Leukocytes in Urine

The urinary system consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. 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. Leukocytes are white blood cells that combat infections in the body but their presence in urine most often points towards a bacterial infection. The normal levels of leukocytes in the urine are somewhere around 0-10 lev/vl but if these levels exceed 20 lev/vl, there's an underlying problem or an issue that one needs to worry about. In order to diagnose the level of leukocytes in one's urine, it is essential to conduct a urinalysis. The presence of leukocytes in urinalysis results is the best way to confirm if the levels have increased. The level of leukocytes, if in excess, can have an effect on one's kidneys or bladder. In some cases, it has been known to affect both.

It is also possible for you to detect the presence of protein, nitrites or leukocytes in urine by performing a urine infection test using a home test kit. 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. These tests give a detailed insight about the urine and the patient's overall health. 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.

Causes for Leukocytes in Urine

• Kidney infections like pyelonephritis can lead to the increase of leukocytes in one's urine. It's an infection that occurs in the urinary tract and spreads to the kidneys. 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.
• Bladder infections or cystitis (an inflammation of the urinary tract and ureters) can also lead to leukocytes in one's urine
• A blockage in the urinary system can also result in hematuria (blood in urine). Obstructions can be due to trauma, pelvis tumor, kidney or bladder stones, prostate hypertrophy, or unwanted foreign bodies in the urinary tract.
• Presence of protein and leukocytes in urine during pregnancy is quite common. During pregnancy, it is possible that the WBC levels in urine increase and there is a possibility of protein contamination from the vagina. 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's a bladder infection.
• Another cause for leukocytes in a patient's urine is sexual intercourse as the bacteria can get massaged into the urethra.
• Holding urine for too long can cause overstretching of bladder which weakens the bladder, making it incompetent to empty itself completely. This left over urine can lead to bacterial formation causing infection in the urinary tract or bladder itself.

Symptoms of Leukocytes in Urine

• Kidney inflammation
• Bladder tumor or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Fever and shivering
• Frequent urination
• Blood in urine
• Burning and painful sensation while urinating
• Foul-smelling, cloudy urine

Treatment for Leukocytes in Urine

Treatment for leukocyte levels in urine primarily depends on the cause of the infection. A course of antibiotics works well in clearing up the infection. By avoiding the above mentioned situations, if at all possible, one can surely prevent UTI and the presence of extra white blood cells in urine to fight the infection itself. But if the infection becomes extremely severe, it's recommended to consult a doctor for necessary treatment. In some cases, hospitalization may be a essential.

Urinary tract infections due to leukocytes in urine are more common in women and the conditions can vary from cystitis (an inflammation of the urinary bladder) to severe infections of the kidneys or bladder. However, by maintaining proper hygiene and having a balanced and nutritious diet, one can surely avoid presence of leukocytes in urine in children as well as in adults.