The worst nightmare for any mother is the illness of her child. When the content of leukocytes in urine tests exceeds all permissible limits, parents begin to sound the alarm, worrying about the condition of the child. However, pediatrics today has effective methods for diagnosing and treating this pathology. Parents are advised not to panic, but to calmly understand the situation. What is the rate of leukocytes in urine in children? What threatens their increased content? The answers to these and many other questions can be found in this article.
Role of leukocytes
Leukocytes are special white blood cells that guard he alth. When any infection enters the body, they rapidly begin their work, that is, they kill all foreign cells (bacteria,microbes, etc.). That is why doctors at the next preventive examination tell parents what the norm of leukocytes in the urine of children should be. Any inconsistencies with these indicators should alert. The thing is that minor deviations from the norm, as a rule, indicate the presence of an infectious process in the body.
Determination of the level of leukocytes
To determine the level of these blood cells, you will need to pass the most common urine test. The norm of leukocytes in urine in children of 5 years old, for example, is 1-6 cells in one field of view.
Leukocyte esterase and nitrite can be detected using standard laboratory testing. Only if these substances are present in the urine can a specialist confirm a urinary tract infection.
It is important to note that some factors can affect the final results of the tests and even make them erroneous. For example, excessive intake of vitamin C and proteins tends to lead to negative results even when the white blood cell count is higher.
Very often, the analysis shows erroneous positive results if the leukocytes themselves enter the urine directly from the external genital organs, when an inflammatory process is observed in them. Sometimes the decisive factor is the wrong collection of material or its insufficient quantity.
What is the rate of white blood cells in urine in children?
To receiveFor the most reliable results, it is recommended to collect urine in the morning. Before going to the toilet, the child should not be fed, you can give a glass of the most ordinary non-carbonated water to drink. The test vessel must be sterile, it is better to purchase it at a pharmacy.
It is important to note that the rate of leukocytes in urine in children may vary depending on gender. For boys, the allowable indicators are 2 cells in the field of view, for girls - up to three cells. If during the delivery of the test itself, the child's allergy worsens, these parameters increase to 7 cells, and in both sexes.
How is testing different for babies?
Modern medicine offers 2 options for analysis: examination of the material under a microscope and the use of special analyzers. The latter method allows you to achieve more accurate results, since the test is carried out automatically.
The norm of leukocytes in the urine in children under 1 year old is 1-6 units in one field of view or no more than 10 units in 1 µl.
Note that even an absolutely he althy child may have a certain number of white blood cells in their tests. Most often, experts explain this as a consequence of a recent illness or teething. You should not panic ahead of time. If you really have something to worry about, your pediatrician will talk about it at your next appointment.
The analysis showed a deviation from the norm. Why?
Elevated white blood cells in the urine of a child, as a rule,indicate the presence of infection and the development of the inflammatory process. Otherwise, this condition is called leukocyturia. In the presence of impurities of pus in the analyzes, we can talk about pyuria. This is an even more serious pathology.
Doctors identify the following reasons for the direct increase in leukocytes in the urine:
- Kidney infection (pyelonephritis).
- Cystitis (most often diagnosed in girls).
- Inflammatory process on the mucous membranes of the genital organs.
- Allergy.
- Bad hygiene.
Primary symptoms
With latent infectious diseases, it is almost impossible to confirm their presence. This is where the most common urine test comes to the rescue. However, this is rarely seen. In most cases, a high level of colorless blood cells and associated pathologies can be identified by a number of symptoms.
First of all, small patients begin to complain of problems with urination, which is often accompanied by quite severe pain. It is this symptom that most often causes parents to consult a doctor with their child. As a result, the analysis parameters differ from what should be the norm of leukocytes in the urine. In children 6 years of age and older, this symptom is the easiest to follow. For example, babies will not talk about pain or problems that bother them.
Another characteristic symptom is a change in the usual color and even consistency of urine (a precipitate appears).
About urinary tract infection cantestify fever, chills, vomiting.
What should be the treatment?
First of all, the main reason is determined, which provoked the appearance of an excessive number of leukocytes. Most often, it is a urinary tract infection. Thanks to the use of antibiotics approved for small patients, her symptoms can be overcome very quickly, experts say.
Prebiotics, symbiotics and probiotics ("Laktovit", "Linex", "Prelax") are prescribed as an additional therapy to improve the state of the intestinal microflora for children under one year of age. These funds not only reduce the likelihood of developing dysbacteriosis, but also prevent the occurrence of adverse reactions to antibiotics.
After the course of treatment, a second analysis is prescribed. The therapy can be considered successful if the test results correspond to what should be the rate of leukocytes in the urine. In children 3 years and older, as a rule, the result fits the required parameters. However, such an outcome of events is not always found.
Some children are additionally given a urine culture if a large number of not only leukocytes themselves, but also other bacteria were found in the analysis. This test allows you to accurately assess the number of all harmful microorganisms that provoked the development of the infection. Also, sowing is necessary for the appointment of subsequent therapy. The thing is that some bacteria are characterized by increased resistance to antibiotics. SoThus, additional research allows you to choose the most effective drug.
Prevention
To avoid an increase in white blood cells, doctors strongly recommend following fairly simple rules. First of all, it is necessary to constantly strengthen the immunity of the child, monitor his proper nutrition. It is equally important to make sure that the baby drinks enough liquids and does not hold back his urge to go to the toilet.
Careful hygiene, including the genitals, also plays an important role in prevention. Babies need to change diapers regularly, and older children should be taught to change their underwear and towels daily from an early age.
Conclusion
In this article, we described in detail what should be the rate of leukocytes in urine in children 2 years and older. In fact, recently, according to experts, this problem has become widespread. Doctors explain such a disappointing situation by the lack of proper hygiene and reduced immunity in children. However, if the parents together with the child seek qualified help in a timely manner, the problem can be solved very easily.
We hope that all the information presented in this article will be really useful for you. Stay he althy!
