Pus Cells in Urine: Normal Range, Causes, Tests, and Treatment
Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology | November 24, 2023
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You may have seen pus cells, an off-white fluid that secretes from the injured site, usually from a popped pimple. Excess pus from any incision or wound indicates you have suffered an infection, which your immune system is actively fighting. Simply put, it’s a sign your white blood cells have fought the infection successfully. Our immune system releases white blood cells to the target site if it notices a virus, bacteria, or any pathogen within your system. The pus color could also vary from off-white to yellowish to brown.
But what if these pus cells are found in urine? Is it normal? Or does it indicate an underlying medical condition?
What are Pus Cells in Your Urine?
Pus in the urine is called pyuria. Some of it is considered normal, as these are just the dead white blood cells, but if they are found in excess, you might need to get the screening. Pyuria is also classified into two types: sterile and non-sterile pyuria.
- Sterile Pyuria – Pus cells are present, but no bacteria or pathogens are detected in the urine.
- Non-Sterile Pyuria – Pus cells are found alongside a bacterial or viral infection.
Note that it’s possible that your urine shows sterile pyuria, but you have a viral infection or an undetected bacterial infection. These tests might not diagnose all kinds of infections, which is why further testing is necessary to identify the root cause of the issue and determine the most effective treatment.
Are Pus Cells in Urine Normal?
As mentioned previously, some pus cells in your urine are considered normal, but an excess of them can indicate a medical concern, like a problem in kidney function or a urinary tract infection. The doctor will recommend a urine analysis test to determine the quantity and type of pus cells present.
In rare cases, pus cells in urine might indicate sepsis. It’s best to consult a healthcare specialist to get a proper diagnosis. They might recommend a few crucial tests to determine the cause of the pus in the urine and diagnose the underlying medical condition. If you notice cloudy urine or a sudden change in urine color, see a urologist immediately.
The pus cells normal range in urine is between 0 and 5/HPF. Anything above that, especially if it reaches 10–12/HPF, is considered an infection. If your urine analysis shows 10–12 HPF pus cells, you have most likely contracted a bacterial infection or urinary tract infection. Many factors can influence the presence of pus cells in your urine, ranging from hormonal conditions to underlying medical issues. If your reports show higher-than-average pus cells, the doctor might recommend further tests to rule out the possibility of sexually transmitted diseases.
Causes and Symptoms of Pus Cells in Urine
A bacterial or viral infection can cause pus cells in the urine. The most common cause is a urinary tract infection (UTI), but other underlying medical conditions can also contribute. Here are a few common causes of pyuria:
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) – The leading cause of pus cells in urine, UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract, leading to inflammation and infection.
- Kidney Stones – Stones in the kidneys can cause irritation and block urine flow, leading to infections and pus cell formation.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) – Diseases such as gonorrhea or chlamydia can result in increased pus cells in urine.
- Pneumonia – In rare cases, systemic infections like pneumonia can cause pyuria.
- Sepsis – A severe bacterial infection that spreads into the bloodstream can lead to increased pus cells in urine.
- Tuberculosis of the Urinary Tract – This rare but serious condition may cause persistent sterile pyuria.
- Certain Medications – Some antibiotics, pain relievers, and chemotherapy drugs can cause temporary increases in pus cell levels.
Coming to the symptoms, the most common symptoms of pyuria are thick, off-whitish fluid leaking from your urine. Your urine color and texture might be different than usual. It could appear cloudy. Pus cells from UTI will be associated with burning sensation when peeing, foul-smelling urine, a sudden urge to urinate, fever, pelvic pressure and pain,urgency urinary incontinence, and nausea.
Common Symptoms of Pyuria:
Common symptoms of pyuria include thick, off-whitish fluid leaking from your urine. Your urine color and texture might be different than usual, appearing cloudy. If pus cells in urine normal range is exceeded due to a urinary tract infection, you might notice other symptoms, such as:
- A burning sensation when urinating
- Foul-smelling urine
- A sudden urge to urinate
- Fever
- Pelvic pressure and pain
- Urinary incontinence
- Nausea
How Is Pyuria Diagnosed?
Pyuria can be diagnosed with a routine urine test. No special preparation is required from the patient’s end. A urine sample is collected and analyzed under a microscope to determine the number of pus cells present.
Your reports are considered normal if the pus cell count doesn’t exceed 5-7/HPF. If the count is above 5/HPF, the doctor may recommend further tests, such as:
- Urine Culture Test – Identifies the type of bacteria present in urine.
- Blood Tests – Detects infections or kidney problems.
- Imaging Tests (Ultrasound, CT Scan) – Determines if kidney stones or structural abnormalities are causing the condition.
- STD Testing – Helps rule out sexually transmitted infections as a cause.
The culture and sensitivity test helps determine the appropriate antibiotics if the condition is due to a bacterial infection.
Treatment for Pus Cells in Urine
Reducing pus cells in your urine is possible only when the underlying medical condition is treated. Common approaches include:
- Antibiotics – Prescribed for bacterial infections such as UTIs or kidney infections.
- Pain Relievers – Helps manage discomfort associated with infections or kidney stones.
- Increased Fluid Intake – Drinking plenty of water can flush out bacteria naturally.
- Medications for Underlying Conditions – If the cause is a chronic illness, targeted treatment is necessary.
- Surgical Intervention – In severe cases, such as kidney stones or structural abnormalities, surgical procedures may be required.
Remember, pyuria itself isn’t a disease; it’s an indication of an underlying medical condition that needs medical attention. In some cases, surgical intervention might be necessary, but most urinary tract infections can be treated with medication.
Complications of Pyuria
While pyuria is normal in some cases, if it is associated with an underlying health condition, it can lead to complications such as:
- Sepsis (Life-Threatening Infection)
- Chronic Kidney Disease or Kidney Failure
- Preterm Birth or Low Birth Weight in Pregnant Women
- Recurring UTIs and Bladder Infections
If you experience any symptoms of pyuria, consult a urologist immediately.
FAQs
The pus cells normal range in urine is between 0-5/HPF. If the count exceeds this range, it may indicate an infection or other underlying medical condition.
Pus cells in urine, also known as pyuria, are dead white blood cells that appear in urine, often as a response to infection or inflammation.
Pus cells in urine can indicate a urinary tract infection, kidney infection, sexually transmitted disease, or other underlying health conditions.
Pus cells in your urine are usually not serious if they fall within the normal range. If the count exceeds 8/HPF, it may indicate a UTI or other medical condition requiring treatment.
No, 10–12/HPF is not normal. This level usually indicates a urinary tract infection, viral infection, kidney stones, or another health issue.
If you have a high number of pus cells in your urine, consult a urologist for further evaluation and diagnosis.
An increased number of pus cells in urine is often due to a bacterial infection, kidney disorder, or other medical conditions that require treatment.
