What does the term pyuria refer to?

Pyuria specifically refers to the presence of pus in the urine, which is often an indicator of infection in the urinary tract. When pus is present, it typically consists of white blood cells and cellular debris that accumulate in response to an infection or inflammation. This is a critical diagnostic feature that healthcare providers utilize to identify conditions such as urinary tract infections, where the body is responding to a pathogen by sending white blood cells to combat the infection.

Understanding pyuria is essential for diagnosing and managing urinary tract conditions effectively. It is usually assessed through urinalysis, where clinical professionals look for turbidity (cloudiness), which often suggests the pus presence, alongside other symptoms the patient may exhibit. Recognizing this term and its implications helps in the appropriate treatment and management of urinary health.