Pus Cell in Urine: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment of Pus Cells

A urinalysis is one of the least expensive, yet very useful diagnostic tests. This analysis is used to detected the presence of any harmful chemical of other unexpected substances in the urine. For example, the urine test can detect substances such as glucose (diabetics), blood (kidney problems), crystals (kidney stones) and also pus cells that indicate some kind of infection in your body.

Pus Cells in Urine

  • The presence of pus cells in the urine indicates an ailment in the body. In medical parlance, passage of pus cells in urine is called Pyuria. Pyuria can be microscopic or gross. With large number of pus cells, the urine may appear turbid or it may be purulent.
  • Pus cells are white blood cells that signify infection in the body, especially if the urine also contains bacteria.
  • Presence of pus cells in the urine may also be a sign of infection or inflammation in the kidneys and bladder. Since the urine has to pass through the kidneys and the bladder, it may pick up some pus cells from there before voiding.
  • The mere presence of pus cells in the urine may not clearly indicate what type of infection or ailment the patient is suffering from. In such cases, urine test for culture and sensitivity is of great help.
  • Further blood tests may be requested to check for certain levels of components and compounds in the blood.

Symptoms of Pus Cells in Urine

There may no be any visible and obvious outward symptom of pus cells in urine. However, some of the common symptoms are:

  • Painful, burning sensation when urinating
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Fever
  • Vomiting

It is critical to identify these symptoms at an early stage so appropriate diagnosis and treatment can be administered.

Causes of Pus Cell in Urine

Possible causes of the presence of pus cells in urine include:

  • Kidney infection
  • Bladder infection
  • Infection in urethra
  • Inflammation due to presence of bladder stones or kidney stones
  • Immune disorders\
  • Allergies or growths anywhere along the genitourinary system

Predisposing factors contributing pus cell in urine:

  • Unhygienic habits
  • Sexual intercourse with an infected person suffering from sexually transmitted disease (STD)
  • Diabetes
  • Pregnancy
  • Sexual perversions
  • Use of catheter
  • Cancer of either urinary organs or the genital organs
  • Use of steroids and immune-suppressant drugs for a long time. This lowers the immunity which may result in recurrent urinary tract infection and pus cells in urine
  • Enlarged prostate in men

Treatment of Pus Cells in Urine

  • Treatment for this condition will depend upon what underlying cause the diagnostic tests reveal. There would be different treatment plans for the varying underlying causes listed above.
  • Most of the time, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics to help control infections, if these are the cause of the pus cells.
  • If the pus cells are due to inflammation because of kidney or bladder stones, then these stones must first be dissolved or removed from the body, before other treatment is provided.
  • Drinking enough water and fluids helps in expelling the pus cells out of the urinary system. Drinking alkaline mixture can give symptomatic relief from burning sensation while urinating. However, fluids by themselves will not eradicate the infection. For treating pus cells in urine, specific antibiotics are needed.

28 thoughts on “Pus Cell in Urine: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment of Pus Cells

  • March 26, 2012 at 11:58 am
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    Large numbers of pus cells are found in my urine report. I have taken antibiotic as well as homeopathic medicine but there is no relief. Sometimes there is burning sensation while passing urine. What may be the reason?

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    • April 3, 2012 at 12:05 pm
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      There are several reasons responsible for pus in urine. It needs to be extensively investigated, especially if it is persistent in large number. It can be urinary tract infection, a stone in the urinary system, there can be a growth in the urinary tract etc. Urine culture, X-ray KUB, CT scan of kidney, Ureter and bladder, sonogram of urinary tract are few tests that can help in detecting presence of any abnormalities. Check your blood sugar level. If you have uncontrolled diabetes, control it with medicines. Drink cranberry juice, plenty of water, coconut water etc as it helps to flush out the germs and correct urine pH.

      Reply
  • April 12, 2013 at 11:07 am
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    If urine analysis shows presence of pus cells with count equal to15-20 pus cells and crystals of calcium oxalate what is the reason? My doctor advised me to take antibiotic (ciprofloxacin type). I am still getting pain in my abdomen.

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    • April 13, 2013 at 1:30 pm
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      I want few more information. What is the red cell count (RBC Count) in urine analysis? Is it for the first time you are suffering from this problem. Plenty of pus cells in urine indicate urinary tract infection. However, it may be associated with a kidney or bladder stone. Check your urine again after you have finished the course of antibiotics. If pus cells persist in large quantity, you may need to do sonography of kidney, ureter and bladder to rule out stone as a cause. Meanwhile drink coconut water twice in a day. Cranberry juice is also effective in treating urinary tract infection along with the prescribed medicines.

      Reply
  • July 2, 2013 at 11:48 am
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    I am 25 years old. My urine report shows epithelial cells 2-4. RBC, bacteria, casts and calcium oxalate are nil. I have been diagnosed with plenty of pus cells in my urine. I do not have any problem of burning sensation on urination. I also drink about 2-3 litres of water daily. What could be the cause of excess pus cells in my urine? What are the remedies?

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  • July 28, 2013 at 7:51 pm
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    I have excessive flow of urine and it is also painful. This has been for the last 5 years. I have gone for urine tests. The pus cell ratio is 3-4. Doctor has given me antibiotic but it has not given me any relief.

