The meaning of pus cells in urine is commonly associated with white blood cells that show up when your urinary tract is infected. Usually, only a few white blood cells are present, but when the number is higher than expected, this condition is called pyuria. It is commonly discovered during the urine test. However, pyuria can also result from non-infectious conditions such as kidney stones, interstitial cystitis, or certain autoimmune disorders.
In some conditions, it may be linked to tuberculosis of the urinary tract or a drug reaction. In this regard, here we will understand in detail about pyuria, how urine examination for pus cells is conducted, and some of its common symptoms.
What Are Pus Cells in Urine?
If you have visited for your body checkup, you may have thought about ‘What are pus cells in the urine test?’. Well, pus in urine is a white blood cell (leukocyte) that is formed when there is inflammation or infection of the urinary tract.
Under normal circumstances, urine can have such cells in very low counts. But high pus cells in urine means that your body is responding to irritation, infection or injury to the urinary system.
How is Pyuria Identified?
Pyuria is detected during a urinalysis, where your urine is examined under a microscope or tested with a dipstick. The finding of more than 10 white blood cells per high-power field is considered abnormal in most cases. Also, sometimes pyuria may be “sterile,” which means no bacteria have been found despite the presence of pus cells. The detection of pus cells in urine is clinically important because it shows inflammation.
Pyuria itself is not a disease, but a sign of an underlying problem. The most common cause is urinary tract infection (UTI), which can affect your bladder, kidneys or urethra. Identifying the root cause of the health issue allows timely treatment, whether with antibiotics, pain relief or other targeted measures. When these are left untreated, the underlying health issues can progress and may damage your kidneys.
Causes of Pus Cells in Urine
The primary cause of pus in urine indicates inflammation or infection in the urinary tract. While they are the most commonly associated with urinary tract infection, several other conditions can lead to their presence. Understanding the main causes can help you to identify the core issues and guide you to get proper treatment.
In this regard, here are some main reasons for pus in urine are mentioned:
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): The most frequent cause of pyuria is a bacterial infection in the urinary tract.
- Kidney Infection: When pus cells ascend to the kidneys, they can cause pyelonephritis. This infection often results in pus cells in urine, fever, flank pain, nausea and vomiting. Further issues can lead to kidney damage if they are not treated promptly.
- Bladder Problems: Inflammation of your bladder lining is one of the most common causes of high pus cells in urine.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): STIs can cause pyuria when bacteria like those from chlamydia or gonorrhea infect the urethra or other parts of your urinary system.
- Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions such as lupus can inflame your kidneys, which often result in the production of white blood cells in urine.
Symptoms of UTI
In order to identify symptoms of pus in urine, you need to look for some subtle signs. These signs often indicate how the body reacts if bacteria begin to affect normal urine flow or bladder health.
- Painful Urination: You might feel a burning or stinging feeling during urination. This discomfort often indicates infection in the urethra or bladder. If this condition is left untreated, it can worsen the infection and spread it to nearby urinary organs.
- Cloudy or Foul-Smelling Urine: Your urine may appear cloudy or have a foul smell if there are many pus cells present. This change in appearance often indicates bacterial growth that needs urgent medical attention.
- Fever: You may also get a fever or feel unwell if you have occasional pus cells in urine.
- Urge to Frequently Urinate: You may feel the urge to urinate more than usual, which can indicate the bladder infection. Moreover, this symptom can disrupt your daily activities.
- Abdominal or Lower Back Discomfort: You may feel pain or slight discomfort in your lower abdomen, pelvic area, or lower back if your urinary tract or kidneys are affected by pus cells.
Apart from these mentioned symptoms, you may also observe blood in the urine, nausea, or fatigue.
Diagnostic Tests for Pus Cells in Urine
In order to detect the root cause of the pyuria in urine, you have to go through some additional tests. These tests can help doctors to select the most effective treatment for you. Here are some ways to detect pus cells through urine tests:
1. Urine Analysis (Urinalysis)
Urine analysis (urinalysis) is usually the first test to be done when pyuria is suspected. It is also a microscopic examination of a urine sample for the presence of white blood cells, red blood cells, bacteria, and other substances. A dipstick test can be used to look for leukocyte esterase, an enzyme that is given off by white blood cells.
Urinalysis is a fast and non-invasive procedure that shows right away if inflammation or infection is present. This test is usually advised if patients complain about symptoms such as painful urination, frequent urination, or cloudy urine.
2. Urine Culture Tests
If infection is indicated on urinalysis, a urine culture test is done to specify the type of bacteria responsible for the infection. In this process, your urine is taken and incubated in the laboratory to grow bacteria and is then analysed to determine which antibiotic will be effective. The test is especially significant when you frequently have infections, have antibiotic-resistant bacteria, or have other problems, such as kidney infections.
