Decoding the blood test: leukocytes and ESR. Are they raised, lowered, the norm? Increased white blood cells in a smear How to lower white blood cells in a smear

Leukocytes are immune cells, whose action is aimed at destroying pathogenic microorganisms that can enter the vagina. In a normal situation, leukocytes are represented by an insignificant amount, ranging from 10 in the vagina, and 20 leukocytes directly in the cervix.

Attention! The number of leukocytes increases depending on the deterioration of processes in the female body, that is, from inflammation.

To identify a particular problem, you need to make a smear by visiting the gynecologist's office directly. This procedure is considered standard at every visit to a specialist doctor. Normally, gynecologists recommend taking a smear test on a planned basis, at least once every six months, if there are any health problems, or once a year in the absence of any pathologies.

Causes of increased white blood cells in a smear

A smear is done when a woman complains and feels discomfort in the hollow organ, also with the following symptoms:

1. Great soreness.
2. Burning, itching, intensifying their effect during intercourse.
3. Soreness when urinating.
4. Disruptions of the menstrual cycle.

It's important to know! For the purpose of prevention, doctors are recommended to take a smear during medical examinations. Also, taking a smear test will not be superfluous after prolonged use of anti-inflammatory or hormonal drugs.

The procedure for taking a smear is considered quick and painless, which in its form is an examination by a gynecologist with a "mirror" inside the vagina, taking a smear, using a sterile disposable spatula, from the walls of the vagina.

What are leukocytes

The resulting smear is applied to a glass slide, sent directly to the laboratory. The test results are ready within three days.

The reasons for the increase in leukocyte counts

Diseases that cause an increase in white blood cells

Leukocyte functions

There are a large number of reasons for an increase in leukocytes in the body of women, however, in practice, the following pathologies are considered the most common:

Gynecological disease Brief description

Urethritis	Pathology consists in inflammation of the urinary canal. The disease does not pose any serious danger to the patient, however, it can bring a lot of discomfort and negative sensations in everyday life, based on this, it requires compulsory treatment. Pain and burning sensation appear when urinating. The external genitals can turn red. The appearance of purulent discharge from the urethra is not excluded.
Endometritis	It is considered a disease of the lining of the uterus. Inflammation is associated with the transfer of complex abortions, infertility, miscarriages, as well as a postpartum problem. This disease can also develop if the rules of personal hygiene are not followed. Another reason for the manifestation of endometritis are infectious pathogens, namely: Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Mycoplasma, Escherichia coli, and others
Adnexitis	Adnexitis should be understood as the inflammatory process of the uterine appendages. This disease requires urgent treatment, since it can worsen not only the woman's lifestyle itself, but also lead to serious consequences of the deterioration of the reproductive system. The causes of the disease are infections such as: gonococci, diphtheria, tuberculosis infections, chlamydia, Trichomonas, mycoplasma, ureaplasma, Escherichia coli, and others. During the course of the disease, the inflammatory process leads to the formation of pus in the ovaries. This disease is also called inflammation of the appendages. Some of the leading symptoms are: soreness in the lower abdomen, atypical vaginal discharge
Cervicitis	This disease is characterized by inflammation in the vaginal segment of the cervix. For him, purulent and mucous discharge is typical. Pain in the lower abdomen, namely, dull and cutting. During intercourse, a woman may experience discomfort, as well as when urinating. Infections can be considered the main reasons: trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, chlamydia and mycoplasmosis
Colpitis	It is considered a sexually transmitted pathology. The bacteria, called Trichomon Vaginali, enter the vagina, and begin to multiply there rapidly, thereby affecting the mucous membrane of the woman. The main signs of the disease are: increased body temperature, itching in the genitals, burning, discomfort, a feeling of loss of strength, physical fatigue and malaise, pain when urinating, vaginal discharge (can be both transparent and white, and yellow, green)
Oncology	There are a number of reasons provoking the manifestation of oncology in women. To a greater extent, this problem may be faced by women who have never given birth, or who are obese, and have diabetes. Pathology manifests itself even in the early stages of its development. Thanks to this, the woman has the likelihood of a complete recovery by starting immediate treatment. The main symptoms include: bleeding from the penis. For accurate diagnosis, specialists can recommend a CT scan.
Dysbacteriosis of the vagina	Among the reasons for the manifestation, one can single out: prolonged use of antibiotics, which in their form have a bad effect on the microflora, imbalance in hormones, infectious or viral inflammation of the pelvic organs. As well as a number of other factors, such as: stressful situations, overwork, non-observance of personal hygiene standards. As a result, itching and burning, pain during intercourse, gray-white or yellow discharge

Reasons for an increase in leukocytes in a smear

Indicators of the norm of various forms of leukocytes

It's important to know! Leukocytes in an increased form are able to demonstrate how the inflammatory process occurs. The more leukocytes in a smear, the more dangerous inflammation is considered. An elevated white blood cell count may be associated with a condition such as thrush.

The rate of leukocyte forms

Elevated white blood cell counts and pregnancy

In the process of registering, the girl is obliged to make a smear. The results of the analysis will show a slight increase in the number of leukocytes - in the range of 15-20.

In the case of a high deviation from the norm, a specialist checks the pregnant woman for the presence of an inflammatory process and infection. The patient is sent for additional tests, which include bacterial culture, PCR and determination of the level of the immune system.

Infection may not necessarily occur during pregnancy. Latent infection could be in the body for a long time, and then, be activated due to changes in hormonal levels and restructuring of the whole body.

Causes of the appearance of leukocytes in a smear

It is important! After a woman becomes pregnant, it is imperative to monitor the level of the protective functions of the immune system, since if it decreases, hidden ailments may appear. This is confirmed by a high leukocyte count.

Very often during pregnancy, women are worried about thrush. Aggravation occurs precisely in the last months of gestation. It is extremely difficult to treat this disease, since most antibiotics are prohibited from using in order to avoid negative effects on the fetus. When diagnosing a pathology, the leukocyte count increases significantly.

More complex diseases - STDs - should not be ruled out. In the first months of pregnancy, a woman can become infected with gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, ureaplasma. In this case, the smear will show an overestimated level of leukocytes. In this case, the threat to the fetus increases, since urgent, potent treatment is needed.

What are leukocytes for?

How can you reduce the white blood cell count in a smear?

First of all, it is necessary to normalize the microflora of the body, restore its balance. To do this, you can turn to folk remedies for help, namely, medicinal herbs: aloe leaves, chamomile, oak bark. Douching is also able to help, for this they take a solution from chlorophyllipt. Warm baths are capable of relieving inflammation (hot baths are excluded).

From drug intervention, the gynecologist can draw up a treatment plan, which, most likely, may include drugs such as special suppositories: Pimafucin, Terzhinan, etc.

A highly qualified specialist will tell you about the norms of leukocytes in a smear.

Video - Norms of leukocytes in smears

med-explorer.ru

Leukocytes in a smear: normal and elevated values, treatment of elevated leukocytes

Leukocytes in a smear: normal and elevated, causes and treatment - timely diagnosis will cure unpleasant diseases.

