Piuria: what is it, causes and treatment

La piuria, popularly known as pus en la orina, corresponds to the presence of large numbers of piocitos, which are modified white globules, en la misma. The existence of these cells in the urinary tract is considered normal, however, when large numbers are checked, other changes are identified, the person has symptoms, may be a sign of infection, kidney problems or autoimmune disease, for example .

The piuria is identified by means of an analysis of urine, and it is considered that it is not normal when more than 5 piocytes are found per field analyzed in the microscopic examination. It is important to identify the cause of this condition so that the most appropriate treatment is recommended.

The increase in the number of leukocytes in the urinary tract can occur as a result of several situations, mainly due to infections by fungi, parasites or bacteria; In addition, it can also occur as a result of autoimmune diseases, the use of certain medications or problems with the kidneys, especially cystitis.

Know other causes of high leukocytes in the urine.

The symptoms of pyuria (pus in the urinary tract) are usually related to the cause of the increase in the number of leukocytes, and there may be the following symptoms:

• Pain and discomfort in urination;
• Burning;
• Pain in the lower part of the back;
• Comession in the genital region;
• Decreased quantity of urine.

Aside from this, other symptoms can also be present, such as a full and heavy feeling of vejiga, including having gone to the bathroom, and frequent urinating.

The diagnosis of pyuria is carried out mainly by means of an urine test in which macro and microscopic analyzes are carried out. The macroscopic analysis corresponds to the evaluation of the characteristics of the orin, mainly the color and consistency, which depending on the number of piocitos can be whiter and have a milky appearance.

Through the microscopic evaluation, it is possible to identify the presence of more than 5 piocytes per field, or more than 10,000 piocitos per ml of urine, characterizing the pus in the orine. Apart from this, in these cases it is also normal to identify a greater number of epithelial cells, the presence of red blood cells, on some occasions, and the existence of bacteria, fungi or parasites.

If the presence of fungi or bacteria is determined, it is recommended to carry out a urine culture to identify the microorganism responsible for the infection and its sensitivity and resistance profile, and then start the most appropriate treatment. Know how the uroculture is carried out.

If it is confirmed that the pyuria is not related to the presence of microorganisms, a blood analysis may be indicated to investigate other causes of the increase in piocitos, in addition to the 24-hour urine analysis, especially during the Microscopic examination of the orina crystals are visualized, which could be a sign of alteration in the kidneys.

The treatment of the piuria depends on the cause and on the symptoms. In the cases where the pus in the orina is due to the presence of microorganisms and the person present symptoms, it may be indicated by the doctor the use of antimicrobials, such as fluconazole, miconazole or metronidazole, for example, which ones must be used accordingly with the doctor’s recommendation.

In other cases, the use of corticosteroids and anti-inflammatories may be indicated and, in addition, the consumption of much liquid and the repetition of the examination after the treatment, with the aim of verifying if the infection continues and if the treatment was effective.