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    • August 2, 2013 at 1:06 pm
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      Aside from urinary tract infection, there are several other reasons for pain while passing urine. It can be a stricture in the urethra. Urethra is a tube that through which urine is passed out. Other reason may be due to a stone in urinary bladder. There may be many more reasons, unless you do further tests such as sonography of lower abdomen, urine culture, x ray KUB it is difficult to reason out your problem. Meanwhile you can drink coconut water two times in a day to relieve pain and burning while passing urine. Cranberry juice is also beneficial. Also check your blood for diabetes and Prostate enlargement. The test for benign hypertrophy of prostate is called PSA blood test. This is done in people above the age of 40.

      Reply
  • September 12, 2013 at 8:31 am
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    I have urinary infection problem for the last 5 years. The urine report shows pus cells 20-60 range. When I take medications, the infection goes away only to return one I am off medications. I am 41 years old. I have also done urine culture. How can I get cured of urinary infections for the entire life?

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    • September 12, 2013 at 2:51 pm
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      Bladder infections are caused by bacteria known as E coli. They take up residence in the vagina and consequently make their way upwards in the urinary system. In vagina they are no problem, the trouble begins when they enter urinary tract. There is lot you can do to make UTI less unpleasant. Following tips may be helpful to cure UTI permanently.
      • Drink lots of fluid and water.
      • Eat vegetables and fruits that contain vitamin C. Vitamin C keeps the urine acidic enough to interfere with bacterial growth.
      • Wiping from front to back helps to prevent infection from recurring. This will prevent the bacteria to move away from and not towards the vagina and the opening of urethra.
      • Visit washroom before intercourse this will prevent the bacteria present in vagina to be pushed into the bladder during intercourse. Also go to bathroom after intercourse.
      • If you are using diaphragm if you are using it as a method of birth control.
      • Use sanitary pads instead of tampons.
      • Wear cotton underwear that keeps you dry. Avoid tight pants that decrease free movement of air.
      • Drink coconut water two to three times in a week.
      • If you are diabetic keep good control of diabetes.
      • Practice safe sex methods.
      All the above tips will help you to prevent recurrence of Urinary tract infection.

      Reply
  • October 10, 2013 at 12:52 am
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    I had sent my urine sample in a laboratory yesterday. The result is Puss cells 40to 50, RBC 0-2, and albumin+. I am wondering why the pus cells are so high. Is there any chance that the results are inaccurate? I have no fever, just excessive urination and dysuria, but it is bearable. I am taking antibiotics for 7 days, hope the pus cells will reduce.

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    • October 10, 2013 at 2:01 pm
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      Dysuria (burning and pain during urination) and excessive urination is present when there is infection in urinary tract. Fever may or may not be present on certain occasions. Take your medications as suggested by your doctor. Aside from this, increase your water intake to at least 7 to 8 glass throughout the day. Drink coconut water once in a day it will reduce burning and painful urination. You can also drink cranberry juice as it is time tested home remedy for urinary tract infection. Further if puss cells are in large number after the course of antibiotics, you should do further tests such as sonography of kidney, ureter and bladder, urine culture and sensitivity test etc.

      Reply
  • December 28, 2013 at 9:06 am
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    My father is 58 years old. In his urine report following things is mentioned. Numerous pus cells, albumin present, blood present, nitrite present. Also his white blood cell count is high. He does not suffer from diabetes or blood pressure. He I having fever and burning sensation while urinating. Is it something serious?

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    • January 4, 2014 at 10:23 am
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      Your father is suffering from urinary tract infection. UTI can occur due to many reasons. Urinary stone, bacterial infection from urethra, prostate problem, etc can be the reasons among many. He may have to take a course of antibiotic, but before taking he has to consult his doctor. Meanwhile, certain home remedies may be helpful in relieving burning pain. Drink coconut water two times in a day. Drink cranberry juice as it acts as a mild natural antibiotic. Drink enough water to flush out harmful bacteria from urinary tract. Further tests such as sonogram of KUB (kidney, ureter and bladder) may be required.

      Reply
  • February 14, 2014 at 7:59 am
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    I have mild pain in left lower abdomen which sometimes radiates to left testicle. The urine test is normal. Pus cells are 2-3, RBC-nil, epithelial cells 2-4. Albumin, casts, crystals, bacteria are absent. My physician says it is just weakness. What can cause this problem?

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    • February 15, 2014 at 1:05 pm
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      Pain in left lower abdomen can be due to many reasons such as colitis, constipation, and even a stone in bladder. A sonogram of Kidney, ureter and bladder (KUB) will help to rule out stone in urinary tract. Also check for left inguinal hernia. After examination your doctor may be able to rule out the problem.

      Reply
  • January 14, 2015 at 5:43 am
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    I got my urine test and WBC (pus cells) is 20 – 25. RBC is 0-3, the attending nurse said I must consult a doctor. I am 32 years old and married since 3 years. I don’t feel any pain in my abdomen or even when urinating. What could this possibly mean?

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    • January 14, 2015 at 4:02 pm
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      There are many causes of raised WBC in urine. Urinary tract infection and kidney stones are the major causes. In urinary tract infection caused due bacteria there is associated burning and pain while urinating in most cases. You are not having this symptom, so probably stone in urinary tract may be the cause. However, to confirm the diagnosis you have to consult your doctor. Few home remedies may help such as:
      • Drink enough water throughout the day.
      • Drink cranberry juice as it helps to flush out bacteria from the urinary system.
      • Eat one cup of yogurt daily.

      Reply

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