Elevated leukocytes in the blood during a cold

Norm and reasons for reduction

Hematologists say that white blood cells are lower than normal, that is, leukopenia is observed, in situations where the values of white blood cell subtypes drop significantly in children and adults, namely:

neutrophils;
lymphocytes;
monocytes;
basophils;
eosinophils.

The combination of such substances is an indicator of leukocytes in the human body. It is noteworthy that the acceptable values will differ depending on the age and gender of the patient. For example:

Normal indicators (x 10^9/l)

Teenagers (16 to 21 years old)

Middle aged men

Middle aged women

Older men

Older women

A decrease in the concentration of each component of leukocytes has its own prerequisites.

Neutropenia may occur due to:

a wide range of viral infections;
acute leukemia;
Kostman's syndrome;
long-term chemotherapy;
hypersplenism – dysfunction of the spleen;
radiotherapy;
pancreatic dysfunction;
B12 deficiency anemia;
uncontrolled use of medications.

Eosinopenia in an adult or child is provoked by:

the initial stages of any inflammatory process;
heavy metal poisoning;
purulent infections.

postoperative recovery;
sepsis;
purulent lesions of soft tissues or the skeletal system;
exhaustion of the body.

tuberculosis;
aplastic form of anemia;
congenital immunodeficiency conditions;
systemic lupus erythematosus;
chemotherapy;
myeloma syndrome;
radiation sickness;
lymphogranulomatosis;
lymphoma;
renal failure.

Low white blood cell levels can also be affected by:

rheumatoid arthritis;
allergic reactions;
anaphylactic shock;
diabetes;
bone marrow damage;
brucellosis and hepatitis;
malaria and mumps;
rubella and ARVI.

Often, the predisposing factor is insufficient intake of substances into the human body that are necessary for the bone marrow to secrete new white blood cells.

Such microelements include:

vitamin B complex;
folic acid;
iron and copper;
zinc and iodine;
ascorbic acid;
protein.

Quite often, a low level of leukocytes in the blood is a consequence of the thoughtless use of medications.

Most often, the level of such substances falls while taking the following drugs:

The exact reason that leukocytes are low can only be identified by an experienced clinician based on data obtained during a comprehensive examination of the body.

Causes of increased leukocytes in urine

Exceeding the permissible value of immune system cells in the urine is most often observed in the test results of people with disrupted daily routines. Snacking on the go, lack of sleep and workload - these factors suppress the immune system. A lot of leukocytes can be detected in people who take hormonal, cardiac and some antibacterial drugs for a long time.

Diseases

Common causes of increased white blood cells in urine:

Urinary tract infection - if left untreated, spreads to the kidneys. Provoking factors: stagnation of urine after a catheter, kidney stones (manifested by renal colic), chronic prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland in men).
Women's diseases. In case of pelvic organ disease, urine collected for analysis is contaminated with leukocytes from the vagina. Signs of inflammation: dull nagging pain in the sides, lower abdomen and lumbar region.
Diabetes mellitus is a pathology that provokes inflammatory processes in the genitourinary system. Possible causes: weakened immunity, incomplete urination (autonomic neuropathy), high glucose content in the urine, which becomes food for pathogens. In people with diabetes, the risk of pyelonephritis (kidney inflammation) increases 4 times.
Helminthiasis. Scientists have found that one type of leukocyte (eosinophils) is involved in the development of worm larvae. White blood cells migrate to the site of helminth accumulation to ensure the restoration of damaged tissue. As a result, there is an increase in the level of glucose in the tissue fluid that the worm larvae consume. Parasitic infestation has the following symptoms: swollen lymph nodes, itchy skin rash, enlarged liver.

Physiological factors

A large number of leukocytes in the urine can be observed in healthy people for the following reasons:

excessive physical activity;
alternate dousing with cold and hot water;
frequent consumption of thermally processed foods (food leukocytosis).

An increased content of leukocytes in the urine of women is determined during the premenstrual period, during pregnancy and childbirth. According to test results, men's white blood cells increase after exercise. In children, the cause of leukocyturia often comes down to emotional experiences.

Symptoms

Low white blood cells in the blood lead to a weakened immune system, which will affect a person’s overall well-being. However, the clinical manifestations of this condition have several features:

nonspecificity - they cannot indicate with 100% probability exactly the disorder being described;
weak degree of expression;
complete absence, or rather, their veiling under the symptomatic picture of the underlying pathology.

