What is pus cells in urine

Pyuria is a condition characterised by high levels of white blood cells or pus in the urine. The following article will provide an overview of pyuria, including its definition, causes, and prevalence.

What is Pyuria?

Pyuria is a urinary condition characterised by the presence of high levels of white blood cells or pus in the urine. Pus is a thick fluid that contains white blood cells, dead tissue, and bacteria, and is produced by the body to fight off infections. Pyuria is diagnosed when there are 10 or more white blood cells per cubic millimetre of urine.

Sterile Pyuria:

Sterile pyuria is a subtype of pyuria that occurs when white blood cells are present in the urine, but a doctor cannot detect bacteria.

What causes pus?

Pus is formed as a result of the body’s immune response to an infection caused by bacteria or fungi that enter the body through broken skin, inhalation of droplets, or poor hygiene. The immune system sends white blood cells called neutrophils to destroy the invading microorganisms, leading to the death of some neutrophils and surrounding tissue. This dead material accumulates to form pus. Infections caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes are known to produce pus due to the toxins they release, which damage tissue.

Who is Affected by Pyuria?

Anyone can develop pyuria, but it is more common in women, especially those who are over 45 or experiencing menopause. Pyuria may indicate the presence of various health conditions, but it frequently appears alongside urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are prevalent health issues. Each year, 8 to 10 million people receive treatment from a doctor for a UTI.

Where does pus form?

Pus is typically found in an abscess, which is a space or cavity formed by damaged tissue. Abscesses can develop on the surface of the skin or within the body. Some areas of the body are more susceptible to bacterial infections, including the urinary tract, mouth, skin, and eyes. For instance, urinary tract infections are primarily caused by Escherichia coli, which is commonly found in the colon. Dental abscesses can form near the tooth’s root or gums due to untreated cavities or cracks. Boils, infected hair follicles, and severe acne can lead to skin abscesses. Eye infections, such as pink eye, and other eye conditions, such as blocked tear ducts or foreign objects, can also cause pus to form.

Prevalence of Pyuria

Pyuria is a relatively common condition. Nearly 14% of women and people assigned female at birth experience sterile pyuria, while 2.6% of men and people assigned male at birth have this condition. Sterile pyuria can result from a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or other infections.

Symptoms and Odour

In case you experience pyuria as a symptom of a urinary tract infection, you may notice that your urine has a pungent smell similar to that of ammonia. Ammonia has a powerful and recognizable odor that can cause irritation to the mucous membranes in your nose. It is a common ingredient in several cleaning products.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Pyuria

To diagnose pyuria, a doctor can perform a urinalysis by testing your urine sample for white blood cells, bacteria, and blood. The treatment for pyuria depends on the underlying cause. UTIs, bacterial STIs, or tuberculosis are typically treated with antibiotics, which should be completed in full even if the symptoms subside. If pyuria persists after completing antibiotics, it is important to consult a doctor to determine if another condition is the cause.

Leaving pyuria untreated can result in serious complications, such as septicemia, kidney damage, organ failure, and even death. Although some believe that cranberry juice can prevent or treat UTIs that cause pyuria, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness. Therefore, individuals with pyuria should discuss appropriate treatment options with their doctor.

What questions should I ask a doctor?

If you have been diagnosed with pyuria, you may want to ask your doctor some important questions, such as

• How they arrived at the diagnosis?
• What other conditions could be causing your symptoms?
• How you may have contracted the infection?
• What treatments do they recommend?
• It is also important to ask about the dosage and schedule for medication, proper storage of the medication.
• When to expect improvement, and whether a follow-up appointment is necessary?

Who should you consult with for pus in the urine?

You may want to ask if you should see a specialist, such as a urologist or a nephrologist, for further evaluation and treatment.

Can pus be prevented?

Although some infections are inevitable, you can lower your risk by taking the following steps: keeping cuts and wounds clean and dry, refraining from sharing razors, and avoiding picking at pimples or scabs. If you already have an abscess, there are ways to prevent the infection from spreading, such as not sharing towels or bedding, washing your hands after touching the abscess, and avoiding communal swimming pools and shared gym equipment that may come in contact with the abscess.

Conclusion

Pyuria is a urinary condition characterised by the presence of high levels of white blood cells or pus in the urine. It can indicate the presence of several health conditions, and it often appears alongside UTIs. Anyone can develop pyuria, but it is more common in women, especially those who are over 45 or experiencing menopause. If you are experiencing symptoms of pyuria, it is essential to seek medical advice promptly.

People also ask

Is pus cells in urine normal?

Pus cells in urine are not normal and indicate the presence of an infection or inflammation in the urinary tract.

What if pus cells are high in urine?

If the level of pus cells in urine is high, it may indicate a more severe infection or inflammation in the urinary tract. A doctor should be consulted for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Are pus cells harmful?

Pus cells themselves are not harmful, but their presence in urine indicates the presence of an underlying infection or inflammation that could lead to health complications if left untreated.

How can reduce pus cells in urine?

The treatment for reducing pus cells in urine depends on the underlying cause. Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat bacterial infections, while antifungal medication may be prescribed for fungal infections. Drinking plenty of water and practicing good hygiene can also help prevent urinary tract infections. It is important to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.