High Leukocytes in Urine

The presence of leukocytes in urine may not be a cause for alarm, especially if in little amounts, but a heavy presence of these cells should signal that one could be having an infection or failure of an essential organ. It is advisable that one is tested to determine the cause of the high leukocytes in urine and get medication to clear any infection that could be present.

 

Usually, blood cells are not supposed to be found in urine because kidneys do not allow these cells to enter into urine. Also, in normal situations, blood has no contact with urine. If, however, an individual has an infection of the genitourinary system including the bladder, kidney, urethra, and ureter, it may cause white blood cells such as leukocytes to be found in urine. Again, if there is inflammation as a result of immune disorder, presence of stone, growths, or allergies anywhere in the genitourinary system, it is possible for blood hence leukocytes to get into the urine.

 

The reason why white blood cells are likely to be found in urine is because if there is an infection along the genitourinary system, these are the cells that are send there to combat microorganisms or foreign invaders. This can best be elaborated by examining the sore throat. For example, for a similar reason, you tend to see white spots appearing on your throat when you have a sore throat. Again, you see the white heads on your skin when you have an acne infection. Those white spots you see are a collection of the white blood cells, and they are the ones that form pus.

 

Leukocytes are a major component of white blood cells that protect the body against viral infections and other foreign substances. There are various reasons that can make leukocytes appear in urine. Failure of the urethra, kidneys, bladder and ureters the causes. However, leukocytes can also appear when foreign agents are present in the body. There are about five different kinds of leukocytes. When any of them occurs in very high amounts, it suggests that one could be suffering from a particular disease.

 

The body will usually excrete very high amounts of leukocytes when they are killed or destroyed when fighting infections in the body. High amounts could also suggest that one is suffering from urinary system infections. High levels of these cells in a person’s urine can have severe impacts on the kidney and bladder.

Symptoms of presence of leukocytes in urine

The patient produces urine with a foul smell and appearing cloudy. One could also experience pain while urinating or begin to urinate more frequent than normal. Other symptoms could include blood spots in urine, fever, inflammation of the kidney, shivers and bladder tumor among others.

 

Pregnant mothers often pass out urine with more white blood cells. This is possibly because of vaginal contamination. This causes leukocytes and proteins to increase in the urine. If the level of these cells remains consistently high, it is advisable that one seeks doctors’ advice to ensure they are not suffering from bladder infection.

 

Kidney infections are a major cause of high levels of leukocytes in one’s urine. The infection begins in your urinary tract and with time spreads to your kidneys. People with weak immunity are more prone to urinary infections, which trigger leukocytes to rise in their urine. Inflammation and infection of the bladder, ureters or urinary system will lead to the same effect.

 

Sexual intercourse could also lead to an infection of urinary tract. During sex, bacteria can be transferred from one person to another and get deposited in the urinary system. Physical intercourse can make the infection worsen because bacteria are rubbed on the urethra.

 

Holding urine for long periods makes the bladder weak. When repeated occasionally, it becomes difficult for one to completely empty their bladder during urination. Leftover urine can get infected with bacteria and other infectious microorganisms if it remains in the bladder for too long. The result is high leukocyte levels.

 

Blockage of the urinary system is another reason that could make leukocyte levels in the urine to increase. When the urinary system is blocked, the urine passed out is often followed by blood. Urinary system can get blocked due to presence of unwanted objects in urinary system, pelvis tumors, prostrate hypertrophy, and kidney stones.

 

Severity of high leukocytes levels

At times, the infection will only affect the bladder causing symptoms of cystitis. Some of these infections are treated easily and often clear completely when antibiotics are administered. Other times, the infections can get progressively worse resulting in severe fever, pain in the back and ribs and profuse sweating. This condition is clinically known as acute pyelonephritis.

 

Serious infection could require immediate antibiotic treatment and also hospital admission. Severe infections can lead to blood poisoning as they could spread to one’s blood system. Such infections are also accompanied by sweating, high fever, and shivers. When medical attention is not sought in good time, this condition also known as septicaemia can become life threatening.

Treatment

Taking more drinks will help flush out infections from the urinary system. Pain during urination should not discourage the patient from taking fluids. This is because dehydrations can make the situation worse as bacteria will continue to accumulate. Patients are advised to take at least five glasses every day, which is approximately two liters.

 

There are different kinds of antibiotics that can be administered. The doctor picks one that the infectious agent is sensitive to. The type of antibiotic selected will also depend on the medical history of the patient and local guidelines. It is also important that the doctor considers past reaction and side effects of previous antibiotics administered.