However, leukopenia is manifested by the following symptoms:

increased body temperature;
increased heart rate;
chills and cold sweat;
dizziness;
causeless anxiety;
headache;
general malaise;
increased size of lymph nodes;
splenomegaly is a condition in which the size of the spleen increases;
change in voice timbre;
decreased appetite;
exhaustion of the body;
bleeding gums.

It should be noted that the above symptoms are only general, and they will often be supplemented by signs that are most characteristic of the provoking disease.

Main etiological factors of leukocytosis

A physiological increase in the number of white blood cells is usually caused by food intake (leukocytes accumulate in the submucosal layer of the intestine), physical work, or taking contrast baths, when these blood cells are concentrated around muscle fibers. Minor leukocytosis is always observed after psychological stress or the action of strong emotions.

The number of white blood cells increases during pregnancy and also after childbirth. During gestation, the number of these cells in a woman’s body increases by about 20%. In this case, certain changes in the leukocyte formula are characteristic. Thus, the number of eosinophils and lymphocytes decreases, the concentration of band and segmented neutrophils increases. Since there are five types of leukocytes, the interpretation of a blood test should be carried out taking into account the absolute number of each of them. It is worth noting that leukocytes are elevated during pregnancy due to increased body defenses. What matters is the effect of stress, the presence of thrush, and the exacerbation of chronic pathologies, which often happens during this period.

In addition, it is assumed that some people have a hereditary predisposition to an increase in the number of leukocytes.

Pathological leukocytosis occurs in the following cases:

for infectious pathologies and inflammatory lesions that are caused by the action of pathogens. Most often this is pneumonia, pyelonephritis, mononucleosis, meningitis, sepsis, phlegmon;
in inflammatory processes of non-microbial etiology - massive burns, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lesions of connective tissue, infarction of internal organs, the presence of cancer with metastases, kidney failure, diabetic coma;
an increased level of leukocytes is recorded after removal of the spleen;
for blood diseases (for example, leukemia or lesions of the hematopoietic system);
in comatose states;
in the presence of epilepsy;
some increase in the number of white blood cells is recorded after the administration of insulin and adrenaline;
massive blood loss also leads to the development of leukocytosis.

The reasons for the increase in leukocytes in the blood in adults and children may include prolonged oxygen deprivation and severe intoxication that occurs when consuming low-quality foods or as a result of the action of nitrobenzene, quinine, carbon monoxide or other toxic compounds.

Diagnostics

Only a general clinical analysis of the main biological fluid of the human body will help detect low white blood cells. For such a diagnosis, venous or capillary blood will be required.

In order for the specialist to obtain the most reliable results, patients are advised to follow simple preparatory measures:

complete refusal to eat on the day of diagnosis, since the procedure is performed only on an empty stomach;
a few weeks before the test, stop taking any medications (if for some reason this is not possible, you should definitely inform a specialist about this);
a few days before the procedure, limit physical activity and avoid stress;
3 days before diagnosis, all bad habits are eliminated.

Blood sampling to determine the leukocyte count in women is not carried out during menstruation.

To find out the source of the condition in which leukocytes in the blood are low, it is necessary to carry out a comprehensive examination of the body. An additional diagnostic regimen is selected for each patient individually.

General diagnostic measures performed directly by the clinician are:

studying the medical history to search for the main pathological source, which can occur in acute or chronic form;
collection and analysis of life history - it is very important for the clinician to find out facts such as taking medications, eating habits and a person’s lifestyle;
a thorough physical examination of the patient;
a detailed survey of the patient to determine the first time of occurrence of characteristic external manifestations and the intensity of their severity.

Additionally, other laboratory tests, specific instrumental examinations and consultations with specialists from various fields of medicine may be prescribed.

What to do if a child’s white blood cells are elevated?

If there is a high content of clear blood cells, the pathology must be treated with conservative methods. Leukocytosis in the urine means that there is a tendency to chronic inflammation, which must be eliminated in childhood. The approach to the problem is complex. The main goal of doctors is to remove the obstacle to the flow of urine and destroy the pathogenic flora with medication.

