Pyuria, also known as pus in the urine, corresponds to the presence in large amounts of piocytes, also called leukocytes, in the urine. The presence of lymphocytes in the urine is considered normal, however when large amounts are observed in the test or when other changes are identified or the person has symptoms, this may be a sign of infection, kidney problems or autoimmune disease, for example.
Pyuria is identified by a type 1 urine test, also known as SAA or an examination of abnormal sediment elements, which is considered abnormal when more than 5 lymphocytes are monitored per field analyzed during microscopic examination. It is important that the cause of pyuria be identified so that the most appropriate treatment is recommended.
- Symptoms of pyuria (pus in the urine) are often related to the cause of the increase in the number of white blood cells and may have:.
The increase in the amount of leukocytes in the urine can occur as a result of several situations, mainly due to fungal infections, parasites or bacteria, and can also occur as a result of autoimmune diseases, medication use or kidney problems. , mainly cystitis. Learn about other causes of white blood cells that rise in your urine.
The diagnosis of piuria is mainly made by examining the urine type 1, in which macro and microscopic analyses are performed. Macroscopic analysis corresponds to the assessment of urine characteristics, mainly color and consistency, which according to the number of piocytes can be whitish and have a milky appearance.
Microscopic evaluation can identify the presence of more than 5 pocytes per field, or more than 10,000 pocytes per mL of urine, characterizing pus in the urine. In addition, in these cases it is also normal to see a greater number of epithelial cells, the presence of red blood cells, in some cases, and the presence of bacteria, fungi or parasites.
If the presence of fungi or bacteria is identified, a uroculture is indicated to identify the microorganism responsible for the infection and its sensitivity and resistance profile and thus the most appropriate treatment is initiated. Understand how urine culture is done.
If pyuria is found not to be related to the presence of microorganisms, blood tests may be indicated to look for other causes of lymphocyte augmentation, in addition to the 24-hour urine test, especially if a microscopic examination of urine crystals has been performed. has been observed, which may be a sign of abnormal kidneys.
Treatment of pyuria depends on the cause and the presence or not of symptoms. In cases where the pus in the urine is due to the presence of microorganisms and the person presents symptoms, the use of antimicrobials, such as fluconazole, miconazole or metronidazole, for example, may be indicated by the doctor, which should be used on the doctor’s recommendation.
In other cases, corticosteroid and anti-inflammatory use may be recommended, as well as guiding the consumption of many fluids and the recurrence of the scan after treatment to check whether the pyuria persists and whether treatment has been effective.