The presence of pus cells in urine can be concerning, yet it is a common finding that signals the body’s response to an underlying issue. This condition, medically termed pyuria, indicates that further investigation is necessary to determine its cause.
Understanding Pus Cells
Pus cells are white blood cells (leukocytes), a part of the body’s immune system. These cells are produced in the bone marrow and circulate throughout the bloodstream and tissues, defending the body against infections and inflammation. Their presence in urine (pyuria) signifies the body is actively responding to an issue within the urinary tract or related systems. While a very small number might be observed in a normal urine sample, an elevated count indicates an underlying health problem. This elevation suggests an immune response, often due to an infection or inflammation.
Common Reasons for Their Presence
The most frequent reason for pus cells in urine is a urinary tract infection (UTI), which can affect any part of the urinary system, including the bladder (cystitis), urethra (urethritis), or kidneys (pyelonephritis). When bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, enter and multiply in the urinary tract, they trigger an immune response, leading to an increase in white blood cells and pus in the urine.
Kidney stones can also cause pus cells. These hard mineral deposits can cause irritation and inflammation within the urinary tract, and obstruct urine flow, increasing the risk of infection. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia and gonorrhea can also cause urethral inflammation, resulting in pus cells in a urine sample. Inflammation in nearby areas, such as urethritis or vaginitis, can also lead to white blood cells being detected in urine.
Less common causes include non-infectious inflammatory conditions like interstitial cystitis, a chronic bladder condition, or certain kidney diseases. Systemic infections like pneumonia or certain autoimmune diseases can also contribute to elevated pus cell levels in urine.
When to Seek Medical Attention
The presence of pus cells in urine, especially when accompanied by symptoms, requires medical evaluation. Common symptoms include painful urination (dysuria), increased frequency or urgency, cloudy or foul-smelling urine. Other symptoms include lower abdominal or pelvic pain, lower back pain, fever, or chills.
Detecting pus cells in urine is a sign, not a definitive diagnosis; a medical assessment is necessary to identify the underlying cause. Healthcare providers diagnose the cause through urine tests, such as a urine culture to identify specific bacteria, and sometimes blood tests or imaging studies. Treatment for pyuria depends on the underlying condition. For bacterial infections, antibiotics are commonly prescribed, while other conditions like kidney stones or inflammatory issues may require different medications or procedures. If pus cells are detected in a urine test, or if any suggestive symptoms are experienced, consulting a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment is essential.