If the leukocyte count is high, the following intensive care regimen is recommended for the child:

Taking antibiotics. If the leukocyte count is abnormal, these are representatives of the amoxicillin group, selected only by the local pediatrician.
Probiotics, which alleviate the effects of antibacterial therapy, normalize the composition of the intestinal microflora. These can be Hilak Forte, Linex, Bifidumbacterin, Laktovit, Prelax.
Vitamins presented in natural products or multivitamin complexes. They should be used according to the age category of the child.
In addition, careful adherence to the rules of intimate hygiene of the external genitalia to accelerate the desired therapeutic effect.

After taking the tests, be sure to show the results to your pediatrician. If necessary, the doctor will refer you for consultation to a nephrologist, allergist or endocrinologist. Treatment of diseases in infants and older children is carried out according to an individual scheme. Parents should not buy drugs that a neighbor’s child used to get rid of a similar pathology. [adsense3]

As already mentioned, the presence of a disease in the human body is indicated by deviations in blood test parameters. Since this or that disease on a sheet with test results looks like a set of indicators that go beyond the boundaries of the norm, only a doctor can evaluate the picture in its entirety.

Leukocytes

White blood cells are indicators of the functioning of the immune system. If their indicator is too high, then the person’s defense mechanisms are activated, which means there is a pathogen. As a rule, a reaction in the form of an increase in white blood cells occurs to inflammation or allergies. If their number is below normal, then possible reasons include ARVI and infectious diseases such as scarlet fever, rubella and some others.

It is worth noting that leukocytes have the following varieties, which perform different jobs in the immune response.

Neutrophils. There are two options - mature and immature. When the immune system is activated, the number of young people decreases.
Eosinophils. Their job is to remove toxins and parasites from the body, as well as reduce the number of cancer cells. In ARVI, their number remains within the normal range.
Basophils. Since their percentage in the blood is small, they may not be detected at all in the CBC of a healthy person. Since they are formed during extended inflammatory processes, during ARVI they should not be present or their presence corresponds to the norm.
Monocytes. They recognize foreign substances in and teach other white blood cells to identify them. They can also turn into macrophages and engage in cleansing activities at the site of inflammation. Without this work, the restoration process will not begin.
Lymphocytes. The main “fighters” are pathogens, so their number also increases during illness.

ESR – erythrocyte sedimentation rate. When studying blood in a laboratory, the rate of sedimentation of fractions is also analyzed. It increases if there is inflammation in the body because the protein content increases. There is no proportional relationship between the disease and ESR, but doctors prefer to take this indicator into account. For example, if at the beginning of the disease it was overestimated, and after treatment was prescribed it began to decline, then the therapy was chosen correctly.

It should be noted that a child can react sharply to a cold and ESR in such cases can be greatly overestimated. In adults, the indicator increases, but not by tens of units. Also, a very increased rate of this speed occurs in acute conditions. In conclusion, I would like to note that the importance of laboratory blood tests in acute respiratory viral infections cannot be underestimated. It is the analysis that allows you to determine the nature of the disease and thereby quickly begin to treat it correctly.

In respiratory viral infection, lymphocytes are often high, but neutrophils and eosinophils are within normal limits. During influenza, lymphocytes and neutrophils decrease, but eosinophils are normal.

Treatment

If leukocytes are reduced, then in order for their level to return to normal, first of all, it is necessary to treat the underlying pathology, which can be conservative, surgical or complex. If this is not done, then normalizing values using specific techniques will be ineffective.

You can quickly increase the production of leukocytes in the blood in women or men by taking the following medications:

The dosage is calculated individually for each patient, and in addition, the use of vitamin complexes may be required.

When a person’s leukocytes are low, it is also recommended to change their diet, which means enriching the menu with the following ingredients:

dietary varieties of meat and fish;
offal and seafood;
any greens;
fresh vegetables;
legumes;
milk products;
buckwheat and rice;
oatmeal and corn porridge;
nuts and dried fruits.

Only a clinician can provide a complete list of approved products.

It is possible to raise leukocytes in the blood using traditional medicine, but they are used only as a supplement to the above methods.

After consultation with your doctor, you can prepare medicinal drinks at home from:

oats or wormwood;
motherwort or horsetail;
rosehip or aloe.

Regardless of the tactics, therapy is carried out under the strict supervision of a physician.

