Epithelial cells line various surfaces of the body, including the peel, blood vessels, organs, and urinary tract. A raised amount of epithelial cells in a person'southward urine may be a sign that they are ill.

Healthy urine contains a small-scale number of epithelial cells. Testing for epithelial cells can aid decide if a person has an infection, kidney affliction, or other medical condition.

This article explores how and why urine is tested for epithelial cells. It also discusses what the results mean and what conditions cause an increase in epithelial cells.

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A raised corporeality of epithelial cells in the urine may indicate an infection or other health condition.

Epithelial cells are cells on the surfaces of the body that human action every bit a protective barrier. They cease viruses getting inside the torso.

Epithelial cells encompass a person's skin, but they also occur along the surfaces of the digestive tract, the internal organs, and blood vessels.

It is natural for some of these cells to occur in urine. However, too many epithelial cells in the urine commonly point an underlying health condition.

There are 3 main types of epithelial cells:

  • Renal tubular: As well known every bit renal cells, an increase in renal tubular cells in the urine may indicate a kidney disorder.
  • Squamous: These are large epithelial cells that come up from the vagina and urethra. They are the type most often plant in a woman's urine.
  • Transitional: These occur in men betwixt the urethra and renal pelvis. They tend to exist found in older men and are also called bladder cells.

The test for epithelial cells in urine is office of a urinalysis — a test that measures the levels of different substances in urine.

A doctor may order this test if a person comes to them with symptoms of a urinary infection or kidney disorder, such as:

  • frequent urination
  • pain when urinating
  • pain in lower tum
  • dorsum pain

A doctor may also order urinalysis if a visual or chemic urine test showed that there might be a raised number of epithelial cells in a person's urine.

Before the test, a doctor volition give a person a container to collect their urine in and explain how to take the sample.

About people will use what is called the "clean catch method." A person is given a sterile pad and container to take to the bathroom.

The person uses the pad to clean their genitals before urinating in a sterilized container. They allow a pocket-size amount of urine to flow and then collect the sample midstream. It is crucial that they do not impact the inside of the specimen cup with their genitals or easily.

The urine sample is and so sent to a lab where information technology will be analyzed for dissimilar substances.

In that location are 3 possible results of a test for epithelial cells in urine. These are:

  • few
  • moderate
  • many

If a person's test result is "few," this ways their results are normal. Having a result of "moderate" or "many" may indicate a medical status.

Unless the person has other symptoms that indicate to a clear cause, the medico will likely recommend further tests earlier making a diagnosis.

The next section of this article explores some medical conditions associated with loftier levels of epithelial cells in the urine.

An increased amount of epithelial cells in the urine may indicate i of the post-obit conditions:

Urinary tract infection

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Regular excercise may assistance a person manage their kidney disease symptoms.

There are iii types of urinary tract infection (UTI). They each bear on a different office of the urinary tract:

  • Cystitis: This is a UTI that affects the bladder.
  • Urethritis: This is a UTI that affects the urethra.
  • Kidney infection: This is a UTI that affects the kidneys.

Symptoms of a UTI include:

  • frequent or urgent need to urinate
  • pain or burning sensation when urinating
  • cloudy or smelly urine
  • claret in urine
  • pain in lower abdomen
  • feeling tired or unwell

Doctors typically prescribe antibiotics or antiviral medication to care for UTIs.

Yeast infection

Yeast is a natural fungus. Every woman has a pocket-size amount of yeast in her vagina.

Irresolute hormone levels or taking antibiotics may modify the residue of leaner in the vagina. As a result, yeast may abound more than usual and lead to a yeast infection.

Symptoms of a yeast infection include:

  • itching or soreness in the vagina
  • pain or burning when urinating or having sex
  • thick or clumpy white belch

Treatments for yeast infections include antifungal tablets, cream, or a suppository.

Kidney illness

Kidney disease is a long-term condition where the kidneys do not piece of work every bit well as they should.

The risk of kidney affliction increases with historic period. Other risk factors include:

  • kidney stones
  • a weak allowed system
  • diabetes
  • high claret pressure
  • a family unit history of kidney affliction
  • an enlarged prostate

There is no cure for kidney disease, just the following treatments may assistance a person manage their symptoms:

  • following a healthful nutrition
  • exercising regularly
  • drinking less alcohol
  • quitting smoking
  • taking medication to command blood pressure and cholesterol
  • undergoing kidney dialysis
  • having a kidney transplant

Liver disease

There are some different types of liver illness. These include:

  • alcohol-related liver disease
  • non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
  • hepatitis
  • hemochromatosis
  • primary biliary cirrhosis

Symptoms of liver disease include:

  • extreme tiredness or weakness
  • loss of appetite
  • loss of libido or reduced sex drive
  • jaundice

Handling for liver disease depends on the crusade. If the disease is caused by excess alcohol consumption, a doctor volition help a person seek support to stop drinking.

Bladder cancer

Float cancer occurs when abnormal tissue grows in the bladder lining. Information technology is the 4th about common cancer in men in the United States.

Bladder cancer may crusade an increased amount of epithelial cells in urine. However, it is important to remember that this alone does not indicate cancer.

Symptoms of float cancer include:

  • streaks of claret in the urine that may turn the urine brown
  • frequent urges to urinate
  • sudden urges to urinate
  • burning sensation when urinating
  • pelvic hurting
  • bone hurting
  • unexpected weight loss
  • swelling in the legs

There are many surgical and not-surgical treatments available for float cancer. A squad of healthcare workers volition help an individual with float cancer determine the best treatment plan for them.

A person is at increased take a chance of having a raised number of epithelial cells in their urine if they accept:

  • kidney stones
  • diabetes
  • high blood pressure
  • a family history of kidney disease
  • an enlarged prostate
  • frequent UTIs
  • a compromised immune system

Pregnant women are also at increased run a risk of having a raised number of epithelial cells in their urine.

Loftier levels of epithelial cells in urine are also typical for people who are:

  • African
  • Hispanic
  • Asian
  • Native American

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Keeping hydrated volition help preclude the conditions that can cause high amounts of epithelial cells in the urine.

Treatment for high levels of epithelial cells in the urine volition depend on the underlying cause.

The nearly common cause is a UTI, and treatment typically includes antibiotics or antiviral medication.

Kidney disease has a range of different treatments, depending on the crusade. Some lifestyle changes may as well exist advised, including losing weight, exercising regularly, and eating a healthful diet.

Hydration is vital to forestall the conditions that cause high levels of epithelial cells. It is a good thought to drink several glasses of water a day.

Some people believe cranberry juice promotes kidney health and many people drink information technology equally a home remedy for UTIs. A 2013 study concluded there was a lack of evidence that cranberry juice was effective for treating UTIs.

A raised corporeality of epithelial cells in the urine are often the sign of a minor infection, such as a UTI or yeast infection.

Anyone with bothersome urinary symptoms should see a medico for urinalysis and a proper diagnosis.

The sooner the underlying status is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin to alleviate symptoms.