What is the PUS Cells in Urine Normal Range? What is the Diagnosis?

Time to read 7 min

When getting a PUS test done you should know the PUS cells in urine normal range so that you're aware of any potential bacterial infections that may be present. The presence of PUS cells in the urine sample, along with the count of the number of PUS cells in urine is indicative of higher white blood cells which could be because of infection or inflammation.

What is the PUS cells normal range?

The normal range of PUS cells in urine are 0 - 5 per HPF (high power field microscope), and this range can differ between men, women, and children. A higher than normal range can indicate a urinary tract infection UTI or other issues in the urinary tract.

What are PUS cells?

PUS cells are also called pyuria and denote a urinary condition in which there is elevation in WBC counts. It can be a thick and colourless fluid that can consist of dead cells, tissue lining, WBCs, etc. You can get tested for your PUS cells count when you are experiencing the symptoms of an infection.

Are there different types of PUS cells?

Yes there are two types of PUS cells that you should be aware of, so that you can take the right measures to initiate treatment.

Sterile Pyuria

In the case of sterile pyuria, there is no detectable bacteria that is present in the urine. This may be because of medication as well.

Non-Sterile Pyuria

In the case of non-sterile pyuria, your doctor can immediately detect the bacteria in the PUS cells. This helps them identify the type of infection and start treatment.

What is the diagnosis for high levels of PUS cells?

The presence of PUS cells can indicate the existence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) or undiagnosed febrile illnesses, which would require treatment and immediate attention. They may be asymptomatic or show symptoms of infection, in which case a complete blood test may be required to diagnose further.

You may also have other reasons apart from an infection or inflammation, that could lead to higher PUS cells. Sepsis, pneumonia, cystitis, kidney stones, STDs, and other issues could be behind the elevation in PUS cells.

What are the signs of an infection?

You should be careful of the following signs of an infection when you are ill.

Pain while urinating

You may experience pain during urination, which may last for several weeks. You should check your PUS cells count in your urine test.

Frequent urge to pee

A key symptom of a UTI is the need to pee frequently. You may also have to go the restroom for longer periods as well.

Burning sensation

If you are experiencing a burning sensation while peeing, then you may need to get a complete urine analysis done.

Swelling sensation

Swelling in the pelvic region may be a critical indication of a urinary infection.

Headaches

You may experience headaches as a result of a UTI or other infections.


Fever

You may also get a strong fever that is unexplainable by other causes.


Foul smelling urine

You may have a cloudy or foul smelling urine present, which may be indicative of a urine infection.

Presence of blood

The presence of blood may be a sign of a urine infection, in which case a complete urine analysis should be done.

Understanding the risk factors of infections during pregnancy

Urine infections can lead to a range of risk factors for the individual. You should be mindful of your PUS levels and start treatment for any potential infection risk if you are pregnant.


Risk of premature birth

There is a strong risk of premature birth when it comes to elevated PUS cells, as there could be an underlying issue.

High BP

Higher than normal blood pressure is a key risk factor when there is an elevation in PUS count beyond normal ranges.

Severe fever post-delivery

You may also have severe fever after delivery, which is a critical risk factor.

Anaemia

There is higher risk of developing anaemia if there is an underlying infection or condition present.

IUGR

Pregnant women may have a higher risk of Intrauterine growth retardation present if there is higher PUS cells detected.

Conclusion: Pus Cells in Urine Normal Range and Diagnosis

The presence of pus cells inside the urine has been considered a significant urinary health indicator. More often than not, an increased number of pus cells in the urine suggests an associated medical illness. Usually, the normal ranges of pus cells in urine are 0 to 5 pus cells per high power field (HPF) in a urine test.


Anything above this range of pus cells inside the urine is generally considered abnormal and warrants further investigation. It’s crucial to understand what pus cells in urine signify, their causes, and the steps for diagnosis and treatment.

The Significance of Pus Cells inside Urine

Pus cells in urine represent dead white blood cells, which appear in response to infection and inflammation in the urinary tract. 


The presence of pus cells inside the urine sample may be a sign of infections such as the urinary tract infection (UTI), sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or other forms of inflammation in a urinary tract.


Pyuria is associated with white blood cells found in urine and points towards their role in combating infections.