Treatment for leukocytes in urine

What to do if you have a high level of white blood cells in your urine? Therapies and treatment must correspond to the symptoms, that is, the disease that caused the increase in white blood cell levels.

Pharmacological agents of traditional medicine

The main treatment for urinary tract infections is antibiotics. To determine which antibiotic will be most appropriate, a urine culture is usually performed, which can determine the type of bacteria causing the infection.

The most commonly used antibiotics are:

Ciprofloxacin: belongs to the group of fluoroquinolones and acts on bacterial DNA, blocking their reproduction. Use for 4-7 days, depending on the severity of the infection.
Amoxicillin: belongs to the group of beta-lactam antibiotics. It acts by inhibiting the synthesis of bacterial wall components. Two daily doses of 1 g each are required, the duration of treatment depends on the severity of the infection.
Levofloxacin: like ciprofloxacin, belongs to the group of fluoroquinolones and inhibits the synthesis of bacterial DNA. Involves the use of large doses in the first days, and then the dose should be gradually reduced. The duration of treatment depends on the degree of infection.
Trimethoprim: Used in combination with sulfamethoxazole, it inhibits the synthesis of essential components for bacterial growth. The mode and dose of administration are determined by the doctor.

Prevention and prognosis

To avoid problems with how to increase leukocytes in the blood, people only need to follow a few simple preventive measures, including:

rejection of bad habits;
maintaining a moderately active lifestyle;
nutritious and healthy nutrition;
constant strengthening of the immune system;
taking the medications prescribed by the attending physician;
preventing the penetration of chemicals and toxic substances into the body.

It is also very important to prevent the formation of the above provoking factors, which have a pathological basis. To do this, you should regularly undergo a full medical examination.

The described disorder in itself is not a threat to human life; the pathological sources of such a condition pose a much greater danger, because each of them has a number of its own complications.

Leukocytes or white blood cells are responsible for maintaining the body's immunity and defenses. If a laboratory analysis reveals a deviation from the norm, the presence of diseases and pathologies in the body is likely. If the level of leukocytes decreases, the presence of leukopenia is indicated, which requires additional examination to identify the causes.

Laboratory signs of coronavirus

Almost everyone knows that any infectious disease is accompanied by an increase in the level of leukocytes. Is this true in the case of coronavirus, or are there any exceptions? No, laboratory parameters of immune cells undergo the same changes as during ordinary viral infections.

The total number of leukocytes in the blood during coronavirus does not increase relative to the norm, and sometimes may even be slightly lower than it. The same applies to ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate). In this case, you should consider in detail the leukogram (the absolute and relative ratio of the types of immune cells to each other).

This study is included in a general blood test and is required to be performed in almost all cases of treatment by people with the above symptoms. Leukocytes can be of 5 types, and each performs specific functions, so changes in the number of any of them are directly related to the characteristics of the pathogenic agents that have entered.

With coronavirus, lymphocytes and monocytes increase, since they are responsible for phagocytosis (absorption) of viruses. But neutrophils decrease, since at the time of the development of clinical symptoms they have already managed to fulfill their function and die, and a sufficient number of young cells have not yet matured. However, to confirm the presence of coronavirus, a leukogram will not be enough - a special test will be required.

Leukopenia: symptoms

A slight decrease in the number of leukocytes does not affect health and may have physiological reasons. If the process becomes chronic, the patient's immune system suffers and the following symptoms appear:

Low-grade fever
General weakness
Frequent ARVI
Headaches and fatigue
Enlarged lymph nodes
Pain and aches in the joints
Poor appetite
Increased sweating
Tachycardia or heart pain

In the presence of serious diseases that cause leukopenia, an enlargement of the spleen and liver and even life-threatening septic shock are observed. In some cases, the disease is asymptomatic, and a decrease in the number of white blood cells is discovered by chance during a blood test. If leukopenia lasts more than 14 days, one of its symptoms is often a severe viral infection. If the disorder lasts for more than 6 weeks, the addition of a viral disease is observed in 100 percent of cases, which requires immediate treatment.

General blood test for colds

Why is analysis needed?

If signs of a cold are detected, the specialist usually, among other appointments, writes out a referral for a blood test. Its results make it possible to determine the patient’s condition, identify the causes of the disease and correctly select the required treatment.

