The upper cell layer of the internal organs is called epithelial tissue. The mucous membranes of the genitourinary system are covered with epithelium. In all tissues, including epithelial, there is regeneration. Cells that have fulfilled their function, tearing away, enter the urinary system, so traces of the epithelium are always present in the urine.
Depending on the number of epithelial cells and other results of laboratory tests, pathological processes in the human body are diagnosed. In some cases, an increase in the epithelium in the urine is associated with taking certain medications.
Types of epithelium
In all parts of the urinary system, the epithelial layer is different and the cells lining it have an uneven structure. There are epithelium:
- Flat - these are round, colorless, large cells with a nucleus. A small amount of it in the urine of children and women is normal. If the flat epithelium in the urine is elevated, then this is regarded as the presence of an infection in the body. The presence of squamous cells in the urine in men indicates a pathological process in the body, normally they should not be. Cells enter the urine of girls and women from the vagina and urethra. Their number should not exceed ten. Otherwise, it is a deviation from the norm. In newborns and infants up to two weeks of age, the presence of cells is permissible squamous urine up to ten.
- Transitional, whose cells have one or more nuclei. The shape is cylindrical or round. This type of epithelial tissue is lined with: the upper urethra, ureter, renal pelvis. Normally, a maximum of three cells should be contained in men, women and children. This type of epithelium increases with kidney diseases (urolithiasis, cystitis, pyelonephritis). Exclude the presence of polyps, hepatitis. In some cases, prostate massage can help boost cells.
- Renal. This species should not be observed in urine. A small value of cells (up to 10) is allowed in babies up to a month old. The presence of renal epithelium is a pathology of the renal parenchyma.
An increase in a particular type of epithelium is an important diagnostic point. The presence of inflammation in the pelvic organs, a violation of blood supply and other conditions also affect the epithelial layer of the mucous membranes of the urinary tract. In this case, there is a strong rejection of cells that settle in the urine. In the clinical diagnostic laboratory, the type of epithelium is determined. The data obtained help with the diagnosis. In men, flat epithelium in the urine, what does this mean? And this means the presence of inflammation in the genitourinary system and requires immediate treatment.
How to pass the analysis?
There are certain recommendations for taking a urine test:
- a day before urine collection, exclude products that stain urine (beets, carrots, citrus fruits). Limit spices, salt. If possible, do not take diuretic and vitamin preparations, as well as medicines containing nitrofuran compounds due to the intense staining of urine in a saturated yellow color;
- hygiene of the external genitalia;
- collect about 100 ml of morning urine (middle portion) in a clean glass or plastic container;
- deliver the container with urine to the clinical laboratory of the medical institution in the near future. Temporary storage in the refrigerator is possible, but not more than two hours, so that the analysis results are not distorted;
- during menstruation, the delivery of analysis is not recommended, otherwise a special hygienic swab should be used.
Failure to comply with these rules may show an unreliable result, including the presence of epithelial tissues in urine.
Deciphering the general analysis of urine
One of the important indicators is the presence of epithelial tissue in urine. The norm is:
- Flat epithelial cells in the youngest children from birth to two weeks of age, girls, women from 0 to 10. In men, they are absent.
- Transition. For any gender and age from 2 to 3.
- Renal. In newborns, and before they reach a month from 0 to 10. In men and women, these cells should not be present.
Diagnosis of diseases is based on which of the above cells were found in urine.
Flat epithelium in the urine. The norm in women is exceeded: causes
Epithelial cells line the urethra, bladder, external genitals, therefore, exfoliating, they enter the urine. The maximum allowable amount is ten cells in women. With atrophy of the epithelial layer, prolonged use of androgenic drugs, there are no epithelial cells in senile age.
In the case of a weakened immune system or menstrual cycle disorder, 3 or more squamous cells are often detected according to laboratory results.
If a flat epithelium is detected in the urine and the norm in women is exceeded, then this indicates the presence of inflammatory processes in the female body.
Disease
Cystitis affects mainly the female population due to the special structure of the genitourinary organs. In the inflammatory process of the mucous membrane of the urinary bladder, the cells intensively exfoliate and enter the urine, thus, pathological processes in the human body contribute to the appearance of flat epithelium in large quantities in the urine.
Symptoms of the disease:
- frequent urination, while the amount of urine excreted is minimal;
- turbid urine;
- discomfort during urination: smell, burning and pain;
- severe acute pain in the lower abdomen;
- blood in urine is possible.
If cystitis is detected, the doctor prescribes drug therapy. After treatment, a referral is given for re-analysis of urine. The epithelium flat after effective therapy is returning to normal.
IgA nephropathy, or Berger's disease, is a pathology in which immunoglobulin A accumulates in the kidneys and leads to a disruption in their normal function due to the development of the inflammatory process. The disease develops very slowly, over the years. Manifestations of the disease in the initial stages are invisible. It is diagnosed when a significant number of protein, red blood cells and epithelial cells are detected.
Epithelial cells in children
In a young child, flat epithelium was found in urine, what does this mean? In fact, there is no cause for concern. Their presence in the urine of a newborn is the norm. During the first months of the baby’s life, the urinary system adapts, and after a certain period the level of epithelial cells decreases until they are completely absent.
If epithelial cells are detected in the analysis after the child is one year old, inflammation in the body can be assumed. A nephrologist doctor prescribes a repeated analysis of urine and other necessary examinations to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe drug therapy.
Flat epithelium in urine during pregnancy
The body of a woman during pregnancy is susceptible to various infections and diseases. In order to monitor the health of future mothers, they are prescribed the necessary types of laboratory tests, including urinalysis, throughout the entire period of pregnancy.
Analyzing the results, pay attention to the content of the epithelium, since its presence in the urine of pregnant women can serve as a signal about the inflammatory process in the urinary system. Renal epithelium should not be in the urine of expectant mothers. A transitional one is permissible in an amount of not more than one cell, and a flat one is allowed no more than five pieces.
What to do with elevated epithelium in the urine?
The amount of squamous epithelium in the urine is overestimated. The norm in women ranges from 0 to 10 cells, their excess suggests an inflammatory process. A woman is recommended to consult a urologist or gynecologist. Typically, additional types of examinations are prescribed: ultrasound diagnosis of the pelvic organs, gynecological smear.
In conclusion, it should be noted that the detection or absence of epithelial cells in urinalysis is one of the factors that help to assess the human condition. The female population is advised to monitor their health and immediately consult a doctor if they find squamous epithelium in the urine. The norm in women should not be exceeded.