Pyuria: Definition, causes, treatment & more

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Overview

Pyuria is a disorder that affects the urinary tract and is associated with white blood cells. A test of your urine can provide your physician with the necessary information to diagnose this illness.

If there are at least 10 white blood cells present in each cubic millimeter of urine, your medical professional will diagnose you with pyuria. This is frequently a sign of infection. In contrast, tests conducted on patients with sterile pyuria reveal continuous white cell numbers in the absence of bacterial infection.

This condition can have a wide variety of origins and can be treated in a variety of ways. Find out more information about pyuria, including how it can be treated and how it can be avoided.

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Causes

Pyuria almost always results from an infection of the urinary system, also known as a UTI.

Other possible causes of pyuria include the following:

sterile pyuria is a form of urinary tract infection (UTI) in which there are no bacteria found in the urine despite the presence of UTI symptoms.

illnesses that are passed on by sexual contact, often known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), include chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, human papillomavirus infection, syphilis, trichomonas, mycoplasma, and HIV.

Infections caused by viruses, including adenoviruses, BK polyomaviruses, and cytomegaloviruses

cystitis of the interstitial spaces

uncomfortable bladder syndrome

genital and pelvic infections

illnesses that occur within the abdomen

pneumonia

sepsis

cystitis caused by radiation

Objects that do not belong in the urinary tract

transvaginal mesh

urinary fistulas

illnesses that are fundamental to the kidneys

kidney transplant rejection

tuberculosis

disorder characterised by the presence of polycystic kidneys

kidney stones

infections caused by fungi

autoimmune disorders, such as Kawasaki disease

Use of the following medications over an extended period of time can also lead to pyuria:

antibacterial drugs that contain penicillin

aspirin

diuretics

olsalazine

nitrofurantoin

medications that aren’t steroids and don’t cause inflammation, including ibuprofen and naproxen (Advil, Motrin)

proton pump inhibitors

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Symptoms

A urinary tract infection (UTI) could cause the following symptoms:

frequent urination

blood was found in the urine.

urine that is hazy

stinging or burning sensations while urinating

Pyuria that is not caused by a UTI can exhibit the same symptoms as a UTI. You might have observed:

bladder pain

symptoms such as nausea or vomiting, which could indicate kidney problems.

urine that is hazy

discharge

abdominal pain

both a fever and chills

There are instances of pyuria in which no symptoms are present. It is critical to have a urine test performed once a year in order to identify any potential problems.

determinants of risk

Pyuria is more likely to occur in females than it is in males. Pyuria is another condition that is more common among senior citizens. Sterile pyuria is more prevalent in women of advanced age. This is linked to a decrease in heterogenization levels occurring as a result of natural processes. Menopause, which is associated with an increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), is another condition that can raise the risk of pyuria in women.

Your likelihood of developing pyuria may also be raised if you engage in sexual activity. Pyuria can be brought on by a number of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including chlamydia. Sexual activity might also put you at a higher risk for urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Diagnosis

A test performed on a urine sample, known as a urinalysis, will allow your doctor to diagnose pyuria. A laboratory professional will investigate the sample to determine whether or not it contains bacteria, blood, and white blood cells. White blood cells are seen in every case of pyuria, however, bacteria and blood aren’t always present in the urine samples that are taken. Your doctor will be able to discover the particular cause of the pyuria by looking at the amounts of these substances.

The presence of nitrites or leukocytes in the urine is diagnostic of a urinary tract infection (UTI). If a urinalysis does not reveal the presence of these components, your physician would most likely search for other indications of pyuria, such as counts of white blood cells.

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Treatment

The treatment for pyuria is determined by the underlying cause. Antibiotics are the standard course of treatment for a urinary tract infection (UTI). These can be consumed by mouth for a period of up to two weeks. Treatment for pyuria brought on by a fungal infection typically entails the use of antifungal drugs.

Pyuria that does not respond to antibiotic treatment may have additional factors contributing to its development. For instance, immunoglobulins are utilized in the treatment of Kawasaki disease.

It is possible that quitting certain prescription pharmaceuticals will resolve recurrent occurrences of pyuria that are caused by those prescriptions. It’s possible that your doctor will suggest another make or variety in its stead.

Complications

Pyuria can lead to additional health issues if it is not addressed in a timely manner. Due to the fact that the majority of instances are caused by an infection of some kind, this can spread throughout the body. Infections that are not treated can result in blood poisoning and the failure of organs. Untreated urinary tract infections (UTIs) pose a risk of causing irreversible kidney damage. Pyuria can be lethal if it is allowed to progress untreated in severe situations.

It is possible that receiving an inaccurate diagnosis could make therapy more difficult. The use of an antibiotic to treat pyuria can, in some instances, make the illness much more severe. It is possible that this is due to the fact that many of the symptoms of pyuria are actually linked to inflammation rather than a bacterial infection.

Pyuria in pregnancy

Pyuria is something that can show up on a regular uranalysis if you are pregnant. Pyuria is quite frequent during pregnancy, despite the fact that this may cause some concern. It may occur as a result of an abnormally large amount of vaginal discharge. If your test shows that you have pyuria, your physician will need to establish the underlying cause before he or she can advise you on the most effective course of therapy. Even though vaginal discharge has the potential to contaminate urine findings, it is still essential to determine whether or not you have a urinary tract infection (UTI) or another kind of infection.

Pyuria isn’t normally anything to worry about when it occurs in pregnant women. On the other hand, it could put both you and your unborn child at risk for additional health concerns if it is misdiagnosed or not addressed. Pyuria of severe severity, when accompanied by an untreated urinary tract infection (UTI), has been linked to preterm birth and low birth weight in full-term infants.

Conclusion

Pyuria can have a positive or negative outcome, depending on the underlying cause as well as how quickly the condition is addressed and treated. If treated quickly, it is possible for the majority of patients to recover completely. It is possible that you will experience recurrent bouts of pyuria if you suffer from recurrent UTIs or any other diseases that are chronic or persistent.

The most effective course of action is to keep track of your symptoms and consult a medical professional whenever you notice anything that doesn’t seem or feel quite right. It is essential that older people, who are likely to be more susceptible to the development and subsequent consequences of pyuria, receive treatment as quickly as possible. Your primary care physician may suggest that you see a urologist in order to receive a diagnosis and therapy that is more precise.