Content:

Leukocytes in a smear

Increased white blood cells in a smear

Leukocytes are white (uncolored) blood cells that have poison. Their main function is to protect the body from internal and external harmful factors. They absorb and digest foreign bodies.

If a lot of foreign bodies have entered the body, then the leukocytes absorb them, increase in size and die. The released substance causes inflammation, which is accompanied by swelling, fever and redness of the affected area.

New leukocytes come to the place of death of leukocytes and the presence of foreign bodies, continue to destroy these bodies and die. The accumulation of a large number of dead leukocytes forms pus.

Leukocytes in a smear

Microscopic examination of a smear is carried out in order to determine the most important indicators of microflora, one of which is the number of leukocytes.

The norm of leukocytes in a smear in women

Leukocytes in a smear - the norm is up to 15 units (in the urethra up to 5 units, in the vagina up to 10 units and in the cervix up to 15 units).

Increased white blood cells in a smear

The number of leukocytes in a smear increases sharply with inflammation of the vagina: - colpitis, - vaginitis.

The more leukocytes in the smear, the more acute the disease progresses. In acute inflammation, the value of leukocytes of a gynecological smear will be "up to 100 leukocytes in the field of view" or "leukocytes cover the entire field of view."

Causes of an increased content of leukocytes in a smear

Why are white blood cells in a smear high? An increase in the white blood cell count on a smear is usually associated with an inflammatory process.

Under what pathological conditions in gynecology are leukocytes in a smear increased?

Most often, leukocytes in a smear are increased in diseases: - Colpitis - inflammation of the vaginal mucosa, - Cervicitis - inflammation of the cervical (cervical) canal, - Urethritis - inflammation of the urethra (urethra), - Endometritis - inflammation of the uterine mucosa, - Adnexitis - inflammation of the uterine appendages (ovaries, tubes), - Oncological diseases of the genital organs, - Sexually transmitted infections, - Vaginal dysbiosis,

Intestinal dysbiosis.

Causes of increased white blood cells in a smear in virgins

Inflammatory processes in the genital tract are not only among girls and women who are sexually active. Various diseases, including those of an infectious nature, can be transmitted not only sexually, but also by contact and household (common objects of use, violations of intimate hygiene, etc.). Therefore, leukocytosis in a smear can also be in virgins who have not had traditional sexual intercourse. To find out its reasons, tests are also taken. Taking for the diagnosis of a smear, PCR and culture in a virgin is carried out in the same way as in women who are sexually active. However, in this case, the gynecological speculum is not used; material is taken from the vagina through a hole in the hymen with special thin soft probes. According to indications and if desired, material is taken for research from the urethra and other localizations. The sampling procedure, carried out by our gynecologists, is painless, damage to the hymen is excluded.

Why are the leukocytes in the smear increased, but there are no diseases?

If there are many white blood cells in the smear, then an infection is the cause. It's just that a smear does not allow it to be detected - its diagnostic value is limited by a narrow spectrum of the studied microbes. A significant list of possible infections, in which the causes of increased leukocytes in a smear lie, can only be detected by other diagnostic methods: - PCR, - culture, - blood test IFA. Your gynecologist should tell you this and send you for an appropriate examination. Thus, to clarify the reason for the increase in leukocytes in a smear in women, it is necessary to conduct an appropriate laboratory examination - to pass PCR tests, cultures. Material for the diagnosis of leukocytosis can be taken from the following places: - urethra, - cervix, - vagina, - rectum,

Oropharynx.

Treatment if leukocytes in a smear are increased in women

Based on the results of a full-fledged comprehensive diagnosis, the gynecologist individually selects a treatment regimen for the inflammatory process. It is a full-fledged diagnosis that allows you to identify the true cause and carry out the correct treatment of leukocytes in a smear.

Why, after the treatment, the leukocytes in the smear remain elevated?

Rarely, but there is a situation when the treatment is carried out, but the leukocytes in the smear remain elevated. This is one of the most difficult problems to solve. An increase in white blood cells in a smear in such cases is associated with dysbiosis at the level of the vagina and cervix. Even multiple courses of antibiotic therapy often do not help here; infections after antibiotic treatment may also not be detected. And the leukocytes in the smear are increased and kept at a high level.

In such cases, it is recommended to periodically conduct local sanitation courses (suppositories with antibacterial components) and maintain normal intestinal microflora (since intestinal dysbiosis in most cases is the main reason for the increase in leukocytes in the smear).

Increased white blood cells in a smear in pregnant women

The level of leukocytes in a smear in pregnant women is determined several times: - The first smear is taken when a woman is registered for pregnancy. - During gestation, the normal indicator of the number of leukocytes ranges from 15-20 in the field of view. An increase in the indicator indicates the presence of an inflammatory process due to colpitis, vaginitis, etc. In order to clarify the diagnosis, immunological, bacteriological studies, PCR are carried out.

The presence of a specific medical condition is not evidence of recent infection. A woman can be a carrier of an infection for a long time, which manifests itself only after the onset of pregnancy, against the background of hormonal changes and the associated weakening of the immune defense.

Is it possible to get pregnant with increased white blood cells in a smear?

Elevated leukocytes indicate the presence of an inflammatory process. You can get pregnant, but, first, it is desirable to cure the disease.

Amoxiclav with increased leukocytes in a smear

With increased leukocytes in a smear, depending on the nature of the inflammatory process, doctors sometimes prescribe the antibiotic amoxiclav.

On the use of amoxiclav: Amoxiclav: instructions for use

Is it possible to engage in sekosm with increased leukocytes in a smear?

Increased white blood cells in a smear indicate a disease. If its cause is established and there is no risk of infecting a partner or getting a complication, and the doctor approved this, then you can.

Increased white blood cells in a smear in men: causes

Elevated white blood cells in a smear in men indicate an inflammatory process and the presence of infection.

If you do not find the cause of the increased leukocytes, then the inflammatory process can spread to nearby organs and affect the entire body.

The causes of increased white blood cells can be:

prostatitis

epididymitis

orchiepididymitis

pyelonephritis

cystitis

urethritis

dugc.ru

The reasons for the increase in leukocytes in the cervix and treatment of pathologies

An important indicator of women's health is the rate of leukocytes in the cervix. It is determined by taking a smear at a gynecologist's appointment. In a healthy state, the level of leukocytes in a smear is no more than 20. If the norm is exceeded, then an inflammatory process develops in the woman's body, namely in the genitourinary system, which must be identified and treated.

Indicators of leukocytes in a smear and pathology of exceeding the norm

To determine the condition of the genitals and the system as a whole, sometimes it is enough to take a smear. An increase in leukocytes in it will immediately cause anxiety, since their excessive number means the presence of inflammatory processes in the cervix and other organs, the causes of which must be established and eliminated.

If a woman is healthy, it can be seen from the indicators. In a normal state, leukocytes should not exceed the following rates:

• in the cervix no more than 15, in extreme cases - 20;
• in the urethra, their number should not exceed 5;
• the permissible rate in the vagina is 10.

A significant increase in leukocytes can indicate a disease of the cervix and not only. The more they deviate from the norm, the more aggressive the disease progresses and the faster you need to find its causes, prescribe a treatment. Neglected cases are difficult to treat and entail great complications.

