Leukocytes in Urine

Leukocytes work together with immune systems and act against infection. Leukocytes in urine are not a serious health condition, but it provides the signaling that body defense mechanism cannot evade infectious agent and infection is developed inside the body. Normally along with foreign particles small amount of leukocytes is removed with urine.

Image 1: Leukocytes in urine

Leukocytes in Urine Causes

High label of leukocytes have a detrimental effect on the urinary system. The chance of increased level of leukocytes in urine is frequent in female than male, as their size of the urethra is smaller than the male. High quantity of leukocytes present in urine is unusual and following reason may be the cause:

After conceiving of a baby

The pregnant women increase the chances of elevated level of leukocytes in urine. The probability is increased due to

• Contamination in the vagina.
• The increased level of protein excreted in urine.
• Bladder infection.

If the frequently leukocytes are present is urine, then it is advisable to consult with the gynecologist.

Renal Infection

Renal infections often signify by the occurrence of leukocytes in the urine. The infectious agents first invade the urinary tract and from there infection is spread to the kidneys. Not only kidneys become infected, but the occurrence of infection can be at any part of the renal system, including urinary bladder, ureters and urethra and associated symptoms raise the leukocyte levels in the urine. The following are the scope of development of the renal infection:

• Weak immune system
• Insertion of urinary catheter
• Unsafe sexual intercourse
• Poor personal hygiene.

Delayed micturition

Urine when filled up in the bladder, then it gives pressure and usually we release the urine immediately. In case of holding urine for longer period or delayed micturition causes inadequate flow of urine after a long interval. Bladder unable to completely release the accumulated urine. Then the remaining urine becomes a good culture media for bacteria, where they can grow and spread infection. This also causes of finding of leucocytes in the urine.

Urine passage blockade

Urine passage blockade or urinary tract blockage hinders the smooth flow of urine. This may occur due to accidental trauma, renal calculi, enlargement of the prostate gland. This also leads to increase leucocytes level in the urine and also blood is often found with urine.

Interstitial cystitis

In this condition when the urinary bladder wall is swelled up due to the formation of cysts. It causes polyuria and increased level of leukocytes in urine.

Autoimmune disease

Autoimmune disease like Systemic lupus erythematosus affects kidney and urine retention in the bladder is one of the reason of development of the leukocytes in the urine.

Symptoms

Image 2: urine analysis for leukocytes in urine

Normal urine is clear or straw colored clear solution.  The following symptoms are associated with the increased level of leukocytes in urine:

• Cloudy urine
• Stinking smell in urine.
• Pain full micturition
• Burning sensation in the urethra
• Urge of urination is increased
• Frequent urination (polyuria)
• Fever
• Chill
• Haematuria  (presence of blood in urine)
• Lower abdomen pain

Treatment

Before treating the patient, usually doctors advise to conduct a strip test which is easy and convenient method to estimate the leucocytes level in the urine. After confirmation of the finding of leukocytes in urine, doctors can suggest the following treatment or may prescribe to conduct a urine analysis test. This will help to determine the infectious agent and accordingly treatment is recommended.

Antibiotics

For infection reduction, antibiotics are prescribed based on the nature of the infectious agent. In case of severe kidney infection, close monitoring and continuous support of healthcare staff is needed, otherwise it will become a fatal condition.

Better maintenance of personal hygiene

Improved personal hygiene helps to decrease the urinary tract infection. Regularly washing the genital organs with mild soap water and properly drying is a very important step to control the infection. Avoidance of sexual intercourse during infection period restricts the spreading of infection. Washed undergarments and towel should be used. Frequent hand washing habits also keep away infectious agent.

Antioxidant

Intake of fresh fruits and vegetables helps to prevent the accumulation of free oxidizing agent which is one of the major causes of tumor or cyst formation in the renal system. Adequate amount of nutritious food intake, maintain the antioxidant level in the body and improve the immune system. Better immunity can defend from infectious agents and chances of development of the infection in the renal system are low.

Vitamin B complex and C: These two vitamins are important for immunity and help to fight against bacteria. If pregnant women frequently attack with urinary tract infection, doctors may recommend them vitamin B-complex and vitamin C supplements.

Image 3: Natural sources of Vitamin B and C

Increased Fluid intake

Drinking of more water and other fruit juices maintain the urine PH and chances of infection is low, as they excreted out easily.

References

1. urinalysis results at http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/urinalysis/basics/results/prc-20020390
2. http://www.buzzle.com/articles/leukocytes-in-urine.html
3. Leukocytes in Urine Symptoms, Causes, Treatment at http://www.md-health.com/Leukocytes.html
4. https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003584.htm
5. Causes of White Blood Cells in Urine at http://www.livestrong.com/article/81433-causes-white-blood-cells-urine/