The presence of pus cells in urine above the normal range may cause cloudy, pungent-smelling urination, urinating pain, or the inability to hold urine.

 

Furthermore, the urine test as well as a detailed medical history can help diagnose the underlying cause of high pus cells in urine.

Diagnosis of Pus Cells in Urine

It diagnoses the existence of pus cells in urine through urinalysis, examining the count of pus cells inside the collected urine sample. Any count beyond the normal range of pus cells in urine is a sign of severe abnormality and requires the advice of a doctor. 


The normal urine range for pus cells forms a basis of estimating abnormalities. A healthcare professional can determine the underlying cause, whether it is the urinary tract infection, inflammation in the urinary tract, or a more serious condition.


Sometimes, additional diagnostic tests include blood work, imaging studies, and/or urine cultures that may be necessary to establish what type of infection and inflammation is causing a patient to have pus cells in the urine.

Causes and Symptoms of Pyuria

Pyuria is pyocyturia, or a high number of pus cells within the urine. It could stem from a bacterial infection, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI), STIs, or from non-infectious causes that may relate to kidney stones or autoimmune disorders. 


Symptoms include pain while urinating, pelvic pain, or a fever, depending on the severity of the infection and inflammation within the urinary tract.


It becomes necessary to consult a doctor whenever the symptom of pyuria is realized or an infection is suspected. This allows early diagnosis or treatment in order to avoid complications and reduce pus cells in urine.

Reduction of Pus Cells in Urine

The only way to decrease the number of pus cells in urine is by eliminating the cause. Usually, treatment of pyuria and pus cells in urine is directed toward antibiotics in cases of infection, anti-inflammatory medication, or lifestyle modifications that improve urinary health. 


Drinking plenty of water, maintaining good hygiene, and seeking timely medical care are critical steps to reducing pus cells in the urine.


In cases of UTIs, which is the most common cause of pus cells in urine, treatment with antibiotics can significantly reduce the presence of pus cells. For STIs, specific antiviral or antibacterial treatments can be effective.


 If kidney stones or other non-infectious causes are identified, appropriate interventions will be required.

Who is Affected by Pyuria?

Anyone can experience pyuria, but some are more susceptible. The groups of people usually at risk include the women, especially those of reproductive age, who are more susceptible to urinary tract infections and pyuria because they have a shorter urethra. 

Pregnant women, elderly individuals, and people with weakened immune systems can also experience infections in the urinary tract and an increased number of pus cells in their urine.


Children and male population, though less common, also experience pyuria due to congenital anomalies, prostatic disorders, or infections. 


There is a need for those populations to pay attention to changes in their bodies and see a doctor when they feel there is an issue with the healthiness of the urinary system.

Why It's Important to Address Pus Cells in Urine

Failure to diagnose pus cells in urine can affect the patient. If left, conditions that can lead to seriousness, such as UTIs or inflammation in the urinary tract, can lead to kidney infection or systemic infections. 


Calculating the number of pus cells in urine using a urine test and resolving the problem is necessary for preventing long-term health hazards.

Takeaway

The standard amount of pus cells in urine acts as a criterion for detection and treatment of conditions affecting the urinary tract. 


Pyuria is an indicator that puts a person's concern under the conclusion that an infection or inflammation is occurring, since a normal number of pus cells in urine is exceeded. 

Knowing the causes of pyuria, whether it is a urinary tract infection, STI, or an additional condition, can help in proper diagnosis and treatment.


Any sort of changes in urinary health including cloudy urine, pain during urination should be consulted with a doctor. 


The first line of investigating the presence of pus cells in urine would be a urine test, and with proper treatment, pus cells in urine could be minimized and the patient's urinary health could be recovered.


Put together, pus cells in urine form an important sign for urinary health. If one knows the amount of pus cells present within normal limits and is aware of some symptoms of pyuria, then the people can get proper treatment for their underlying conditions. 


No matter whether it is a urinary tract infection, inflammation, or something else, early intervention prevents complications and promotes overall well-being.


* Medical Disclaimer  - The following information is for educational purposes only. No information provided on this website, including text, graphic, and images, are intended as substitutes for professional medical advice. Please consult with your doctor about specific medical advice pertaining to your condition(s).

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