A blood test for colds makes it possible to:

determine the severity of inflammation, which is assessed by ESR and leukocyte counts;
identify the nature of the pathology, indicated by a shift in the leukocyte formula;
clarify the possibility of an allergic nature of the disease.

If the treatment is chosen incorrectly or is not carried out in full, this can lead to a more severe or prolonged course of the disease and the development of complications. Most often, colds are bacterial or viral in nature, but it is quite difficult to determine which one. A blood test can help with this. Treatment for viral and bacterial diseases is very different. In the first case, antiviral drugs are used, and in the second, antibacterial drugs such as antibiotics are used. At the same time, taking antiviral medications for bacterial colds is useless and vice versa.

For colds, the following types of tests may be prescribed:

To make and confirm the diagnosis, a referral for a general blood test is usually given.
If a severe viral pathology is suspected, a virological test may be prescribed to identify the specific pathogen.
To get a complete picture of the patient’s condition and determine the presence of concomitant diseases, it is recommended to donate blood for biochemistry.
In case of reduced immunity, an immunological blood test is performed.

It is important to remember that donors need to wait until all signs of a cold have completely disappeared, because... this may affect:
on the health of the donor himself due to the weakening of the body and the possible accumulation of infections or their complicated course;
on the health of doctors and other donors, viruses spread when coughing and sneezing and infect surrounding people;
on the quality of donated blood.
According to existing rules, a donor can donate blood only a month after suffering from acute respiratory viral infection.
Is it possible to donate blood if you have a cold?

What indicators are important for colds?

Hemoglobin is considered a very important indicator of a blood test. It can be increased, for example, with dehydration, or decreased, with anemia. If your hemoglobin level is outside the established normal range, you should definitely consult a general practitioner. In cases where the increase in hemoglobin or its decrease significantly exceeds the normal range, it is necessary to visit a hematologist. Hemoglobin is measured in g/l. The norm depends on the age and gender of the person, as follows:

in newborn babies it is 135-199 g/l;
in children three months of age – 95-130;
in women and children under 12 years of age – 110-140;
in adult men – 120-160.

Another indicator of a blood test is the number of red blood cells. Its increase is a symptom of dehydration; in more rare cases, such an increase indicates respiratory or heart failure, polycystic kidney disease. A decrease in this parameter may be a sign of anemia. Normal values of the indicator are:

3.9 - 5.9 for newborn babies;
3.3 – 5.1 for babies older than three months;
3.8 – 5.0 for women and children;
4.1 – 5.7 for men.

The next blood indicator is the platelet level. Its increase can be triggered by severe blood loss resulting from injuries, operations, infectious and inflammatory diseases, oncology and other reasons. A decrease in this parameter may indicate autoimmune pathologies, blood diseases or bacterial infections. Normally, the platelet count is 150-400 thousand/µl.

An increase in such an indicator as the content of leukocytes can occur against the background of infection or inflammatory processes, as well as oncological pathologies, intoxication, poisoning, hemoblastosis and other diseases. With anemia, exhaustion, some blood diseases and autoimmune diseases, this parameter is below normal. It is worth considering that taking antibiotics and cytostatics can cause such a reaction in children. A normal value is considered to be between 4.5 and 11.0 thousand/µl, but in young children this parameter may be slightly higher than the indicated values.

The last indicator of the blood test is ESR. It increases in inflammatory and infectious diseases, as well as in injuries. It can also be increased by neoplasms, severe blood loss and autoimmune pathologies.

Causes of low leukocytes in the blood

When identifying the cause of leukopenia, doctors are faced with two options for the development of the pathology. In the first case, there is an increased consumption of leukocytes and their destruction. In the second, there is a decrease or cessation of the production of white blood cells. Since leukopenia itself is not a disease, the symptoms of this pathology in patients in both groups will differ and depend on the main diagnosis.

A decrease in the formation of leukocytes may be due to the following reasons:

Autoimmune diseases (systemic lupus)
Bone marrow cancer or presence of metastases
HIV infection and AIDS
Conditions after irradiation for cancer
Long-term deficiency of B vitamins, whose absence affects the composition of the blood

If the synthesis of leukocytes is impaired, the doctor may prescribe a special diet or correct the condition with medications. If we are talking about damage to the immune system or cancer of the bone marrow, therapy should be exclusively medicinal, supplemented by chemotherapy, radiation and other measures necessary to destroy malignant cells.