The main diseases indicated by an increase in the level of leukocytes in the cervix:

• inflammatory condition of the endometrium;
• infectious diseases of the urinary canal;
• inflammatory processes in the ovaries and tubes of the uterus;
• presence of microbial imbalance in the intestines or vagina;
• diseases caused by infections that are transmitted by sexual intercourse;
• malignant neoplasms in the genitals;
• changes in the cervical canal, its inflammatory state.

Interesting video:

To determine the state of a woman's reproductive system, it is enough to take a smear on the flora and the treatment will depend on the results.

The main symptoms of changes in the level of leukocytes, which are contained in the cervix:

1. Change in discharge. They become cheesy and smell unpleasant.
2. Frequent urge to use the toilet, difficult urination and almost no stool.
3. Prolonged pain in the small pelvis.
4. Itching and burning in the genitals.
5. Violation of the menstrual cycle.

An indicator of an increase in the norm of leukocytes, which are present in the cervix, indicates many diseases of the genitourinary system, for example, inflammation of the cervical canal (cervicitis). If this disease is not detected in time, it provokes erosion of the cervix and leads to infertility. Inflammation of the cervical canal with an increased content of leukocytes in the cervix proceeds with the following symptoms: periodic pain syndrome in the lower abdomen, which becomes more frequent over time; discomfort during intimate relationships, burning sensation in the genitals, as well as itching.

Note! The inflammation process usually starts in the vagina and gradually moves towards the cervix. Poor personal hygiene can be the cause of the infection. This should be especially monitored.

Exceeding the norm of leukocytes in a smear in the absence of infection

Diseases of the genitourinary system in a woman proceed in different ways. It happens that leukocytes are increased, but there is no infection in the body. Despite this, an examination by a gynecologist and the delivery of all the necessary tests are a mandatory procedure. Since, an increase in leukocytes cannot occur without special reasons. A change in the indicator indicates the presence of pathologies.

A mild increase in white blood cells may indicate discomfort that is present in the cervix and vagina. If their number is small and the norm is exceeded insignificantly, there is no reason for unrest. This is perfectly acceptable. If the level of leukocytes in the cervix has gone far beyond the limits, it is worth starting treatment immediately.

It is worth noting that it quite often happens when leukocytes are increased in the general blood test, and a smear shows that they are normal in the cervix. Definitely, there is an inflammatory process in the body and further diagnostics are urgently needed.

Treatment with an increased content of leukocytes in a smear

Before starting treatment, after the diagnosis, the woman is also assigned a number of tests, with the help of which the doctor can accurately determine this or that disease. At this time, it is imperative to undergo an ultrasound scan of the organs located in the small pelvis, pass tests, and also a bacterial culture is carried out. All these procedures are necessary in order to identify as accurately as possible the reasons for the increased leukocyte count and not to prescribe unnecessary drugs in treatment. For example, if it is a yeast infection, then in no case should antibiotics be used. They will only harm a woman's body. In this case, medications will help more, which provoke an increase in the activity of the body's resistance to viral infections.

Remedies for the treatment of elevated leukocytes:

• antiseptic drugs;
• antibiotics;
• funds that include bifidobacteria.

Also, the vagina is treated with antiseptic agents. It is an integral part of anti-inflammation therapy.

During the treatment of elevated leukocytes in the cervix, a woman is credited with means to strengthen the immune system, as well as the necessary vitamins. It is recommended at this time to take special drugs that will help rid the body of toxins so as not to poison it with the side effects of many antibiotics.

Important! An excess of leukocytes in the cervix is ​​a very serious sign of negative changes and inflammatory processes in the woman's genitourinary system. They can also indicate pathologies such as: dysfunction of both ovaries, hormonal failure, abortion.

It must be remembered that the level of white blood cells in the cervix of the reproductive organ helps to identify inflammation of the cervical canal, as well as the endometrium (the functional layer of the uterus). If these diseases are not treated in time, they provoke changes in the walls of the uterus, its cervix and other diseases, as well as pathology of adjacent organs. Therefore, even a slight deviation from the norm should not be ignored. Timely detection of a particular disease contributes to its successful treatment and can save you from unwanted problems in the future. Don't be indifferent to yourself and your health. Diseases do not sleep and this must be remembered.

vseomatke.ru

Increased white blood cells in a smear in women: causes, symptoms, treatment and what it means.

Leukocytes in the body play the role of defenders against all kinds of infections. They are, in fact, cells of the immune system that are produced in specific quantities.

If the analysis of a smear shows that the number of leukocytes is large enough (more than 15 units), then, with a high probability, this is a symptom of infection or inflammation in the female body. Most often it concerns the genitals, kidneys, and bladder.

Leukocytes are constantly present in the body, but their number remains within the normal range, if there is no reason for their additional production.

In cases of an increase in the level of these cells, the body triggers a protective function, and begins to increase the number of leukocytes to resist various diseases.

The cause of this phenomenon can be erosion, endometriosis, vaginitis, colpitis, thrush, bacterial vaginosis, and other diseases of the female reproductive system. The stage of development of the disease can be judged by the number of leukocytes produced.

Constantly elevated white blood cells in a smear: symptoms

If an increased level of leukocytes lasts for a long period, then most often you can notice irregular menstruation, a specific smell of discharge, discomfort during urination, white vaginal discharge, as well as a burning sensation and itching.

Why leukocytes in a smear are increased: reasons

There can be many reasons for this phenomenon. One of them is diseases such as upeaplasmosis, gonorrhea and trichomoniasis. Violation of the vaginal microflora, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and oncological diseases of the reproductive system can also be diagnosed.

During pregnancy, a slight increase in leukocytes takes place, often this is an indicator of the norm. But you should take this seriously, and go through all the necessary examinations and tests to control their level. After all, inflammation and infection can have a bad effect on health and pose a threat to the child.

How to lower white blood cells in a smear?

The main condition for a decrease in leukocytes in a smear is the correct microflora of the vagina. It can be improved in different ways, one of which is the use of various herbs for sanitation: aloe, nettle, red root, chamomile, St. John's wort, oak bark.

You can also do douching using chlorophyllipt solution. However, it is better not to self-medicate, and it is worth using certain herbs only on the recommendation of a doctor.

A good method is immersion in a warm bath, with a temperature of more than 45 degrees, since the effect of heat has a positive effect on pathological inflammatory processes.

As drugs, vaginal suppositories are considered the most effective. They help to reduce the level of white blood cells, and maintain the balance of microflora. Some of them are: betadine, hexicone, terginan, pimafucin-based suppositories, genizon, instatin, and polygynax.

If you have found an increased level of leukocytes, then before starting effective treatment, you need to determine the cause of this phenomenon. To do this, it will be necessary to undergo various additional tests that will help identify the causative agent of the infection, and, based on this, the doctor will draw up the optimal course of treatment. However, in any case, the main goal of such treatment is, nevertheless, the normalization of the female microflora.

You should not delay the start of treatment, since pathological processes can develop into a chronic form over time, and are often the causes of disorders such as infertility, miscarriage, and the inability to bear a child.

