2023 Author: Benjamin Dyson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 01:37
The presence of leukocytes in the urine is normal when the presence of up to 5 leukocytes per analyzed field or 10000 leukocytes per mL of urine is verified. However, when a higher amount is identified, it can be indicative of an infection in the urinary or genital system, in addition to lupus, kidney problems or tumors, for example.
The type 1 urine test, also called EAS, is a very important test to know the general state of he alth of the person, because in addition to checking the amount of leukocytes in the blood, it also indicates the amount of red blood cells, epithelial cells, presence of microorganisms and proteins, for example. Understand how the urine test is done.
Leukocytes in urine usually appear as a consequence of some situations, the main causes being:
1. Urinary tract infection
Infections of the urinary system are the main cause of an increase in leukocytes in the urine, which indicates that the immune system is trying to fight off a fungal, bacterial or parasitic infection. In addition to the presence of large amounts of leukocytes, it is possible to identify epithelial cells and the microorganism responsible for the infection in the urine test.
It is possible to suspect a urinary tract infection when the person also has some signs and symptoms, such as pain and burning when urinating and the presence of discharge, for example. Know other symptoms of urinary tract infection.
What to do: It is important to consult the urologist or gynecologist so that tests are carried out to help identify the microorganism responsible for the infection and, thus, be able to start the treatment more adequate. In case the infection is due to the presence of fungi, the use of Fluconazole or Miconazole may be indicated, while when the infection is caused by the parasite Trichomonas sp., the use of Metronidazole may be indicated, used according to the doctor's guidance.
2. Kidney problem
Kidney problems such as nephritis or kidney stones can also lead to the appearance of leukocytes in the urine, and in these cases the presence of crystals in the urine and sometimes red blood cells may also be noticed.
In addition, both nephritis and the presence of kidney stones may have characteristic symptoms, such as lower back pain, difficulty urinating, and decreased amount of urine, for example.
What to do: In case of suspected renal calculus or nephritis, it is important to go to the general practitioner or urologist so that imaging tests, such as ultrasound, are indicated and urinalysis and, thus, it is possible to start the most appropriate treatment, which can be done with anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics or medication that promotes the release of the stone, in the case of kidney stones.
3. Lupus Erythematosus
Lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease, that is, a disease in which the immune system cells act against the body itself, causing inflammation in the joints, skin, eyes and kidneys. Regarding laboratory tests, it is possible to notice changes in the blood count and in the urinalysis, in which a large amount of leukocytes can be observed in the urine. Learn how to recognize lupus.
What to do: To reduce the amount of leukocytes in the urine, it is necessary that the treatment for lupus is done according to the doctor's recommendation, being normally recommended to use of some medications according to the symptoms presented by the person, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids or immunosuppressants. Thus, in addition to reducing the amount of leukocytes in the urine, it is possible to control the symptoms of the disease.
4. Use of medication
Some medications, such as antibiotics, aspirin, corticosteroids and diuretics, for example, can also lead to the appearance of leukocytes in the urine when used frequently.
What to do: The presence of leukocytes in the urine is usually not serious, so if the person is using any medication and the exam indicates the presence of significant amounts of leukocytes, it could just be the effect of the medicine. It is important that this change is communicated to the doctor, as well as the result of the other aspects present in the urinalysis, so that the doctor can better analyze the situation.
5. Hold the pee
Holding the pee for a long time can favor the growth of microorganisms naturally present in the urinary system, resulting in the appearance of symptoms of infection and leading to the appearance of leukocytes in the urine.
Furthermore, when you hold the pee for a long time, the bladder begins to lose strength and cannot be completely emptied, causing some amount of urine to remain inside the bladder and for microorganisms to proliferate more easily. genitourinary tract.
What to do: In this case, it is important that as soon as the person feels the urge to pee, do so, as it is possible to prevent the accumulation of urine in the bladder and, consequently, of microorganisms. In addition, to prevent infections from happening, it is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of water a day.
However, if the person feels the urge to pee but cannot, it is recommended that they go to the general practitioner or urologist so that tests are carried out to identify the cause of the problem and treatment begins.
6. Cancer
The presence of tumors in the bladder, prostate and kidneys, for example, can also lead to the appearance of leukocytes in the urine, since in these situations the immune system is sensitized. In addition, the presence of leukocytes may arise as a consequence of the treatment performed against the tumors.
What to do: In this case, to confirm that the presence of leukocytes in the urine is due to cancer, it is important that the doctor is consulted and that tests can be performed that help to confirm the diagnosis and thus initiate the most appropriate treatment if necessary.
However, when cancer related to the urinary and/or genital system is already confirmed, it is important that the doctor regularly monitors the amount of leukocytes in the urine in order to verify the progression of the disease and response to the treatment.
