Elevated white blood cells in the urine (more than three in men and six in women) indicate, first of all, the development of inflammation in the genitourinary system. Often this concentration is detected with nephritis or cystitis. Elevated white blood cells in the urine may result from taking certain medications (aspirin, ampicillin, for example).
Often an increase in the level is detected in children. Elevated white blood cells in the urine of a child may indicate only an incorrect sampling. In addition, as in adults, their high concentration often indicates inflammation of the genitourinary organs.
However, in many cases, walks in the fresh air and refusal to use diapers can lead to increased normal white blood cells in the urine of the child.
The identification of a high concentration in the analysis is always the reason for the appointment of additional laboratory tests and other diagnostic measures in order to establish the exact presence or absence of a disease.
High leukocytes in the blood can also indicate the development of inflammation. However, it should be noted that the concentration of these bodies can be different depending on the age of the patient. So, in the first years after birth, leukocytes in the blood are elevated, neutrophils are decreased. And by the age of five or six, their concentration is gradually equalizing.
An increase in white blood cell count can occur due to various reasons. An increase in concentration is called leukocytosis. As a rule, this condition is associated with an increase in the level of neutrophils. Thus, a response to a bacterial infection is manifested.
Eosinophilic leukocytosis develops against the background of allergies, bronchial asthma, and also when parasites penetrate the body. Often, an increased concentration of leukocytes accompanies viral infections (measles, infectious mononucleosis, mumps).
It should be noted that their level in the body of a healthy person is not constant. The concentration of leukocytes increases after taking a hot bath, physical labor, before menstruation, at the time of birth, during pregnancy. Taurus levels are also influenced by many factors. However, changing, the level of their content in a healthy body does not exceed reference (normal) values.
Due to the fact that after eating, the concentration of leukocytes is physiologically increased, laboratory tests are carried out on an empty stomach in the morning. In addition, loads and stresses are not recommended before sampling the material.
Of particular note are elevated white blood cells during pregnancy. The fact is that an increase in the concentration of bodies during this period may be due to a number of factors.
As already noted, physiological everyday causes affect white blood cell counts. They are safe enough for health.
However, an increase in white blood cells can also be caused by pathological factors. Among them it should be noted:
- fungal, viral, bacterial infections (meningitis, tonsillitis, pneumonia, otitis media);
- the development of acute or chronic inflammation;
- the period of exacerbation during pregnancy of any chronic diseases associated with a general decrease in immunity in the antenatal period;
- various renal diseases;
- focal purulent lesions;
- a heart attack (lungs, kidneys, spleen, heart);
- allergic reactions of various types;
- high level of intoxication;
- the presence of helminths in the body;
- collapse of a malignant neoplasm;
- stroke;
- peritonitis, appendicitis, acute pancreatitis ;
- internal bleeding.
All of these diseases pose a serious threat to the mother and fetus. In order to prevent the development of undesirable consequences. should be regularly examined and take tests.