Table of contents:
- Normal levels of white blood cells (leukocytes) in the urine
- Causes of white blood cells in urine
- 1. Urinary tract infection
- 2. Kidney stone disease
- 3.Pyelonephritis (kidney infection)
- 4. Other causes
Through the various components tested in it, urine test results can be an indicator of health problems in a person's body. Likewise, when you find white blood cells (leukocytes) in your urine which can be a sign of certain conditions.
Normal levels of white blood cells (leukocytes) in the urine
Ideally, the number of white blood cells in the urine sediment is classified as low, namely 0-5 white blood cells per HPF (high power field). If the urine test results show that your white blood cell count exceeds this number, it means that you are experiencing a certain condition.
You see, white blood cells play a role in fighting bacteria that are infecting the body. If leukocytes are found in the urine, it is possible that your urological system is experiencing a number of problems.
Causes of white blood cells in urine
An increase in the number of leukocytes seen in the urine through a microscope usually indicates that the body is experiencing an infection or inflammation in the urinary tract. Here are some of the causes for the presence of white blood cells in your urine.
1. Urinary tract infection
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a condition caused by bacteria that attacks the bladder, urethra, and kidneys. If left untreated, this urinary tract disease can obstruct the flow of urine in the urinary tract and make the infection worse.
Generally, the body will fight infection using white blood cells. This causes the number of leukocytes in the urine to increase.
2. Kidney stone disease
Apart from UTIs, kidney stones are also one of the causes for the number of white blood cells in the urine to be higher. This condition occurs because kidney stones are characterized by high levels of minerals and salts that are not properly filtered from the blood.
These unfiltered minerals are carried with the urine and sometimes accompanied by white blood cell values. Kidney stones that are carried to the ureter also block the flow of urine and the number of bacteria multiplies in the area. As a result, infection occurs and triggers an increase in the number of leukocytes in the urine.
3.Pyelonephritis (kidney infection)
Pyelonephritis is a kidney infection that is usually caused by bacteria E. coli. The bacteria found in the anus enter the urinary tract through the vagina and move to the kidneys and trigger infection.
Kidney infections are usually quite severe than urinary tract infections. The reason is, the infection can spread through the bloodstream and cause infection in other organs.
Therefore, the body responds to this condition by producing more leukocytes to fight bacteria that have spread.
4. Other causes
In addition to some of the common causes above, the presence of white blood cells in the urine can also be caused by other health problems, including:
- sexually transmitted infections,
- sterile pyuria, a condition when the body experiences symptoms of urinary tract infection, but there are no bacteria in the urine,
- cystitis or inflammation of the bladder,
- infection of the pelvis (intra-abdominal infection),
- pneumonia and tuberculosis,
- polycystic kidney, as well
- Unsuitable kidney donation.
Keep in mind that a urine test that shows the presence of your white blood cells does not immediately tell the cause. The doctor may need additional tests and further diagnosis to find out why.
Therefore, always immediately consult your condition with a urologist if the urine test results are positive for leukocytes. If the cause is infection, urine examination will be a good step to determine treatment for maintaining the health of the kidneys and urinary tract.
