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Leukocytes in urine

Contrary to what many people commonly think, white blood cells in the urine are normal. This is because the natural way to expel them once they age is through the urinary tract.

What are leukocytes?

These cells, also known in the medical area as white blood cells , have the main task of detecting and defending the human body from possible infectious threats. For this reason, leukocytes are linked to the immune system of each person and attract so much attention when observing abnormal levels in the various physical analyzes.

The process in which leukocytes work within the human body is very simple: they are transported in the blood to eliminate any trace of bacteria or viruses in the body. Simply put, they become the leading advocate for human health.

What are leukocytes for?

A kind of natural and organic “super hero” that you need to keep an eye on so that you do not exceed your limits, but also do not lag behind in your values. On average, white blood cells should have specific amounts that you will learn about in this text, a little later.

The number of causes for having high or very low WBC values is extremely wide. Due to this, before being alarmed by reading any possible illness or complication that you may have, what you should do is go to a doctor to make the corresponding evaluation.

The clearest and most common idea is that it is an infection in the urine with the presence of nitrites in the urine, which in turn is a thermometer on another problem. Next, we will detail in a more detailed way what are the possible reasons for having white blood cells in the urine and the normal values ​​of the cells.

High white blood cells in the urine

When you have leukocytes above 11 thousand mm3 in the blood test, it is time to visit the doctor. In the case of high white blood cells in the urine , it is enough to have 10 cells per micro liter of blood to know that you have a urinary tract infection .

Symptoms of the presence of leukocytes in the urine

The symptoms do not always make an appearance, in fact, they are rarely expressed. But generally they are mild fevers above 38 degrees, problems when breathing, poor appetite, tingling in the arms and other joints, as well as dizziness.

Now, when talking about the causes, it is necessary to detail that they can be varied and to have a clearer and more accurate idea, it is necessary to consult the opinion of a doctor. Some recent illness can cause variations in the levels of white blood cells , from a simple flu to a more serious one.

Similarly, excess stress can have an effect on these very important cells in the human body . The arthritis , allergies of all kinds, side effects from the use of any medications, and in the most extreme case, leukemia, might be causing this situation.

Appropriate treatments

Most of the later treatments lie in the implementation of antibiotics and corticosteroids to return to normalize leukocyte levels . Always, of course, under strict medical surveillance who is in charge of evaluating the entire process and analyzing the various scenarios that may occur with the patient.

These cells produced in the bone marrow and also in the lymphatic tissue are found in various parts of the human body. Tonsils, spleens, lymph nodes and in an extended area of ​​the entire immune system , so it must be a matter treated with absolute responsibility and professionalism.

Low white blood cells in the urine

We have already talked about the causes or reasons for having high white blood cells in the urine, now it is time to talk about the opposite extreme. The low leukocytes in the urine occur when there is a lower level to 4000 mm3 in the blood, in the case of these analyzes.

As they are low levels, they cannot be observed in the urine, so a more in-depth study will be necessary to identify the problem. The reasons for having the values ​​below normal are of equal care as when it is given in the opposite case.

Low leukocytes and colds

Have you ever wondered why you get colds so often? White blood cells could be the key to deciphering it . When the points are below the normal average, the human body is more exposed to contracting viruses or diseases found in the environment.

The same happens with infections and excessive fatigue that becomes almost chronic, a problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible to avoid greater consequences in daily life. Abdominal discomfort and headaches are often other signs to watch out for.

Possible Causes of Low White Blood Cell Levels

Among the possible causes we will go from the least dangerous to the most lethal, without the intention of alarming, it is only necessary to have the necessary medical attention. The use of diuretics and antibiotics can cause these effects of fading in the organism, the same happens with the pictures of anemia or nutritional unevenness.

However, when it comes to malnutrition, lupus, leukemia or HIV, it is about much more advanced conditions that deserve and need extreme care , since life itself would be in serious danger. But, low leukocytes are closely related to them.

Leukocytes in urine: normal values

As you have surely already been able to deduce from what was explained in the previous points, normal leukocyte values are between 4,000 and 11,000 mm3 when it comes to blood.

The recommended values ​​are around five cells per field , which is the same for medical purposes: below 10,000 cells per ML . That way, you know that you are free to worry about white blood cells in your urinary tract .

