). What Causes Leukocytes in Urine?Īs mentioned, white blood cells in urine will indicate the presence of certain conditions. It could also indicate damage to the bladder, urethra, ureters, and kidneys. However, higher levels of leukocytes in urine without nitrates could indicate the presence of a disease or infection-it could be a urinary tract infection, or kidney stones, hypertension, diabetes, or other kidney diseases. It’s normal to find some white blood cells in urine during a microscopic analysis of the urine (urinalysis) the normal range is 0 to 5 WBC/HPF. There are five types of leukocytes: basophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils. These cells are part of the immune system, which works to protect the body against foreign invaders and infectious diseases. Leukocyte is another name for a white blood cell (WBC). This left over urine can lead to bacterial infection.It’s important to understand what causes leukocytes in urine. This can make the bladder incompetent to empty itself completely. Holding urine for too long can cause overstretching of bladder which weakens the bladder.The bacteria may get transferred to the urethra which may further cause infection. Another cause for leukocytes in a patient’s urine is sexual intercourse.However, if this persist and they are found in more than just trace amounts, it’s recommended to consult a doctor to diagnose if there is a bladder infection. During pregnancy, it is possible that the WBC levels in urine increase and there is a possibility of protein contamination from the vagina. Presence of protein and leukocytes in urine during pregnancy is quite common.Obstructions can be due to trauma, pelvis tumor, kidney or bladder stones, prostate hypertrophy, or unwanted foreign bodies in the urinary tract. A blockage in the urinary system can also result in hematuria (blood in urine).Bladder infections or cystitis (an inflammation of the urinary tract and ureters) can also lead to excess secretion of leukocytes.However, the risk of kidney infection is more common in people who have a weak immune system or among those who have been using a urinary catheter for a prolonged time. It’s an infection that occurs in the urinary tract and spreads to the kidneys. Kidney infections like pyelonephritis can lead to the increase of white blood cells in urine.Leukocytes can be detected either by observing them under a microscope or with the help of a chemical dip stick test which indicates the presence of an enzyme released by the white blood cells called esterase. These tests give a detailed insight about the urine and the patient’s overall health. The patient can also provide the urine sample for lab testing in which three separate tests are conducted on the sample: microscopic, visual, and chemical. With the help of home test kit you can detect the presence of protein, nitrites and leukocytes in urine. The level of leukocytes, if in excess, can affect the kidneys and bladder. The presence of leukocytes in urinalysis results is the best way to confirm if the levels have increased. In order to diagnose the level of leukocytes in one’s urine, it is essential to conduct a urinalysis. The normal levels of leukocytes in the urine are somewhere around 0-10 lev/vl but if the levels exceed 20 lev/vl, it is better to get urinalysis to avoid further complications. Small amount of leukocytes are expelled through the urine which are usually the old and the damaged cells. Leukocytes are white blood cells that combat infections in the body but their presence in urine most often points towards a bacterial infection. If a urinalysis detects presence of leukocytes in the urine with no nitrates, it could be an indication that the patient is suffering from an infection of the urinary system. The urinary system consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
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