Pus Cells in Urine: What Causes It & How It’s Diagnosed

Have you ever tracked shifts in your urine, such as cloudiness, strong odour, or pain during urination? These symptoms may indicate an infection; an infection can be tracked by the common sign: pus cells. 

It is abnormal to have pus cells in urine; a higher amount indicates deeper health problems. Pus and an abnormal amount signal a health disorder on many levels. If you want to learn more about pus cells, why they show up in urine, and how you get diagnosed, let’s go deeper into the subject.  

What Are Pus Cells? 

Pus cells are a high concentration of dead white blood cells (WBCs) that crowd an infected area, which the immune system tries to combat. If the bacteria, viruses or fungi are strong enough to need more WBCs, abundant pus forms a thick white fluid, usually stored in a wound or some form of infection. 

In the instance of pus cells in the urine, it signifies ongoing fight against infection in the urinary tract organs, kidneys, or bladder. It is also possible to have pus cells without infection, thus making diagnosis very important. 

Is It Normal to Have Pus Cells in Urine? 

Yes, excess pus cells in urine are indicative of something serious, but a few cells are reasonable. Urine samples from healthy individuals include some pus cells, but significantly large amounts point towards infection or other medical illnesses. 

Pus Cells in Urine Normal Range 

The normal range of pus cells in urine for males is 0-5 per high power field (HPF), and for females is 0-10 HPF. An even higher concentration may suggest an infection or another disease. 

Pus cells in urine during pregnancy can be slightly more due to higher hormonal levels and increased blood circulation to the kidneys. An extremely elevated number of pus cells, however, may indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI) that requires immediate attention to avoid further complications. 

So, how to reduce pus cells in urine? Well! Drinking sufficient water, maintaining proper sanitation, and administering antibiotics may assist in reducing pus cells in urine. 

Symptoms That Indicate You Should Get Tested 

• Having a burning feeling when urinating 
• Strong and pungent smelling urine 
• Having blood show in urine 
• Murky and cloudy colour to urine 
• The need to pee more often 

Fever, fever like chills, or feeling pain towards lower kidneys 

Which Factors Contribute to Increase Pus Cells in Urine? 

• Urinary Tract Infection: Bacteria making an infection in the urinary system causes an abrasion followed by an inflammation of the urinary tract which can sometimes lead to pus cells in urine. Some symptoms include, frequent need to urinate, burning while urinating, and cloudy urine. 
• Pyelonephritis: If UTI reaches the kidneys it can result in pus cells in urine most especially when there is severe kidney infection. Other accompany this type of infection includes back pain, fever, chills, and nausea. 
• Sexually Transmitted Infection: Some sexually transmitted diseases, for instance, Gonorrhea and Chlamydia, are also responsible for having increased the number of pus cells in urine from inflammation of the urinary tract. 
• Kidney Stones: Pus is formed in urine as a result of irritation and inflammation of the urinary tract due to blockage of kidney stones. 
• Autoimmune Disorders: An elevation of white blood cells in the urine resulting from constant bladder inflammation is the pick of autoimmune diseases like lupus or interstitial cystitis. 
• Medications: Some medications such as NSAIDs, diuretics, and certain antibiotics, may cause inflammation in the kidneys and lead to the formation of pus peeking into the urine, indicating a potential problem with the kidneys. 

How Are Pus Cells in Urine Diagnosed? 

If there is pus in the urine, the most common bladder and kidney infection will need an investigation and a proper checkup to understand the root cause. To check it, follow the steps below: 

1) Urine Analysis 

Abnormalities in pus cells and bacterial presence will lead to a routine urine check, and if it shows high readings, more tests will be needed to understand the situation better. 

2) Urine Culture 

If bacteria is suspected of causing problems, identifying them becomes important and in this way, a targeted treatment can be defined so that a culture can be done. 

3) Blood Tests 

In more serious cases, results from these tests can display an out-of-control infection, presenting markers of the body having poor inflammation control and kidney damage. These blood tests offer a means of controlling infection through steps already outlined above. 

4) Imaging Tests (Ultrasound or CT Scan) 

Imaging tests, such as ultrasound or CT scans, are used to aid in diagnosis in case of kidney stone suspicion or spreading infection to the kidneys as they help visualize internal obstructions or irregular growths. 

How Can You Prevent Pus Cells in Urine? 

Maintaining urinary health will be advantageous if you want to avoid pus cells in urine. Consider adopting the following tips: 

• Hygiene – The use of the toilet requires proper care so that bacteria do not enter. Proper wiping ensures that directions are attended to front to back. 
• Urinate After Intercourse – Doing so helps in the clearing of bacteria from the urinary system and helps in preventing bladder infections. 
• Avoid Irritants – Scented soaps and too much feminine hygiene can disrupt the delicate balance of good and bad bacteria down there. 
• Manage Chronic Conditions – Keeping a check on your immune system and weaknesses will lower infection risk if you have diabetes and other chronic conditions. 
• Take Prescribed Medications as Directed – Follow your doctor’s treatment plan after recurrent infections to help your body heal. 

Treatment for Pus Cells in Urine 

The underlying reason determines the treatment. Here’s how doctors typically manage it: 

• Antibiotics – If pus is due to a bacterial infection, antibiotics can be used to treat the infection. Make sure to complete the medication as prescribed. 
• Antifungal Medications – Antifungals may be helpful if the underlying issue is a fungal infection. 
• Hydration & Lifestyle Changes – Leading a good hygiene practice and drinking a substantial amount of fluids may lower the chance of getting infected. 
• Treatment for Underlying Conditions – These problems must be tackled head-on in case of kidney stones, autoimmune diseases, or STI ulcers. 

Conclusion

The presence of pus cells in urine is a strong red flag. Maintaining some skeleton conditions like pus cells in urine within the normal range along with the diagnosis says proactive actions can be taken to guarantee bladder wellbeing. 

You can take endeavouring steps to ensure health without risk. If pus cells persist, book an appointment today to ascertain the appropriate healing method. To receive prompt treatment to treat pus cells concern yourself, Pathkind Labs offers a Urine Routine and Microscopic Examination. Book now!