A urinary condition called pyuria is defined by elevated white blood cell counts or pus in the urine. If you have burst a pimple, you will notice an off-white or yellowish fluid seeping from the puncture site. We call those fluids pus cells.
Dead white blood cells, or pus cells, can build up in your blood when an infection triggers your immune system. At the site of the illness, these cells produce a yellowish or whitish-yellow fluid high in proteins. Urine may occasionally contain these pus cells. The body produces pus, a thick fluid with germs, dead tissue, and white blood cells, to fight infections.
White blood and pus cells are found in the urine of patients with pyuria. Pyuria comes in two different forms:
Sterile: Pus cells are in the urine, but no bacteria were found.
Non-sterile: In this case, examinations can reveal that the urine contains bacteria and pus cells.
Is it normal for urine to include pus cells?
While some pus cells in the urine are expected, a rapid rise should raise some red flags. Pus in the urine could indicate a urinary tract infection.
What are the Symptoms of Pus Cells in Urine?
The following signs indicate pus cells in the urine:
- Release of dark urine
- Alterations to the colour or consistency of your urine
- The color of your urine is bloody
- An increase in the frequency of urine
- Blood found in the urine
- a burning feeling after urination
- releasing urine with an unpleasant odor
- Breathlessness
- Abdominal pain and surrounding area
- Discomfort in the area around your pelvis
- High temperature
- Vomiting or feeling sick
- Unusual vaginal discharge with an overpowering ammonia-like smell.
What are the Causes of Pus Cells in Urine?
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Germs cause infections of the kidneys, bladder, or urethra.
- pyelonephritis: Urine infections severe enough to induce pus cells and kidney damage are known as pyelonephritis.
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Urine may develop pus cells as a result of certain STIs, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.
- Inflammation: Pus cells in urine can result from urinary tract swelling, similar to that seen in interstitial cystitis.
- Kidney Stones: Pus cells may develop due to kidney stones irritating the urinary canal.
- Prostatitis: Prostate gland swelling or infections, particularly in males, can result in pus cells.
- Hormonal Changes: Pus in the urine can occasionally rise due to hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy.
- Other Health Concerns: Pus cells can also result from certain illnesses involving the immune or urinary systems.
Who is susceptible to pyuria?
While pyuria can affect anyone, the following groups are more susceptible to it:
- People who are born female
- Individuals who are above 45
- Women exhibiting menopausal symptoms
What is the usual range of pus cells in urine?
Between 0 and 5/HPF of pus cells are typically seen in the urine. Anything beyond that is considered pyuria, particularly if it hits 10–12/HPF. You probably have a urinary tract or bacterial infection if you have 10–12 HPF pus cells in your urine. Various circumstances, including hormone imbalances and health problems, can cause the presence of pus cells in your urine.
How can pus cells in urine be Diagnosed?
Pus cells are frequently discovered in urinalysis. In this situation, you should speak with your doctor and order more testing to determine the underlying reason for pus cells in your urine.
Testing may be necessary if pus cells are discovered in urine samples. The number of pus cells in a urine sample is measured under a microscope.
Urine culture: This test determines whether pus cells are present in urine due to a bacterial infection. A sample of the bacteria found in the urine sample is grown to identify the particular type of bacteria causing pyuria.
If the pus cells in your urine result from something other than an infection of the urinary system, you might require extra testing to identify the ailment. These could include complete blood count testing, renal function tests, and ultrasounds. Serious consequences, including septicemia, renal damage, organ failure, and even death, can arise from treating pyuria without intervention. Further studies are required to verify the efficacy of cranberry juice, despite the belief held by some that it can prevent or cure UTIs that result in pyuria.
What is the range of pus cells in children?
The diagnosis of UTI is supported by the presence of pus cells (greater than 10/HPF in male children and 25/hpf in female children) and gram staining of fresh urine samples for gm-ve bacilli. Pyuria may not be present in half of UTI patients.
Parents need to be taught proper perineal hygiene. These are a few easy ways to avoid repeated urinary tract infections, which include using diapers
- cleaning the area around the perineum with water instead of using antiseptics,
- toilet training their children when they are 2-3 years old,
- and teaching them the habit of urinating every 3–4 hours.
- as constipation is linked to recurrent UTIs, parents should counsel their children to consume more fluids,
- eat high-fiber foods, and use mild laxatives or suppositories when they are constipated.
Because the rectum and urethra are neighbors, the same organism that causes UTIs may cause recurrent diarrhea.
Since most cases of diarrhea are caused by viruses, using antibiotics for diarrhea can create resistant strains of the organism that can cause recurring UTIs. As a result, antibiotics should not be used blindly for acute diarrhea in newborns.
Is Pus cell in urine Prevented?
While many infections cannot be prevented entirely, you can reduce risk by avoiding sharing razors, picking at scabs or pimples, and keeping cuts and wounds dry and clean. You may take steps to stop the infection from spreading if you already have an abscess, like not sharing beds or towels.
- Avoid using shared gym equipment and swimming pools where the abscess may come into contact.
- Wash your hands after contracting the abscess.
Problems associated with pyuria
if it’s linked to an underlying medical condition, it might cause issues such as:
- Sepsis
- Low birth weight or preterm birth in expectant mothers
- recurring UTI
- Kidneys failure
Why do pregnant women’s urine contain pus cells?
Hormonal changes during pregnancy frequently cause bacterial growth in the urinary system, which can result in infections and the development of pyuria. Pus cells in the urine are typical during pregnancy. The following are some causes of urinary tract infections that might arise during pregnancy:
- Pregnancy-related hormones like progesterone can alter the urinary system and increase the risk of infection.
- Pregnant women are more likely to get UTIs because their urine contains higher levels of sugar, protein, and hormones.
- Urinary tract infections can result from the pressure the developing fetus puts on the bladder, which traps bacteria.
How Is Pyuria Prevented?
By preventing UTIs, one can avoid pyuria:
The following advice can help you avoid having pus cells in your urine:
- Maintain proper hygiene: Urinary tract infections can be prevented by practicing good personal hygiene, which includes wiping and cleaning oneself from front to back after urinating. It is essential to wash the vaginal area regularly and gently.
- Remain hydrated: Maintaining adequate hydration helps remove microorganisms from your urinary system.
- Put on loose apparel: Choose loose-fitting, breathable clothes to keep your genital area dry and stop bacteria from growing in your urinary tract. Undergarments should be made of cotton.
- Urinating after sexual activity: It helps remove microorganisms from the urinary tract. Furthermore, bathing or cleaning up after sex can lower the risk of urinary tract infections.
- Wear condoms: By drastically lowering the exchange of bodily fluids, condoms help prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly in those who are at risk of getting infected.
Are Pus Cells in urine common?
Urine with pus cells is abnormal and suggests that the urinary tract is infected or inflamed.
What Happens If Urine Is High In Pus Cells?
A large concentration of pus cells in the urine may indicate a higher degree of infection or inflammation in the urinary tract. See a physician to ensure appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Do Pus Cells Cause Damage?
Pus cells are harmless by themselves, but when they show up in urine, there may be an underlying infection or inflammation that, if addressed, might cause serious health issues.