Sterile pyuria is a common condition that affects 13.9% of women and 2.6% of men [1]. Women with certain conditions are more likely to develop pyuria [1]. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Pyuria?
Pyuria is the presence of pus in the urine, typically with high levels of white blood cells known as leukocytes [2]. High white blood cell counts often appear with other findings such as pyuria and bacteriuria (bacteria in the urine) and pyuria and hematuria (or blood in the urine) [3].
Another type of pyuria, called sterile pyuria, is the presence of high levels of white blood cells without bacteria or tissue. The typical measurement for pyuria is 10 or more white blood cells per cubic millimeter of urine with or without bacteria [2].
What Causes Pyuria?
Pyuria is a common finding of many different conditions. However, it is typically a sign of infection and most commonly happens in urinary tract infections and sexually transmitted infections or diseases [3]. These include [3]:
- Kidney infections
- Bladder infections
- Kidney stones
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- HIV
- Syphilis
- HPV
It may also occur with pneumonia, tuberculosis, or an adenovirus or flu-like infection [2]. Sterile pyuria may also appear in conditions that cause kidney injury or inflammation, such as [4, 5]:
- System lupus erythematosus or lupus, an autoimmune disease
- Kawasaki disease, or inflammation of blood vessels
- Chronic kidney disease
Pyuria is also a common side effect of long-term use of some more ordinary devices or medications such as [4]:
- Catheters
- Antibiotics
- Diuretics
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen
Symptoms of Pyuria
Pyuria may appear with or without bacteria and with or without symptoms. While white blood cells are a sign of inflammation, this finding doesn’t always mean you have an infection [6]. In addition, bacteria grow in some cases without causing illness, such as when you have a catheter [6].
However, you may have signs of a UTI with pyuria, which include [2]:
- Burning or pain during urination
- Frequent urination
- Urge to urinate
- Hesitancy or trouble urinating
- Back or side pain
- Fever
- Chills
- Bloody urine
- Cloudy urine
Best Treatments for Pyuria and Sterile Pyuria
Pyuria doesn’t always need treatment. Some people may have higher than normal white blood cell counts in the urine with high amounts of bacteria but no symptoms [7]. In these cases, it’s not an infection and doesn’t need treatment [7]. Instead, you can usually monitor your urine using a urinalysis test and watch for changes in your health and how you feel [2].
However, if symptoms appear, your healthcare provider will do additional testing or exams to identify the cause and prescribe medications. The specific treatment will vary, depending on the cause, but may include [1]:
- Antibiotics
- Antivirals
- Antifungals
- Catheter removal
Monitor Urinary Health With Diagnox
Pyuria is a sign of inflammation and infection but doesn’t always cause symptoms and may not need treatment. However, you can keep tabs on your urinary health at home with an at-home urinalysis test from Diagnox.
Check for white blood cells, nitrites (bacteria), pH levels, blood, and other parameters from the comfort and privacy of your home. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have positive tests and symptoms. Order at-home urinalysis tests for fast and accurate results and control over your health and wellness.
