Urinalysis is an important laboratory test used in the diagnosis of many diseases. An increased content of protein and leukocytes in the urine may indicate the development of serious pathological processes.
Causes of high protein content
A slight increase in its amount does not always indicate kidney disease. Functional proteinuria can occur when there is inflammation in the ureters, bladder, and urethra, and during pregnancy. In addition, allergic reactions, leukemia and epilepsy contribute to the appearance of proteinuria.
In some cases, this symptom appears in healthy people (false proteinuria) after intense physical exertion, a cold shower, with increased sweating and the consumption of large amounts of protein foods.
Pathological (true) proteinuria is always evidence of renal pathology (pyeloniphritis, glomerulonephritis, nephrosis) and is characterized by a high concentration of protein in the urine (0.5-3%).
Additional examination for proteinuria
If protein is found in urine, do not panic - sometimes it is detected by accident. If the general analysis of urine showed the presence of protein more than 0.33 g / l, an additional laboratory test is required, which will determine the cause of its appearance and prescribe the optimal treatment. It includes the determination of protein in daily urine, urine analysis according to Zimnitsky (determination of the filtration capacity of the kidneys), according to Nechiporenko (the ratio of erythrocytes and leukocytes), urine culture for flora and sensitivity to antibiotics, a study of daily urine for sugar.
Increased leukocyte count in urine
Leukocytes are blood cells that perform an immune function, destroying bacteria, viruses, parasites and cancer cells. Normally, the number of leukocytes in men is from 0 to 3 in the field of view, in women and children - from 0 to 6. An increase in their level above 10 (leukocyturia) may indicate inflammatory diseases of the urinary system (kidneys, ureters, bladder), and also prostatitis in men, genital infections and non-observance of basic rules of personal hygiene.
How to deal with leukocyturia
The main symptoms of an increased leukocyte count in urine are painful sensations when urinating and an unpleasant odor. When receiving the results of a general urinalysis, you should consult a urologist. To establish the cause of leukocyturia, he will prescribe an additional examination, including a complete blood count, bacterial culture, urine analysis according to Nechiporenko and ultrasound of the kidneys. After determining the exact diagnosis, anti-inflammatory therapy will be prescribed.