Reasons for accelerated destruction and high consumption of leukocytes:

Chronic focus of infection
Infection with parasites (chlomydia, trichinosis)
Severe viral infections with enlarged lymph nodes
Thyroid diseases
Cirrhosis of the liver
Syphilis
Lymphogranulomatosis
Rheumatism
Long-term uncontrolled use of certain medications

Causes of leukocyturia

There are many factors that can lead to an increase in the content of white blood platelets in the secreted fluid, and not all of them are caused by the development of the disease. Also, non-pathological reasons for which leukocytes in the urine are elevated have long been identified.

The most common causes of non-pathological leukocytosis in urine are pregnancy, conditions before and after childbirth, and the newborn period in infants. During conception and further development of the embryo in the first trimester of pregnancy, white blood cells rush to the uterus to maximally protect the fetus from possible infections.

Considering that the uterus is located in close proximity to the urinary organs and leukocytes are able to penetrate their membrane, it becomes clear why they can be displayed in the analysis.

Moreover, due to pregnancy and in the absence of infection, the excess of the indicator in this case is insignificant, only a few units, and therefore should not cause concern to the attending physician and the woman herself.

Before and after childbirth, the content of white blood cells also often increases, which is associated with the body’s insurance for the upcoming event and the period after it, in order to protect it from possible infections.

If the indicator increases slightly, that is, up to 10-12 units, then there is no need to worry, whereas with values reaching 30-50 cells in the field of view, you should definitely check the kidneys. The same applies to newborn babies, whose urinary system is not yet fully formed and is capable of passing a little more leukocytes into urine.

Leukocyturia, or the presence of white blood cells in the urine, in a child is often temporary and goes away as soon as his organs begin to function at the proper level. However, the appearance of a large number of the described cells indicates the presence of pathology and requires immediate examination and treatment.

The most common diseases of the urinary tract include infectious lesions of the lower and upper tracts, which can be either primary or secondary.

Norm of leukocytes in the blood

A slight deviation from the norm can be caused by an inflammatory disease, in the process of fighting which white blood cells die. A significant decrease in their number, as well as an increase, indicate an ailment that needs to be identified and treated promptly.

For women and men, these indicators are slightly different, but remain in the range from 4 to 9x10 9 / l. A slight increase in the level of white blood cells in healthy women is observed during pregnancy and menstruation.

Deviations from normal values may also be associated with factors such as overwork, severe stress, swimming in a body of cold water or visiting a steam room immediately before taking a blood test. Overeating or eating hot and spicy foods can affect the number of white blood cells.

In childhood and adolescence, normal levels of leukocytes correspond to the table:

newborns: 8-24.5 units.
1 month: 6-19 units.
6 months: 5.5-17 units.
1 year: 6-17.5 units.
2 years: 6-17 units.
4 years: 5.5 -15.5 units.
6 years: 5-14.5 units.
8 years: 4.5 -13.5 units.
10 years: 4.5-13 units.
16 years: 4 -13 units.

The most likely reason for a slight change in the number of leukocytes in children and adolescents is acute respiratory infections and colds, in which these indicators most often reach 8-9 units.

Causes of high levels of white blood cells in urine

If there is an increased level of leukocytes in the urine, it is highly likely that we can talk about an infectious pathology. However, it should be borne in mind that a high level of leukocytes, in itself, cannot be a sufficient basis for diagnosing the pathology (other symptoms must be present or, conversely, absent).

Infectious causes and symptoms

The most common cause of elevated levels of white blood cells in the urine is urinary tract infections. Infections may be localized to the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or genitals. Any localization has characteristic symptoms.

Infections most often affect women, due to the physical conformation of the urinary tract and due to the surges in hormones that occur throughout a woman's life, such as menopause, birth control pills, and pregnancy. Therefore, it is not surprising that an increase in white blood cells in the urine is more a problem for women than for men.