3. Blood Tests
Blood tests can provide your doctor with more clarity on how your body is handling an infection. A complete blood count (FBC) may be ordered to determine if high pus cells are detected through the urine test. Subsequently, blood tests are necessary when you have fever, pains in the flanks, or when the symptoms are very severe. These tests indicate whether the infection is spreading or attacking your organs.
4. Imaging Studies
Your doctor may recommend imaging such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI if pyuria is persistent or structural disease is suspected. Imaging tests can detect kidney stones, obstructions, tumours or other problems that might be causing the inflammation. Imaging can also be helpful if you have recurrent or complicated infections to guide any treatment you might require.
When Are These Tests Needed?
The necessity to take the pyuria test depends on the symptoms you have, your medical history and lab test reports. Urinalysis (urine analysis) may be adequate in uncomplicated cases, but cultures, blood work, and imaging are usually necessary in the setting of persistent or complicated pyuria. An accurate diagnosis ensures that the treatment is correctly targeted, saves your kidneys, and eliminates any underlying cause that may be responsible for the presence of pus cells in your urine.
Treatment for Pyuria
Treating pyuria is not just about getting rid of the pus cells, but getting rid of the source of the pyuria. The complications related to kidney damage or recurring infections can be prevented with proper management. In this context, here are some common pus cells in urine treatment options you can look at:
1. Antibiotics for Infection
If your pyuria is caused by bacteria, your doctor will probably prescribe antibiotics. The type of bacteria in your urine culture and for how long you take the medicine will be determined by the type of bacteria detected. It is important that you complete the course, even if your symptoms improve, so that the infection is completely cleared and resistance does not develop.
2. Hydration and Intimate Care
Maintaining good hygiene has both health and social advantages. It safeguards you from diseases and brings you closer to people in your surroundings. To do so, you should drink about 3 to 4 litres of water on a daily basis. It also helps to wash out bacteria and pus cells from your urinary tract. Moreover, properly washing your intimate area can lower the chances of any further infections.
3. Symptomatic Relief
While the underlying disease is treated, you might need relief from symptoms such as painful urination, abdominal pain, or fever. In this regard, over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs may be useful, but should be used after consulting with your doctor. You can also take a warm bath to get relief from lower abdominal pain.
4. Medical Consultation
In some instances, the symptoms of pyuria may be indicative of an underlying condition. Thus, treatment for high pus cells in urine often includes a combination of ultrasound, complete blood count test, kidney function test, etc. All of them help to identify the root cause of the infection.
Prevention and Healthy Habits
There are actionable steps you can take to help reduce the likelihood of infections and inflammation. You can prevent pyuria and maintain better urinary tract hygiene by following these habits in your daily routine:
- Maintain Good Hygiene: Wipe from front to back after you use the washroom and clean the genital area often. This lessens the likelihood of bacteria getting into the urinary tract. You should not use harsh soaps or scented products that can irritate the area.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking lots of water will ensure that bacteria and toxins are flushed out of your urinary tract. You should drink at least six to eight glasses of water a day.
- Practice Safe Sex: Use condoms to decrease the risk of STIs, as they can lead to pyuria. Also, urinate soon after sexual intercourse because it reduces the chances of having bacterial infections in the urethra.
- Regular Medical Check-Ups: With urine examinations to detect pus cells, you can identify infections or other urinary tract problems.
- Avoid Consuming Specific Drinks: If coffee, alcohol, and drinks with high acidic content cause urinary discomfort to you, then it’s better to stop consuming them.
Conclusion
If you have pus cells in your urine, it is important to pay attention to your urinary health. While pyuria is not a disease, it is an indicator of something else going on that can be anything from an infection to a chronic disease. Testing, early treatment, and lifestyle changes to help keep skin hydrated, clean and safe are critical to prevent complications.
FAQs
1. What does it mean if pus cells are present in urine?
The presence of pus cells in your urine means that there is inflammation or irritation in the urinary tract. It is an indication that your body is reacting to something that may be wrong.
2. How many pus cells in urine are considered normal?
Usually, urine has a very small number of white blood cells, less than 5-10/HPF on a microscopic examination. Counts in excess of this range are considered abnormal and may suggest pyuria.
3. Can pus cells in urine disappear without treatment?
Well, in mild cases, the number of pus cells may drop off naturally when the underlying cause has been eliminated. However, having a consultation with a doctor is recommended if you notice symptoms of pus cells in your body.
4. What tests confirm pus cells in urine?
Pus cells are found mostly in urinalysis, the microscopic examination, or the dipstick test. If necessary, urine culture, blood work, or imaging is done to try to identify the underlying cause.