Do you know what leukocytes in urine are? If not, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many people have never heard of leukocytes before, let alone know that they could be found in urine.
What Are Leukocytes?
Leukocytes are white blood cells, and they can be an indication of several medical conditions.
White Blood Cells or Leukocytes in Urine
When you go to the doctor, and they ask for a urine sample, they are looking for signs of infection. One of the things that they look for is white blood cells or leukocytes. Leukocytes are produced by the body in response to infection or inflammation.
If you see an increase in leukocytes in your urine, it could be a sign of a urinary tract infection. In this blog post, we will discuss what leukocytes are, what causes them to increase in urine, and how you can treat a urinary tract infection.
What Are Leukocytes and What Are Their Functions?
Germs are constantly attempting to penetrate the human body. If they succeed, disease is a possibility. Our immune systems, on the other hand, are ready to battle infections and keep us healthy.
An army of leukocytes, or white blood cells, is on the front lines of defense. Leukocytes are activated when a potentially dangerous microbe or virus penetrates the epidermal barrier and attempts to neutralize the threat.
They fight germs in a variety of ways: some make antibodies to combat the bug, while others swallow it.
What Are The Different Types Of Leukocytes?
There are many types of leukocytes, but the four main types are neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and eosinophils. Each type has a different function in the body and helps in different ways to fight off infection.
Neutrophils
They are the most common type of leukocyte, and they help to fight bacterial infections. They do this by engulfing bacteria and other foreign particles and destroying them.
Lymphocytes
They are another type of leukocyte that helps to fight infection. Lymphocytes do this by producing antibodies that attach to viruses and bacteria and mark them for destruction.
Monocytes
They are a type of leukocyte that helps fight viral infections. They do this by engulfing viruses and destroying them.
Eosinophils
They are a type of leukocyte that helps fight off parasitic infections. Monocytes do this by producing chemicals that kill parasites.
How Do Doctors Check for Leukocytes in Urine?
There are several methods that doctors use to check for leukocytes in urine. The most common method is to dip a strip of filter paper into a urine sample and then incubate the paper. If leukocytes are present, they will cause the paper to change color.
Another method is to look at a urine sample under a microscope. Leukocytes will appear as white blood cells in the urine.
Doctors may also use a test called a urinalysis to check for leukocytes in the urine. This test measures the number of leukocytes in the urine and can be used to diagnose infections or other conditions.
What Causes Leukocytes to Increase in Urine?
Many things can cause leukocytes to increase in urine. Some of the more common causes include:
- Bacterial Infection
When there is an infection in the urinary tract, the body will produce more leukocytes to help fight it off. This can cause the urine to turn cloudy or have a strong odor.
- Dehydration
If you are not drinking enough fluids, your body will start to reabsorb water from your urine. This can concentrate the leukocytes and make them more likely to be seen on a urinalysis test.
- Exercise
Strenuous exercise can cause leukocytes to be released into the bloodstream and then into the urine.
- Diseases
Some diseases, such as diabetes and kidney disease, can cause leukocytes to build up in the urine.
If you are concerned about why there are more leukocytes in your urine, you should speak with a doctor. They will be able to order additional testing to determine the cause.
Treatment will depend on the underlying cause. Drinking plenty of fluids and urinating often can help flush out infection-causing bacteria. If you have a UTI, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
For other causes, such as dehydration or exercise, bladder infection, or kidney stones, treatment is typically not necessary. However, if you have a chronic condition that is causing an increase in leukocytes, it is important to manage it properly to avoid long-term complications.
What Is a Urinary Tract Infection?
Any part of your urinary system, including your kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra, can be affected by a urinary tract infection (UTI).
UTIs are common in women, accounting for about eight million doctor visits a year. They’re less common in men.
UTIs often occur when bacteria from the intestine get into the urethra and travel up to the bladder. This can happen when you wipe from back to front after a bowel movement, for example. The bacteria can also enter through sexual intercourse.
If the infection is not treated, it can spread to the kidneys and cause more serious problems.
What Are the Symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection?
The most common symptom of a urinary tract infection is a burning sensation when you urinate. You may also have the urge to urinate more frequently, but only pass small amounts of urine each time. Other symptoms can include:
- Urine with a foul odor
- Cloudy or bloody urine
- Pelvic pain (in women)
- Testicular pain (in men)
If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor so that you can get treated. Untreated urinary tract infections can lead to serious kidney problems.
Conclusion
There are a few simple things you can do to treat a urinary tract infection at home. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. This will help to flush out the bacteria from your system. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication to help relieve any discomfort. If the pain is severe, you may need to see a doctor.
They can prescribe antibiotics to help clear the infection. Drink cranberry juice or take cranberry supplements to help prevent future infections. Urinary tract infections are more common in women than in men, so it is important to take measures to prevent them. Wearing cotton underwear and avoiding tight-fitting clothing can help.
Be sure to urinate after sex to flush out any bacteria that may have been introduced during intercourse. If you have a history of urinary tract infections, talk to your doctor about taking prophylactic antibiotics. With some simple lifestyle changes and home remedies, you can easily treat and prevent urinary tract infections.