The following forms of infections are distinguished:

Cystitis: The most common lower urinary tract infection, determined by the presence of bacteria in the bladder. Along with a high concentration of white blood cells in the urine, elements of pus are also found, which makes the urine cloudy, and sometimes this is accompanied by hematuria and other symptoms such as frequent urination, pain and burning during urination, a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen and a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder.
Urethritis: an infection localized in the urethra, manifested by a burning sensation when urinating, the presence of pus discharge and an increase in the level of white blood cells in the urine. Sometimes it can be asymptomatic.
Prostatitis and balanitis: two male infections. In case of prostate infection, you may notice symptoms such as problems urinating, burning and pain, which are associated with high levels of white blood cells in the urine, sometimes with the presence of blood cells and fever, vomiting, and general discomfort.
Pyelonephritis: an infection localized at the level of the kidneys, in which there is an increase in white blood cells in the urine, it becomes smelly, with the presence of blood cells, and cloudy due to the presence of bacteria, accompanied by burning and pain when urinating, fever, pain in the lower abdomen and lower abdomen. parts of the back.
Vaginitis and cervicitis: Typically female infections, such as vaginitis or cervicitis, can cause an increase in white blood cells in the urine sediment.

Other diseases leading to an increase in white blood cells in the urine

Increased levels of white blood cells in the urine can be associated with non-infectious diseases or very serious illnesses such as tumors or autoimmune disorders. In all these cases, although the urine contains a large number of white blood cells, urine culture is negative, meaning there are no bacterial infections.

Among the pathological non-infectious causes we can mention:

Tumors: The presence of white blood cells in the urine without bacteria and without symptoms of infection, accompanied only by hematuria, may indicate a bladder tumor.
Autoimmune diseases: Among the autoimmune diseases, lupus can cause nephropathy, which is accompanied by the formation of immune complexes at the kidney level that cause damage. Damage to the kidney results in the excretion of increased levels of white blood cells and more protein in the urine.
Kidney stones: The presence of stones at the level of the kidneys can lead to the growth of white blood cells in the urine, cloudiness and foul odor. Other symptoms include burning and pain when urinating, and a decrease in the amount of urine produced.
Glomerulonephritis: inflammation localized at the level of the glomeruli of the kidneys and leading to an increase in the level of leukocytes and protein in the urine, the urine becomes dark in color. It may have various causes, both infectious and autoimmune in origin, or be a consequence of metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus.
Polycystic kidney disease: This is a genetic disease in which cysts of varying sizes form in the kidneys, altering functionality. May be asymptomatic, but may be accompanied by elevated white blood cell counts and hematuria.

Things like dehydration due to a high fever, diarrhea, or excessive stress can lead to white blood cells in the urine. The mechanism, however, is not entirely clear.

Leukocytes in urine during pregnancy and children

During pregnancy and in children, the level of leukocytes in the urine changes due to physiological reasons. In addition, urinary tract infections often recur in children and pregnancy.

Pregnancy: a slight increase in white blood cells in the urine, which can be considered normal, occurs due to hormonal changes, so there is no need to worry if the value does not exceed 25, however, it is recommended to drink more water to dilute the urine and thereby avoid possible inflammation of the urinary tract ways. Additionally, as pregnancy progresses, the growth of the fetus puts pressure on the urinary tract and urinary stagnation may occur, increasing susceptibility to urinary tract infections and inflammation.
Children: In children, an increase in white blood cells in the urine occurs due to a urinary tract infection, which very often can occur with nonspecific symptoms.

How to treat low white blood cell count

If, as a result of a blood test, the patient has been confirmed to have leukopenia, the main treatment is directed not at eliminating symptoms, but at identifying and treating the underlying disease. The following diagnostic measures help to establish it: ultrasound of the thyroid gland and abdominal organs, blood and urine tests, cerebrospinal fluid analysis.

If it is necessary to increase the production of white blood cells, drugs containing carboxylic acid and pyramidin are prescribed - Leukogen, Methyluracil. They not only stimulate the production of white blood cells, but also help with wound healing, poisoning, infections and radiation exposure.

Secondary leukopenia, caused by accelerated consumption and destruction of leukocytes, requires treatment of diseases that inhibit the differentiation processes of white blood cells:

Stop taking medications such as Amidopyrine, Sulfadimizine, Analgin and the like, which reduce the level of leukocytes.
Hormonal therapy for thyroid diseases.
Taking B vitamins and folic acid.
Treatment of existing bacterial and viral infections.