Elevated leukocytes in a blood test are a symptom of some kind of inflammation, almost everyone knows this. But what to do next with such an analysis? Anton Rodionov, author of the book "Deciphering the Tests" tells in detail about the increased and decreased leukocytes, the ESR rate and the role that antibiotics and pain medications can play here.

If I had undertaken to write a book on this topic for doctors, I would have ended up, perhaps, a hefty volume of 500 pages, and maybe even more. The fact is that there are a lot of diseases that are accompanied by an increase in the level of leukocytes (leukocytosis) or a decrease in the level of leukocytes (leukopenia). Well, and to find out where the patient got the increase in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is aerobatics for the therapist. Of course, I will not be able to tell about all the diseases accompanied by a change in these indicators, but we will still discuss the main reasons.

What do leukocytes and ESR mean?

Leukocytes, they are also white blood cells, is the general name for the formed elements of blood that are quite different in appearance and function, which nevertheless work together on the most important problem - protecting the body from foreign agents (mainly microbes, but not only). In general terms, leukocytes capture foreign particles, and then die along with them, releasing biologically active substances, which, in turn, cause the symptoms of inflammation that are familiar to all of us: swelling, redness, pain and fever. If the local inflammatory reaction proceeds very actively and leukocytes die in large numbers, pus appears - this is nothing more than the "corpses" of leukocytes that died on the battlefield with an infection.

Within the leukocyte team, there is a division of labor: neutrophils and monocytes mainly "responsible" for bacterial and fungal infections, lymphocytes and monocytes- for viral infections and the production of antibodies, eosinophils- for allergies.

On the test form, you will see that neutrophils are further divided into stab and segmented... This division reflects the "age" of neutrophils. Stab cells are young cells, and segmented cells are mature, mature cells. The more young (stab) neutrophils on the battlefield, the more active the inflammatory process. It is the bone marrow that sends young soldiers, not yet fully trained and unfired, to the war.

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is an indicator that characterizes the ability of erythrocytes to stick together and fall to the bottom of the tube. This rate increases when the content of inflammatory proteins, primarily fibrinogen, increases. As a rule, an increase in ESR is also considered an indicator of inflammation, although there are other reasons for its increase, for example, when the number of red blood cells in the blood decreases (with anemia).

If blood leukocytes are elevated

First of all, it should be noted that laboratory norms for leukocytes are not strict, that is, indicators that are several tenths different from the norm indicated in the table (or on the form) are not a cause for alarm. Leukocytes may slightly increase during pregnancy, in the premenstrual period, as well as after eating and just in the evening. This is why it is usually asked to donate blood on an empty stomach.

A significant increase in leukocytes is always a serious symptom that requires finding out the cause. There may be many reasons, but main three:

• infectious diseases(acute and chronic), and this is not only SARS and pneumonia. For example, in case of abdominal pain, increased white blood cells help to distinguish appendicitis from intestinal colic;
• oncological diseases, including tumors of the blood system (leukemia);
• inflammatory diseases, for example, some rheumatic.

A certain hint is given by a change in the "leukocyte formula" - as doctors call the ratio of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils. An increase in neutrophils often indicates a bacterial infection, lymphocytosis often accompanies a viral infection, and eosinophilia is a sign of allergic diseases or helminthic invasion.

Increased white blood cells and antibiotics

By the way, from what I have just written, no matter how paradoxical it may seem, one very important thesis follows.

In case of uncomplicated acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI), it is not necessary "just in case" to take a general blood test.

You will definitely see lymphocytosis there and will worry about where it came from! You will rush to search the Internet for the causes of leukocytosis, you will definitely find there horrors about leukemia, you will not sleep for two nights, make an appointment with a hematologist ... And leukocytosis only in this case was a "witness" of a viral infection. Moreover, it can persist in the blood. up to a month after suffering a cold.

And the second very important idea: leukocytosis is not a disease, but only a symptom of a wide variety of conditions. Hence the conclusion, which is worth reminding not only patients, but also many doctors.

It is impossible simply to prescribe antibiotic treatment upon the detection of leukocytosis without making a diagnosis and not finding a focus of infection.

The point is that there is no universal “broad spectrum” antibiotic; for different infectious diseases, completely different drugs and their dosages are used. As a rule, an attempt to prescribe treatment in a situation where the disease has not been found, but the doctor says: "You have an infection somewhere in your body ...", only leads to further diagnostic confusion.

The fact is that pathogens of infectious diseases do not just float in a circle in the blood, they always strive to "settle" somewhere, causing a picture of a particular disease. Not to mention that not every fever and far from every leukocytosis are signs of a bacterial infection, which, in fact, should be affected by antibiotics.

So, I repeat, with rare exceptions, there is no need to take antibiotics until there is no answer to the question of what is the name of the disease we are treating.

Decreased leukocytes

A few words about the low level of leukocytes. This is a situation that always requires certain diagnostic maneuvers, since oppression of hematopoiesis is a rather serious symptom. Therefore, the advice here is very simple: if the leukocytes are below normal, go to the doctor. The diagnostic path may not be very easy, but it must be followed.

By the way, one of the reasons for the decrease in leukocytes can be, oddly enough, headache pills. Yes, commonplace analgesics with frequent and regular use can inhibit bone marrow function. Do not forget about this, those who swallow painkillers by handfuls.

A young woman comes. Nothing worries, only the leukocytes in the blood test are low. In multiple re-analyzes, the indicator<2 тыс./мкл. Больше никаких явных жалоб нет. Приглашаю гематолога на консилиум, расспрашиваем подробнее. Иногда головные боли беспокоят.

- Painkillers? Well, yes, I do it sometimes: analgin and other various analgesics that are sold in pharmacies. Often, yes, almost every day.

A complete hematological examination, including bone marrow puncture, was performed, and, fortunately, nothing bad was found. He was forbidden to take painkillers, and after a couple of months his blood counts recovered.

OTC analgesics are not a toy. Preparations based on metamizole (analgin, baralgin, etc.), although rare, can cause very severe damage to the bone marrow.

High ESR

With regard to ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), the situation here is even more complicated than with leukocytes. The fact is that ESR rises almost in response to any inflammatory disease, and sometimes by itself, therefore, this indicator can only be assessed in conjunction with other analyzes. In the West, doctors are asked not to demonize an increase in ESR and not try to turn the body inside out with an increase in ESR, say, up to 40 mm / h without signs of an obvious disease.

But if the ESR is higher than 50 mm / h, then it is necessary to be examined. Among other tests, it is imperative to donate blood for protein electrophoresis, since in older people, the synthesis of an abnormal paraprotein protein becomes a frequent cause of an increase in ESR, which, although it does not always need to be treated, you need to know about it.

Situations in which, even in the absence of symptoms, it is imperative to see a doctor

• An increase in the level of leukocytes> 15 thousand / μl
• Increase in the proportion of neutrophils or lymphocytes> 90%, even with a normal white blood cell count
• An increase in the number of lymphocytes> 5 thousand / μl
• Decreased white blood cell count<3 тыс./мкл
• Decreased levels of neutrophils (granulocytes)<1 тыс./мкл
• ESR increase> 50 mm / h

Discussion

Good day! Since December, leukocytosis has been at 12.5-15.5. Soe is normal. Stick-blowers were hanged - 8. Mylocytes and metamyelocytes flew out twice - 1. Of the symptoms, only occasionally a temperature of 37. Ultrasound of the organs of food showed nothing. Which direction to move? What else to believe? thanks

03/10/2019 16:16:20, Svetlana

Comment on the article "Deciphering the blood test: leukocytes and ESR. Increased, decreased, is the norm?"

