Pus Cells in Urine – Causes, Symptoms, Ranges & Treatment

The whitish-yellow or yellowish-colored fluid cells present in the urine are known as pus cells. It is however normal for these cells to be present in the urine, but higher than normal amounts of these cells may indicate an infection or a disease such as STD, sepsis, or kidney dysfunction. To rule out the possibility of any disease, a urine test should be taken in time. 

There are various causes behind these health problems such as UTIs, STIs, kidney stones, inflammatory conditions, tuberculosis, autoimmune disease, urinary tract stones, etc. A timely urine analysis is important for people experiencing this condition to fight with the complexity of the diseases or infections.

What are pus cells in urine or pyuria?

Another name for pus cells in urine is pyuria, a health condition where dead white blood cells are excreted from the urine, altering the texture and color. Although, some amount of dead white blood cells is always found in urine, but if the quantity is in excess, it might be a cause of concern There are two types of pyurias that is found in the urine; sterile and non-sterile. Sterile pyuria has no amount of pathogen, whereas non-sterile has presence of pathogens.

To be noted, sometimes even when the urine shows sterile pyuria, there still be an undiagnosed infection present which can only be detected with the help of a test. Additional tests could help in diagnosing the bacterial or viral infection, followed by a specific treatment. The infections could also be due to a kidney problem or UTI, for which a urine test or analysis is recommended by the doctor.

What are the causes and symptoms of pus cells in urine?

There are various causes behind the presence of excess pus cells in urine and a number of symptoms that signify the need of a urine test. Some of them are listed below:

Causes

·       Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), for e.g., gonorrhea

·       Kidney diseases

·       Pneumonia

·       Tuberculosis

·       Sepsis

·       Urinary tract stones

·       Penicillin antibiotics

·       Polycystic kidney disease

·       Autoimmune disease

·       Prostatitis

·       Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

·       Tumor in urinary tract

·       Diuretics

·       Parasites

·       Consumption of ibuprofen or aspirin

Symptoms

·       Change in the texture and color of urine

·       Cloudy urine

·       Blood in urine

·       Burning sensation while peeing

·       Frequent urination

·       Shortness of breath

·       Fever

·       Nausea & vomiting

·       Abnormal discharge from vagina

·       Pain in the abdomen & surrounding area

·       Pain in pelvis

·       Urine with a foul smell

Normal range of pus cells in urine

It is important to note that, presence of a small amount of pus cells in urine is not abnormal, but an excess amount signifies the presence of a disease or infection. The normal range of pus cells in urine is different for men and women. For men, the normal range is less than 4/HPF, and for women, the normal range is 5 to 7 cells/HPF.

If this number changes, the difference is visible in the urine itself. The color, texture, and smell of the urine changes and it becomes thicky. Therefore, if you notice these changes, you must consider getting tested or consult a doctor.

When should you see a doctor or get tested?

Although, some amount of pus cells in urine is a normal occurrence but if the excess is present, it will change a lot in the composition of your urine and make it thick and cloudy like a puss. The color and smell of the urine will also change if excess puss cells are present. At this point of time, you should get yourself tested to find the underlying cause or consult a doctor to understand the next steps.

Diagnosis of pus cells in urine

If you’re experiencing symptoms such as frequent urination, abdominal pain, fever, nausea, blood in urine, burning sensation while peeing, pain in pelvis and its surrounding region, etc. you are probably at a high risk of having pyuria. You can obtain surety by getting a diagnosis to prevent further complications. The diagnosis can be done in the following ways:

• Urine Test - A complete urine test or urine analysis is the first way to find out the pus cells in urine that are in excess amounts. In this test, the urine sample is taken and observed under a microscope to find out the exact quantity of pus cells in urine.

• Urine Culture – In some cases, there is a possibility of a bacterial infection that is responsible for pus cells in urine. A urine culture is done to find out the bacteria that is causing the problem.

• Additional Tests – When the pus cells are not because of a UTI, but some other underlying cause, there might be a requirement of additional tests to find out the same. These additional tests may include kidney function test, CBCs, etc.

What is the treatment for pus cells in urine?

Having pyuria or pus cells in urine is not a disease per se but an indication of an underlying condition that should be treated in time. To maintain good urinary health, early diagnosis and treatment goes a long way. This health problem can be treated in the following ways:

• Medication: Medicines such as antibiotics and antifungal medicines are prescribed for bacterial infections and fungal infections. These medications fight and eliminate the bacteria or fungus that Is causing pyuria. The presence of bacterial or fungal infection is found out with the help of a urine test or urine culture. With the help of the test and medication, bacterial and fungal infections can be eliminated to cure urinary function.

• Lifestyle changes: Other than tests and medicines, some healthy lifestyle changes can also be introduced to prevent such health issues. Lifestyle modifications such as eating a nutrient-rich diet, staying well hydrated, avoiding soaps or scented products in the genital region, maintaining personal hygiene, etc. are useful.

Tips to reduce pus cells in urine

There are some beneficial tips that help in reducing the pus cells in urine. These are as follows:

• Staying hydrated
• Consuming green tea
• Taking painkillers, as and when required, but avoid using excess of it. Go for a doctor’s consultation before taking medicines.
• Applying a warm compress in the affected area
• Consuming cranberry juice

Conclusion

The condition of pyuria is not an alarming health situation, but it can be a discomfort in normal day-to-day function. When the range of pus cells is higher than 4, which is a normal range, it could indicate that there is an infection. This infection could be due to many reasons such as UTIs, STIs, kidney disease, parasites, autoimmune diseases, etc. When this infection happens, you might experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, change in the color of urine, blood in urine, fever, nausea, shortness of breath, cloudy urine, etc. 

To understand the actual cause behind it, tests such as urine tests, urine cultures, and additional tests can be taken as prescribed by your doctor. The test is done by using a sample of urine and testing it under a microscope to find out the actual number of pus cells. On the basis of the test, medications may be prescribed to you such as painkillers, antibiotics or anti-bacterial, and antifungal medicines. A test and treatment in time can help improve the health of urinary tract sooner than later.