Leukocytes are white blood cells in the body that helps fight off infection. In a urine test, leukocytes can be an indication of a urinary tract infection (UTI). In a urine test, leukocytes can also indicate the presence of other diseases, such as kidney disease or prostate cancer.
What Causes an Elevated Level of Leukocytes in Urine?
The presence of leukocytes in urine can be caused by a number of things, including an infection, inflammation, or a certain type of cancer.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common cause of an elevated level of leukocytes in urine. UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract and cause an infection. Symptoms of a UTI include frequent and painful urination, a burning sensation when urinating, and a strong-smelling urine.
In addition to UTIs, other causes of an elevated level of leukocytes in urine may include kidney infections, bladder infections, kidney stones, and urinary tract cancer.
What Are the Treatment Options for an Elevated Level of Leukocytes in Urine?
The treatment for an elevated level of leukocytes in urine depends on the underlying cause. If the cause of the elevated level of leukocytes is a UTI, then antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the infection. If the elevated level of leukocytes is caused by another condition, such as kidney stones or cancer, then other treatments may be necessary.
In some cases, a urine test may not be enough to determine the cause of the elevated level of leukocytes. An ultrasound or other imaging studies may be necessary to determine the underlying cause.
Conclusion
Leukocytes are white blood cells that help fight off infections. An elevated level of leukocytes in urine can indicate the presence of a urinary tract infection, kidney infections, bladder infections, kidney stones, or other diseases. Treatment for an elevated level of leukocytes in urine depends on the underlying cause.