In general, tests done this way are less traumatic than blood tests for many people, and most important of all, it gives you the same signs (if it occurs) as if a blood test is done.

Presence of infection in the urine

The presence of white blood cells through these ducts also translates into the presence of pus in the urine, which can be a sign of pyuria. So infections are the order of the day, as is any other inflammation of the tract that most likely needs antibiotics to control .

As they are cells, leukocytes can be counted through a laboratory method known as sedimentscopy. While in recent times more modern elements have emerged such as dipsticks through which they can be detected in small squares.

The result indicated as ” leukocyte esterase ” must be negative to be absolutely certain that they are not present in the urine. Otherwise, you already know the whole process that must be followed to find the exact cause of this situation and thus avoid some complications that may arise.

What else can leukocytes in urine mean?

os leukocytes in urine could mean a symptom of pregnancy , this especially becomes visible when the number of proteins. To avoid falling into wrong diagnoses, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test as soon as possible or, failing that, visit the gynecologist to make an exhaustive analysis of the case.

In this scenario, when a possible pregnancy is suspected, faster and more effective medical procedures must be taken to confirm or rule out any situation that could have consequences for both the mother and the fetus.

How to know if you have white blood cells in the urinary tract

One way that you can tell that you have white blood cells in your urinary tract without having to see the results on a routine exam is when you see urine with abundant foam . A little more drastic and complicated are the episodes where blood is observed, since they could mean much more serious conditions that require the necessary medical attention.

Health is no game, and therefore must be taken with the appropriate seriousness or urgency. It is better to get down to work when suspecting about any disease rather than regret for not having bought some time in treatment.

The nephrologist , or failing that, a trusted general practitioner is the main ally that you can have to get out of any kind of doubts. If you feel a chill or have suffered mild but constant fevers in recent days, the first thing you should do is go to the nearest laboratory to collect your urine , send for an exam and take it to the clinical center of your choice. The state of your urinary tract is usually an ideal thermometer to know how your body is in general terms.

You may also be interested in:   Diuresis

Common causes of white blood cells in urine

  • Kidney infections: These infections commonly begin in the urinary tract, and if not treated in a timely and adequate manner, they spread to the kidneys. The fever , fatigue, pain and often both on the side of the body as when urinating, usually the symptoms to consider.
  • Urine retention: If you have been away from home for a long time without the opportunity to find a bathroom to expel urine, you may suffer an infection, and therefore, generate the presence of white blood cells . The bladder suffers damage that is very difficult to avoid if urine accumulates in the tract without the opportunity to dump it, as the organ wears out. Germs are responsible for infecting everything in their path and almost immediately raise the number of white blood cells.
  • Obstruction: Kidney stones, tumors in both the bladder and the pelvis. These may be another reason why the amount of leukocytes in the urine increases at an accelerated rate . Of course, do not sow panic, it will be enough to have a routine check-up to find the exact cause and start treatment once
  • Lupus nephritis: It is a very painful disease where kidney inflammation becomes the main problem to fight. The key is that it is a chronic condition, therefore permanent control must be maintained to avoid further complications. Once the finding is made, the diagnosis is usually positive with the attention and care that is needed in these types of cases. The list of causes or diseases that can be seen in a urine infection is very extensive, so it is time to inquire with specialists.

Types of leukocytes

  • Lymphocytes: They are the smallest in size, but in the same way, the most important when fighting infections or any existing threat. They are divided into B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes , both of which are responsible for secreting chemical substances as a protective measure.
  • Monocytes: They are the largest and are usually transported in organs such as the spleen, lungs, liver and bones, always through the blood. Basically, its function is reduced to removing dead cells from areas that have already been previously affected by infections.
  • Basophils: They are responsible for releasing histamine in response to the reactions that occur after allergies and inflammations. Although in the same way, they release another substance known as heparin to thin the blood a little better. According to various studies, they are the ones with the least presence within the body.
  • Neutrophils: These are the most abundant leukocytes throughout the body, they are probably the most clearly seen when detecting leukocytes in the urine . They are the most common white blood cells and their main function is to destroy solid particles, pathogens and cell debris in the body. The whole process by which it is handled is known as phagocytosis . Of course, despite being the most numerous, they are the ones that remain in the system the least time, since they only survive one day.
  • Eosinophils: They are responsible for activating the functions of T lymphocytes , as well as serving as a stimulus for the production of antibodies in B lymphocytes. Infectious agents of all kinds are the main objective of this lymphocyte. Its role in the response of the immune system plays a leading role when counteracting a condition.