More on the topic "Decoding blood tests: leukocytes and ESR":

Girls, who had this? The therapist immediately prescribed antibiotics, but he did not explain what he was treating for, he says maybe nothing, or maybe he will inflame (some kind of !!!) the process in the body. How to drink orange juice (((.

recently passed a general blood test. everything is normal, but ESR is 40, with a rate of 12-15 on average. I feel, in principle, not bad. I went to rest a month ago, got a fever there and then I got allergic to the sun. maybe this is the reason? as I read that after an illness it happens. on Saturday I go to the doctor, but I managed to read horror stories on the Internet and I'm already afraid .. maybe someone came across a similar one ?.

My daughter has a high ESR of 40, all other indicators are normal, urine too, she has nothing to complain about, what could this be connected with? The only thing we are complaining about is a small diathesis (apparently overeating sweet things) and the distant tooth 6 grows and the gum in that place is very inflamed. We will get to the doctor only after 2 days.

a child (4 years 8 months) has increased hemoglobin (133 108-132 norm), and most importantly - erythrocytes (5.33 norm 4-4.4). the volume of erythrocytes and the color index are reduced. the doctor said to retake in a couple of days, and then think what to examine and what to do. horror is written on the internet. the child is healthy, the tests were done by accident, along with his sister, who has a high temperature. did anyone come across? what could it be?

We have been treating sinusitis for a month now. Donated blood. ENT says an increased lymphocyte count - 55. I ran home and looked at all the information about the norms on the Internet. It seems that 55 is the norm at our age. But what about ENT? Maybe someone knows here? I am tormented by terrible guesses. Don't leave your mothers .... I'm going crazy.

All indicators are normal, except for ESR, which is very much overestimated. Blood was donated from a finger NOT on an empty stomach, in INVITRO. The second day I can’t find a place for myself, the doctor told me to retake it in 2 weeks, I’ll go crazy over these two weeks with such an ESR. The child is outwardly healthy, cheerful and playful. I was very surprised to get such a result. What do you think???

I was very alarmed by the increased level of lymphocytes. Doctors say that this is normal ... I looked at the child's card - they are elevated in all blood tests: 53.63.68. And in the past all blood tests, the neutrophil segmented 24-26 (at a rate of 47-72) was lowered, once the level of leukocytes was increased. Doctors have always said that the tests are normal. It's really normal when the leukocytes are increased and the segmented neutrophils are low ..

They took a blood test, found a slight increase in leukocytes, by 1 unit (the norm is 11.4, at 12.7). There are no external manifestations such as acute respiratory infections, there is no pace either. The pediatrician says that teeth can climb and against the background of this there is such an analysis that there is nothing terrible, that there is no point in treating the "tests", but I still worry about something (((Maybe someone had this?

In the process of preparing for the operation to remove the adenoids, a blood test and according to its results ESR is 22. The child is coughing, but the doctor has not heard anything in his lungs, so he may be allergic. does the ESR increase with it? Well, can adenoids by themselves give such a result? What to do then?

The son of 4 years vomited all morning today. Frightened, we took an ambulance to the hospital. They took a clinical blood test and there leukocytes increased to 13 thousand units. at a rate of up to 10 thousand. They make you drink the antibiotic Augumentin. Is such an increase in leukocytes an unconditioned signal for the appointment of antibiotics? Do leukocytes increase with viral infections?

Hello! The situation is as follows: the son is almost 5 years old. In January, a tonsillotomy was to be done, and in this regard, the collection of tests began. A blood test showed an ESR of 31, leukocytes 8, lymphocytes 37, the analysis retailed ESR 17, but still high, and therefore the operation was rescheduled.

Today I received tests and again ESR - 50, leukocytes - 12, hemoglobin really increased to 117. What can all this mean? I am very worried.

They did a blood test. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate is 14, above normal; (What can this talk about? We only go to the doctor tomorrow, but somehow it's scary; (((And they also said that hemoglobin is increased, which is also not good; ((we have it - 119.; (

Who knows what this indicator is talking about? And then I passed the tests in the sanatorium, the doctor said that everything was fine. But I look at the analysis data - this figure is above the norm. The norm is 7-15, but I have 22. I don't feel like going to the LCD yet, maybe it's okay?

A 3-year-old boy was ill for 2 weeks, he was diagnosed with a cold, at the end of the second he had a blood test. the level of soy is 32, after a week there are no visual signs of the disease except for a red "loose" throat, again a blood test, soybean - 48. Doctors say it is necessary to inject a course of antibiotics Penicillin 4 times a day. I do not want. Does anyone have the same experience?

Someone can tell what the following figures mean in a general blood test: segmented neutrophils 14 at a rate of 47-72 and Lymphocytes 76 at a rate of 19-37. The girl now has 2 years 4 months of pyelonephritis from 3 months. And these figures in the analyzes are always like that. Doctors either do not want to explain what this means, or they themselves do not know.

Gynecological examination of the vaginal microflora reveals possible inflammatory processes of the genital area. An ideal "clean" vaginal smear contains a single number of leukocytes and rod flora.

The number of leukocytes in a smear is up to 15 considered the norm. Exceeding this value indicates the development of pathological processes or signals a possible sexual infection.

An increased number of leukocytes is considered in conjunction with the bacterial flora of the vagina. Distinguish 2 degrees of smear negative:

• The number of leukocytes is 30 - 40, the flora is predominantly coccal.
• A large number of leukocytes, the absence of lactobacilli, various organisms are present in the microflora, Trichomonas and gonococci can be secreted.

Myself smear on microflora does not reveal the main reason for the increase in leukocytes and changes in microflora, however, it indicates the presence of inflammatory diseases of the genital organs.

To diagnose possible diseases with negative smears, additional laboratory tests are prescribed - smears for bacterial culture and oncocytology, blood for the presence of hidden infectious diseases. Colposcopy is also shown to determine the state of the endometrium.

Causes

Any inflammatory process in the body is characterized by leukocytosis. An increased number of leukocytes in a smear in a woman signals diseases of the reproductive system, which classified as follows:

• Inflammatory diseases of the lower parts and organs of the small pelvis: cervicitis, colpitis, vulvitis, endocervicitis, endometritis, parametritis
• Viral and infectious: gonorrhea, herpes, trichomoniasis, chlamydia, syphilis, HIV and others.
• Nonspecific: candidiasis, ureaplasma, mycoplasma, staphylococcus, etc.

In their course, the disease can proceed in the chronic (asymptomatic) and acute stages.

Inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs (PID) can be the result of previous abortions, intrauterine contraceptives, chronic diseases (diabetes mellitus), hormonal disorders. Chronic stress, smoking, alcohol, sleep disturbance are factors that influence the development of PID. Infection with infectious diseases in 99% of cases occurs through sexual contact.

