Urine Leukocytes (pus cells)

Why test for Urine Leukocytes (pus cells)

Causes
Leukocytes might be present in urine for a range of reasons.

1. Bladder infections: Urinary tract infection

A high number of leukocytes in the urine may indicate the presence a urinary tract infection.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common causes of leukocytes in the urine. A UTI is an infection that occurs in any part of the urinary system.

This system includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract, and more specifically the bladder and urethra.

Most commonly, a UTI occurs when a bacterium or bacteria enter the urinary tract by way of the urethra and begin to multiply in the bladder.

Women are at a greater risk of developing a UTI than men. Around 50 to 60 percent of women will develop a UTI at some time.

A UTI in the urinary bladder can spread to the ureters and kidneys without prompt treatment, and this can become serious.

2. Kidney stones: A higher-than-usual number of leukocytes may be a sign of kidney stones.

Urine normally contains lower levels dissolved minerals and salts. People with high levels of these in their urine are at risk of developing kidney stones.

Symptoms include:

• pain
• nausea and vomiting
• fever and chills
• Stones that make their way into the ureters can interfere with the forward movement of urine. This blockage can allow bacteria to build up more easily and lead to an infection.

3. Kidney infection: A kidney infection can increase levels of white blood cells in the urine.

These infections often start lower in the urinary tract and spread up to the kidneys. Though less common, it is also possible for bacteria from other areas in the body to spread through the bloodstream to the kidneys.

People with weak immune systems or who have been using urinary catheters for long periods face a higher risk of developing a kidney infection.

4. Urinary system blockage: A blockage can lead to the development of hematuria, which is blood in the urine, or hydronephrosis, which is fluid around the kidney or kidneys.

The blockage can be due to trauma or caused by kidney stones, tumors, or other foreign material.

5. Holding in urine: There is a reason why people should not make a habit of holding in their urine.

Holding in urine for extended periods of time can weaken the bladder and make it difficult to empty. If urine spends too long building up in the bladder, bacterial presence and possible infection can more easily occur.

This infection can lead to higher levels of leukocytes in the urine.

 

Symptoms

Leukocytes in the urine cause different symptoms for different people, but there are a few symptoms or signs that suggest leukocytes may be present in the urine.

One of the most visible signs is cloudy or foul-smelling urine. Other signs include frequent urination, a pain or burning sensation when passing urine, or the presence of blood in the urine.

Other symptoms include:

• shivering and fever
• lower back and side pain
• acute pelvic pain
• nausea or vomiting
• long-term pelvic pain
• painful sex