Traditional medicine has many means to combat low levels of leukocytes. This therapy is aimed not only at accelerating the production of white blood cells, but also at fighting infections, increasing immunity and improving blood composition due to the necessary enzymes.

The following compounds act as immunostimulants:

A drink made from chicory, hawthorn fruit, rose hips and wheatgrass root, taken in equal parts and prepared in a water bath.
An infusion of strawberry leaves, nettles and rose hips.
A decoction of motherwort, nettle and plantain seeds.
Flower pollen with natural honey, 1 teaspoon on an empty stomach.

You can purify the blood and improve its composition in the following ways:

Using beet kvass.
Oat decoction.
Juice from young bean pods.

Such medicinal folk remedies as a herbal collection of horsetail, knotweed and motherwort, propolis tincture, and wormwood decoction can be considered to be generally strengthening and have an effect on the body as a whole.

A folk remedy such as tincture of propolis and wormwood will help quickly restore the functions of the spinal cord. 2 tbsp. spoons of herbs are poured with half a liter of boiling water and infused. After filtering, add 20 drops of alcoholic infusion of propolis and drink 150 ml half an hour before meals.

The following composition will be a valuable help: mix freshly squeezed juice of carrots, beets and black radish in equal quantities. Pour it into a clay pot and simmer for half an hour in the oven. Drink 50 ml. three times a day, chilled.

What do we have to do? How to treat?

Today there are many technologies for treating kidney stones; let’s look at them in more detail.

open cavitary surgery. This used to be the main treatment when large kidney stones were found. Now, thanks to the development of technology, this method is gradually becoming a thing of the past. Its main problem is the high risk of complications (pneumonia, bleeding, etc.). But there are extreme cases when there is no alternative and it is not possible to cure kidney stones other than surgery;
laparoscopic or endoscopic surgery. With this treatment of stones, the risk of injury to the patient’s body is minimized. Recovery is faster and easier;
small lumbar puncture (Percutaneous nephrolithotomy). With this method, a kidney stone is removed from a man or woman through a nephroscope, a special tube. This method is suitable for those patients who have one kidney stone and no other concomitant diseases. This is a very good treatment, even removes coral-shaped salt formations. If the calculus is up to 30 mm in diameter, the effectiveness of this method is 86%;
Urethroscopy - destruction and subsequent removal of kidney stones through the urethra. A special instrument is introduced into the human body, with the help of which kidney stones are crushed and subsequently removed.
Often, contact lithotripsy of the kidney is used to destroy stones. This treatment is used if the stone is in the bladder or ureter;
shock wave lithotripsy. Today, the use of this method for the treatment of kidney stones is very popular and effective. It is not traumatic. No need to cut or pierce anything! Kidney stones are crushed by remote action of ultrasonic waves, and then they leave the patient’s body in the usual way with urine. This method will have an effect when the stones have reached no more than two centimeters in diameter;
a medicinal method for removing stones. This method causes the least trauma to the body, and therefore is the most preferable. But it is worth understanding that if a kidney stone is larger than 6 mm. in diameter, then it may not be possible to remove it in this way;
Traditional medicine, as well as the medicinal method, can be used if the stones are small in size.

How to quickly increase your white blood cell count

The methods used to combat leukopenia depend on its causes. In cases where the number of leukocytes is sharply reduced after chemotherapy, it can be raised to normal in just a few days with the following drugs:

It is strictly contraindicated to prescribe such medications on your own; they should be selected by a hematologist and oncologist.

To restore and improve the health of patients with leukopenia, a special diet is recommended, consisting of foods that increase the production and prolong the life cycle of leukocytes:

Fruits and vegetables, especially red ones.
All kinds of greens.
Seafood and sea fish.
Nuts.
Cereals (buckwheat, oats).
Low-fat dairy and fermented milk products.

You should limit all fatty and difficult-to-digest foods: meat, fried foods, smoked foods, as well as baked goods and baked goods. Among the drinks, beetroot and pomegranate juice, green smoothies, fruit drinks made from sea buckthorn, lingonberries and currants are extremely useful. It should be remembered that the diet only complements drug treatment and in no case can replace it. If it is necessary to reduce the level of leukocytes, then you should not only adhere to a healthy diet, but also drink linden blossom tea, eat sloe berries, and avoid alcoholic beverages and, in particular, beer.