During pregnancy

Due to hormonal changes, the level of leukocytes in the vaginal microflora of a pregnant woman may be slightly increased, but not more than 20 leukocytes in a smear. Negative smears during pregnancy also indicate inflammatory processes of the reproductive system and require additional examination.

Most frequent the reasons for the increase in the level of leukocytes during pregnancy - candidiasis (thrush) and cervicitis, which are caused by: changes in hormonal levels, disruption of the usual way of life, stress and fatigue.

Drug treatment

For the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the genital organs are used following methods:

• Douching the vagina with antiseptic agents: miramistin, chlorhexidine, potassium permanganate;
• Antibacterial vaginal suppositories: Genferon, Hexicon, Terzhinan, Viferon;
• With candidiasis, the drugs "Fluconazole", "Flucostat" are taken orally.

Treatment of infectious diseases requires intravenous administration of antibacterial drugs: Ornidazole, Tsiprinol, Metronidazole. Local douching of the vagina with antiseptics is jointly prescribed. Upon completion of the treatment, a course of rehabilitation therapy is carried out aimed at the population of the vagina with beneficial bacteria, with the help of eubiotics: "Bifidumbacterin", "Lactobacterin", Vagilak "and others.

Important: all medications should be taken strictly as directed by your doctor. Self-medication with antibiotics has many side effects.

Treatment with folk remedies

• A tablespoon of chamomile flowers, calendula, stinging nettle (optional) is poured with a glass of water, brought to a boil, removed from heat and insisted for half an hour. Before using, the decoctions should be strained through a sieve or cheesecloth.
• Pour 6 cloves of chopped garlic with 1.5 liters of hot water, leave to infuse overnight, strain before use.
• Pour 2 cloves of minced garlic with 2 cups of hot water, add 1.5 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, stir and strain.
• For thrush: mix 1 dose of dry bifidumbacterin with a teaspoon of warm water, add 1 teaspoon of petroleum jelly. Soak a tampon with the resulting ointment and insert into the vagina for 10 hours. Treatment course: 7 - 10 days.

An increase in the level of leukocytes is a signal of the presence of inflammatory, infectious diseases, and many of them may be asymptomatic. The identification of the cause and its elimination should be carried out immediately. Otherwise, the woman is putting her health at great risk.

The consequences of inflammatory diseases:

• Infertility;
• Ectopic pregnancy;
• Complications during pregnancy;
• Endometriosis;
• Oncology;
• Violation of the menstrual cycle;
• Adhesion processes leading to infertility;
• Myoma of the uterus.

For the prevention and timely detection of diseases of the reproductive system, a woman should undergo a gynecological examination every 6 months.

Question

Good day!

Pregnancy 14 weeks, urine analysis revealed an increased number of leukocytes, the gynecologist prescribed amoxicillin. I am wary of taking this drug.

Tell me there are other methods for lowering the level of leukocytes, maybe taking any herbal preparations. Thanks.

Answer

Hello, Inna!

In order to answer your question correctly, there is not enough data:

1. You do not write what symptoms of the disease you have.
2. Was there a consultation with a urologist?
3. What tests did you take: only a general urine test or an additional urine test according to Nechiporenko.
4. What diagnosis was made before antibiotic prescription?
5. What are the values ​​of leukocytes in the urine analysis?
6. Have you taken a smear from the vagina and urethra for flora? If so, is there an inflammatory reaction in it?

The increased may be due to the following factors:

• Diseases of the urinary tract in the form,. In this case, the woman has characteristic complaints of pain when urinating. The urine becomes cloudy, blood may be added and bacteria are detected.
• Diseases of the gynecological sphere in the form of vaginal candidiasis. If there is abundant discharge from the genital tract, they can enter the container with urine.
• Incorrectly passed urine test with lack of necessary hygiene procedures.
• The appearance of leukocytes in the urine may be associated with the delivery of urine into an un-sterilized container.
• , which the , . Typical for late pregnancy.

The drug Amoxicillin belongs to the group of a broad-spectrum penicillin series. This group of medicines is approved for taking during pregnancy and breastfeeding. There is no negative effect on the fetus.

Treatment may differ depending on the underlying cause of the increased white blood cell count in the urine.

If the changes have arisen as a result of a urinary tract disease, then taking an antibiotic is necessary, since the absence of treatment can lead to serious complications.

If an increased white blood cell count occurs due to gynecological diseases, treatment with antifungal suppositories is necessary. Additional therapy is prescribed if necessary.

If the changes accompany preeclampsia, then it is possible to take a decoction of lingonberry or homeopathic medicines.

Herbal preparations cannot remove the increased content of leukocytes in the urine in the presence of a disease.

In order not to harm the child, it is necessary to follow the recommendations of the attending physician.

If you are in doubt about the correctness of taking an antibiotic, I recommend that you contact the doctor who prescribed it for you and discuss this issue with him.

At each visit to the gynecologist during the examination, tests are taken from the urogenital tract, regardless of whether the woman has complaints or not. In a smear on the flora, not only beneficial, opportunistic and pathogenic bacteria are displayed, but also leukocytes.

Often, it is the increased leukocytes in the smear in women that indicate any malfunctions in the body, requires clarification of the cause of such a condition, and, of course, treatment. It is important to remember that no amount of self-medication will help to cope with the problem, and sometimes it can lead to negative consequences.

Briefly about leukocytes

Leukocytes are white blood cells that protect the body from all types of harmful agents (bacteria, viruses, and others). That is, the main function of leukocytes is the implementation of the body's defense, both specific, for example, from a certain type of microorganism, and nonspecific or general.

The concentration of leukocytes rises at sites of inflammation, where they capture and digest foreign agents. In the case of a large accumulation of pathogenic agents, white blood cells significantly increase in size and begin to deteriorate. The process of destruction of leukocytes is accompanied by a local inflammatory reaction: edema and hyperemia of the damaged area, an increase in local temperature.

Flora swab

A swab for flora, as already mentioned, is taken from a woman at every visit to the antenatal clinic, that is, every six months, if the patient has complaints, as well as after a long course of antibiotics, when planning pregnancy, during gestation and after childbirth. During pregnancy, a smear for microflora (in the absence of complaints) is examined three times: when registering, before maternity leave (30 weeks) and at 36 weeks.

Preparation for the test

In order for the results of a smear on flora to be reliable, it is necessary to prepare in advance for the delivery of the analysis:

• exclude sexual intercourse in 1 - 2 days;
• douching is not allowed 2 days before the visit to the doctor;
• it is prohibited to use candles, tablets and creams for at least a day;
• a smear is not taken during menstruation, since menstruation changes the composition of the smear;
• 2 - 3 hours before visiting a gynecologist, refrain from urinating;
• you should wash yourself on the eve of the appointment, with warm water without soap.

If a woman is preparing for a routine examination, then it is advisable to guess at a visit to a gynecologist in the first days after menstruation or before they start.

The procedure for taking and researching material

In a gynecological smear, the composition of the microflora of the contents of the urethra, vagina and cervix is ​​determined.

The material is taken with sterile disposable instruments. A smear is taken from the urethra with a bacteriological loop or a Volkmann spoon, from the vagina (posterior fornix) with a sterile gauze swab, and from the cervix with an Eyre spatula.