Treatment for high leukocytes

Treatment for high leukocytes does not focus on the cells itself, but on knowing and monitoring the cause of this elevation. It should be clarified again that in general the variations in this value usually mean some disease that must be identified.

Of course, many times it does not go beyond a simple urine infection that is controlled with some antibiotics, but this is not always the case and therefore all other possible scenarios must be ruled out quickly and effectively.

How to treat white blood cells

Sometimes, you don’t even need any treatment to control white blood cells , just letting the infection develop naturally so that it disappears without major complications. But it does not always happen this way, and it is the mistake that many people make, and for which cases are more complicated than necessary.

Now, when you notice a swelling in any part of the body, it is mandatory to carry out a more in-depth analysis of the situation. Visiting a doctor is sometimes more complicated than it seems due to the mentality of people who prefer to take everything with home remedies.

In either case, there is no one more qualified to decide the next step than a specialist. If you had a blood test, go to the hematologist, and if you did it differently and you saw white blood cells in your urine , you should go to a nephrologist.

Their duty is to ask you about your medical history, allergies, and the medications you normally take. There could be a hitherto unknown cause that makes it possible to clarify the picture when defining a treatment. Self medicating should never be a heavier option.

Treatment for low leukocytes

Throughout this process it is important to remain patient, since to know what is the reason for the decrease in leukocytes , it is necessary to perform numerous analyzes. The causes can be multiple, from a side effect from drug use to life-threatening diseases.

For this reason, it is absolutely necessary to go to the trusted medical office and place yourself at the disposal of the experts to carry out the pertinent studies. If it is confirmed that the decrease is due to a drug, it should be stopped immediately to avoid complications.

There are extreme cases, where people with cancer have to undergo a chemotherapy process . In these scenarios, it is inevitable that the levels of leukocytes are reduced to a minimum , so it is necessary to wait a reasonable time for them to begin to rise again.

Precautions if we have low leukocytes

Avoiding contact with people who have a disease is a priority, exposure to germs could trigger complications in treatment that eliminate all previous advances. Bone marrow disorders can become another possible cause, so medical attention must be essential at all times.

The low white blood cells in urine and blood is also known by the medical term of leucopenia , so if ever you read out there, do not panic. Leukopenia can also occur for other reasons much easier to deal with, such as a simple flu or a recent infectious process.

In these last episodes, all values ​​will return to normal in a short period of time without the need to take corticosteroids or antibiotics. Consult with your trusted method when you notice excessive fatigue or lack of appetite, as it could be an indication of low white blood cells.

How to avoid a decrease or an increase in leukocytes?

Prevention is a point of vital importance regarding both the decrease and the increase of leukocytes. And in it, food is a primary point, since it greatly influences the possible causes of unevenness. The phrase that reads “we are what we eat” is more than just a prayer.

In reality, food and its current components are one of the main causes of the most common conditions. Eating a healthy and balanced diet , in addition to exercising regularly, is a good way to take care of yourself.

In the same way, on many occasions drugs are taken that are really unnecessary, many times on people’s own initiative. Consuming medicines without the authorization or supervision of a doctor is one of the most common and at the same time regrettable practices of today.

Although this act could heal certain conditions by reference in previous experiences, it is also possible to cause damage in other unsuspected areas. Therefore, each doctor carefully consults the history of medicines and diseases, to prevent complications or side effects.

Leukocytes in the urine, as well as in the blood, are often used as a thermometer of the general state of health that each person has . They could be the clue that allows us to solve problems that can grow over time if they are not treated properly.

For that reason, routine physical exams are needed, at least every two to three months. Being prevented with health is an act that has an added value and making it routine is very important. White blood cells are the natural defenders of the human body.

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Hello Readers, I am Nikki Bella a Psychology student. I have always been concerned about human behavior and the mental processes that lead us to act and think the way we do. My collaboration as an editor in the psychology area of ​​Well Being Pole has allowed me to investigate further and expand my knowledge in the field of mental health; I have also acquired great knowledge about physical health and well-being, two fundamental bases that are directly related and are part of all mental health.

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