The following symbols are indicated on the slides:

• U - smear taken from the urethra;
• C - smear from the cervix;
• V - a smear from the vagina.

After the glasses are dry, they are sent to the laboratory for research. Laboratory assistants stain smears with special dyes (according to Gram), then examine them under a microscope. During the analysis, leukocytes and various opportunistic and pathogenic bacteria are counted, which are colored in different colors.

Deciphering smear analysis

The data that are indicated in the analysis of the smear:

Leukocytes

The white blood cell count depends on the site from which the smear was taken. Their content is normally small. In the urethra, the number of leukocytes is 0 - 5 - 10, in the vagina, their concentration corresponds to 0 - 10 - 15, and in the cervical canal from 0 to 30.

During pregnancy, the leukocyte count increases slightly and can range from 15 to 20 (in the vagina) in the field of view.

Squamous epithelium

The vagina, urethra and cervical canal are lined with squamous epithelium. In normal smears, the number of epithelial cells ranges from 5 to 10. When the epithelium disappears (0 cells in the field of view), they speak of atrophy of the mucous membrane, and in the case of an increase in epithelial cells, inflammation.

Slime

Lactobacillus or Doderlein sticks

Normal smears are characterized by a large content of them in the vagina, while they are absent in the cervix and urethra. With a decrease in the number of lactic acid bacteria, they talk about.

Yeast

Fungi of the genus Candida are normally absent at all three points of smear collection, but their single presence in the vagina is allowed. An increase in yeast-like fungi indicates thrush.

"Key" cells

They are conglomerates of squamous epithelial cells and bacteria - gardnerella. Normally absent, the presence of such cells is a sign of gardnerellosis or bacterial vaginosis.

Leptotrix

Refers to anaerobic (living without air) gram-negative bacteria, often found in mixed infections, for example, thrush and bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis and chlamydia. If these bacteria are found in a smear, an extended analysis for genital infections is shown.

Other

• Mobiluncus - also refers to anaerobic microorganisms and is present in candidiasis or bacterial vaginosis.
• Trichomonas - refers to the simplest, normally they are absent in the smear.
• Gonococci - cause a venereal disease - gonorrhea, respectively, are normally absent.
• Colibacillus- normally observed in a single number in a smear from the vagina. With an increase in the concentration of bacteria, bacterial vaginosis and neglect of personal hygiene are possible.
• Cocci - in gynecological smears are subdivided into gram-positive - colored blue and gram-negative - do not stain and remain pink. Conditionally pathogenic bacteria belong to gram-positive cocci: streptococci, staphylococci and enterococci, which are normally contained in smears in single quantities. With an increase in their concentration, they speak of nonspecific vaginitis (colpitis).

The degree of purity of the vaginal smear

When we talk about gynecological smears, we mean not only smears taken from the cervical canal, urethra and vagina, but also a separate type of smear that determines the degree of cleanliness of the vagina. The material is taken from the walls of the vagina and dried on a separate glass. There are 4 degrees of purity, but only 1 and 2 degrees are normal:

• 1 degree - leukocytes 0 - 5

It is considered ideal. The number of leukocytes is small, the microflora is mainly (up to 95%) represented by lactic acid bacteria, there are only a few epithelial cells.

• 2 degree - leukocytes 5 - 10

Also applies to the norm, but a small amount of opportunistic microorganisms (cocci or single yeast fungi) is determined in a smear. Lactobacilli prevail, leukocytes and mucus are moderate, epithelial cells are normal.

• 3rd degree - more than 10 (up to 50)

The content of leukocytes increases, a lot of mucus and epithelium are determined. The concentration of Doderlein sticks decreases due to an increase in opportunistic flora.

• 4 degree - leukocytes completely (cannot be counted)

Against the background of a huge number of leukocytes (in the description of the smear, the term "completely" is indicated), pathogenic microorganisms (gonococci, Trichomonas) are determined. Doderlein's sticks are not detected, there are many mucus and epithelial cells (a consequence of the inflammatory process).

When detecting 3 and 4 degrees of purity of a vaginal smear, it is necessary to establish the cause of the inflammation and conduct treatment.

The reasons for the increase in the content of leukocytes in the smear

If the leukocytes in the smear in women are increased, then the causes can be both diseases of the reproductive sphere, and failures in the work of other internal organs and systems. In the first place among the reasons for the increase in leukocytes in urogenital smears is inflammation:

• inflammatory process in the cervical canal or;
• the development of inflammation in the appendages (tubes and ovaries) or salpingo-oophoritis;
• inflammation of the uterine lining - endometritis;
• inflammation in the vagina - colpitis or vaginitis;
• the development of inflammation in the urethra - urethritis;
• malignant tumors of the genital organs (destruction of healthy tissues is accompanied by inflammation);
• intestinal and / or vaginal dysbiosis;
• sexually transmitted infections (both sexually transmitted diseases and latent sexually transmitted infections).

Pathogenic microorganisms are the culprits of inflammation

Why are leukocytes in a smear high? In the development of the inflammatory process, pathogenic microorganisms are involved, which are difficult to detect in the usual way - by examining the urogenital smear, or by activated representatives of the opportunistic flora. To detect the causative agents of latent genital infections, they resort to a more complex examination - the PCR method (analysis of blood, urine, secretions from the genitals).

With a detailed study in smears or blood, the following can be found:

• mycoplasma and ureaplasma;
• gonococci (see);
• Koch's bacillus (the causative agent of tuberculosis);
• pale treponema (pathogen);
• Donovan's little bodies (causative agents of inguinal granulomas);
• Trichomonas (see);
• amoeba;
• human papillomavirus (cause);
• immunodeficiency virus;
• viruses;
• mushrooms of the genus Candida ();
• fungi actinomycetes.

Other causes of increased white blood cell count

Bacterial vaginosis or vaginal dysbiosis

Under certain conditions, conditionally pathogenic flora is activated and the growth of lactic acid bacteria is suppressed:

• disruptions in hormonal status (puberty or extinction of reproductive function - pre- and menopause, pregnancy and spontaneous abortion, endocrine diseases);
• weakening of local and general immunity (hypothermia, antibiotic therapy);
• severe stress and overwork;
• microtrauma of the vagina due to intense sex;
• radiation treatment, chemotherapy;
• the use of spermicides in the form of ointments and suppositories;
• oral sex;
• a large number of sexual partners;
• excessive adherence to the rules of intimate hygiene, passion for douching;
• the entrance to the vagina deformed by scars (anatomical features, pathological childbirth, surgical interventions);
• violation of the balance of intestinal microflora (dysbiosis);
• foreign bodies in the vagina (tampons).

Allergy

• allergy to drugs and herbs;
• intolerance to lubricants (gels, ointments);
• partner's sperm intolerance.

Irritation of the vulva and vagina

• neglect of intimate hygiene;
• temperature drops (hypothermia and overheating);
• mechanical injury (tight, synthetic underwear, thongs, rough sex, etc.);
• chemical burns (douching with acids and other drugs);
• general diseases (diabetes mellitus, pathology of the urinary system, and others).

In addition, increased leukocytes in urogenital smears can be observed within 24 hours after coitus or within 7 to 10 days after the installation of an intrauterine device. If the cause of the increase in the content of leukocytes in smears cannot be established, a more thorough and detailed examination should be carried out, including for the detection of malignant tumors of the reproductive system.

The reasons for the increase in leukocytes in pregnant women

A slight increase in the level of white blood cells in a smear during pregnancy is considered normal. The normal content of white blood cells in vaginal smears corresponds to 15 - 20 per field of view.

Increased leukocytes in pregnant women in a smear are explained by physiological factors:

• First, during the period of gestation, the hormonal balance is reorganized, progesterone and estrogens are produced in large quantities. Under the influence of estrogens, Doderlein's sticks begin to actively multiply, which create an acidic environment in the vagina and prevent the reproduction of opportunistic and pathogenic flora, but contribute to the accumulation of leukocytes.
• Secondly, expectant mothers have reduced immunity, which prevents the rejection of the embryo as a foreign body. Due to the weakened immunity, pathogenic bacteria easily penetrate into the vagina or a latent infection is activated, which explains the increase in leukocytes in gynecological smears (a protective reaction in inflammation).

Often, a very high concentration of white blood cells in smears (50 - 100 or leukocytes completely in the field of view) is detected, which, as a rule, is noted with thrush (urogenital candidiasis). In such cases, in a smear, in addition to a large number of leukocytes, fungi of the genus Candida and mycelium in the form of white filaments are found.

Excess leukocyte count in expectant mothers requires careful examination and appropriate treatment. The infectious process from the vagina can go to the cervix and cervical canal, penetrate into the uterine cavity, which will lead to infection of the amniotic fluid and the fetus and result in miscarriage or premature birth.

Clinical manifestations

An increased level of leukocytes in secretions from the cervical and urethra and vagina often accompanies diseases of the urinary and reproductive system of a woman:

• frequent and painful urination is a sign of or;
• false urge to defecate indicates intestinal dysbiosis;
• discharge with an unpleasant odor, accompanied by itching and burning, may indicate vaginitis, cervicitis or inflammation of the uterus, and;
• purulent, frothy discharge or cheesy discharge are observed with vaginitis of a specific etiology (thrush, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis);
• possible with pathology of the cervix, uterus or appendages;
• in combination with an increase in leukocytes, it makes you think about inflammation of the appendages.

Diagnostics that determine the direction of treatment

Before you begin to deal with the increased level of white blood cells in smears, it is necessary to establish the cause of this phenomenon. It often happens that the content of leukocytes in a gynecological smear is high, although there is no activation and growth of opportunistic flora and, moreover, specific pathogens. What to do in such a case?

The gynecologist will recommend taking smears again, choosing the most successful day of the menstrual cycle and recommending to properly prepare for the tests (exclude intercourse, medication, douching). If, upon repeated donation of smears, the leukocytes again have a high rate, an extended examination is performed:

A smear from the cervical canal and vagina on the tank. sowing

When sowing vaginal and cervical secretions on nutrient media, colonies of pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms often grow. The identification of the pathogen is carried out and its sensitivity to certain antibiotics is determined, which is necessary for further treatment.

PCR for latent genital infections

The method is highly accurate and almost 100% reveals latent genital infections, which may not manifest themselves clinically, but lead to irreversible consequences (infertility).

Ultrasound of the pelvic organs

In this case, preference is given to ultrasound performed by a transvaginal transducer. In addition to inflammation of the uterus and appendages, various tumor-like formations (ovarian cysts, myoma or sarcoma of the uterus, uterine polyps, etc.) can be a possible cause of increased leukocytes in the analyzes.

Colposcopy

Examination of the cervix under multiple magnification helps to diagnose diseases that are not visible to the naked eye, but are the cause of increased white blood cells in the tests (leukoplakia, cervical dysplasia, or cancer in the initial stage).

Consulting related specialists

Appointed after the above examination. For example, consulting an endocrinologist and prescribing appropriate therapy for them will help to normalize the level of leukocytes in diabetes mellitus, thyroid pathology or overweight. A nephrologist will identify a disease of the urinary system (pyelonephritis, cystitis) and prescribe anti-inflammatory therapy (antibiotics, nitrofurans). The allergist will advise you to eliminate irritating factors (synthetic underwear, the use of intimate sprays, deodorants and various lubricants). A neurologist will prescribe sedatives and drugs to eliminate neurosis, which can also cause an increase in leukocytes.

Anti-inflammatory treatment

Anti-inflammatory treatment is only prescribed if an infection is detected. How to treat, the doctor decides, depending on the test results. Anti-inflammatory therapy includes:

• local treatment;
• general treatment;
• restoration of normal vaginal microflora.

Local treatment consists in the appointment of douching:

• the course is short and lasts no more than 4 - 5 days
• drugs (solutions of potassium permanganate, chlorhexidine, miramistin)
• herbs (chamomile, sage, coltsfoot, calendula, St. John's wort). Cm. .

Candles:

• at the same time, suppositories with anti-inflammatory action are locally prescribed (geksikon, polizhinaks, betadine and others, see).
• if a diagnosis of urogenital candidiasis is made, it is recommended to use suppositories with an antifungal effect (clotrimazole, pimafucin, livarol, see). Candles are injected once or twice a day for 10 to 14 days.
• when the inflammatory process is not started, the treatment is limited to this.

Treatment of hidden genital infections

In case of detection of a viral infection, sexually transmitted diseases or latent genital infections, systemic antibiotic therapy or antiviral drugs are prescribed. The choice of drug depends on the etiology of colpitis and / or cervicitis.

Restoration of myroflora

The final stage of therapy is the restoration of the normal microflora of the vagina (an increase in the content of lactic acid bacteria). For this purpose, the following are appointed:

• vaginal suppositories or tampons with probiotics (lactobacterin, bifidobacterin, acylact, colibacterin and others).

  A high content of white blood cells in smears during pregnancy is dangerous by premature termination of pregnancy (miscarriage or premature birth), intrauterine infection of the fetus, the development of chorioamnionitis (inflammation of the water and placenta), rupture of the birth canal during childbirth and the development of purulent-septic diseases in the postpartum period. Therefore, expectant mothers should carefully follow the doctor's recommendations and carry out the prescribed or treatment with an increase in the content of leukocytes in the analyzes.

  Question:
  Is it possible to have sex with increased white blood cells in smear tests?

  If a specific infection has not been identified (gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital herpes and other diseases), then having sex is not contraindicated.

  Question:
  Can I get pregnant with high white blood cells in smears?

  Yes, it is quite possible to become pregnant, but it is advisable to undergo preliminary treatment, since often a high white blood cell count in the analyzes indicates an inflammatory process in the genitals.

  Question:
  Is it possible to reduce the content of leukocytes in the analyzes using only alternative methods of treatment?

  You should not self-medicate, including treating only traditional medicine with a "bad" smear test result. Only a doctor can identify the cause of “bad smears” and prescribe appropriate treatment. It is impossible to reduce leukocytes in analyzes only with the help of traditional medicine, since it is often necessary to carry out treatment with antibiotics or antiviral drugs, or therapy for concomitant diseases.