Hello
If you have had recurrent or chronic UTI symptoms for 2 years with repeatedly high pus cells and epithelial cells, it usually means either the infection is not fully clearing, there is reinfection, or there is an underlying cause that has not yet been identified.
High pus cells indicate inflammation or infection in the urinary tract, while high epithelial cells can sometimes mean contamination of the urine sample, but if they are persistently high, it can also suggest irritation of the urinary tract lining. An ESR of 42 shows ongoing inflammation somewhere in the body, which fits with chronic infection but is not specific to the urinary tract alone.
Common reasons this keeps happening include incomplete antibiotic treatment, antibiotic resistance, kidney stones, bladder issues such as incomplete emptying, diabetes, genital hygiene factors, sexual activity–related reinfection, or structural problems in the urinary tract. In women, recurrent UTIs can also be associated with vaginal infections or hormonal factors.
What you should do now is get a urine culture and sensitivity test done before starting any antibiotics again, because this identifies the exact bacteria and the correct medicine. If you have already had imaging like an ultrasound or CT scan, the next important step is to review those results with a clinician to look specifically for stones, residual urine, bladder wall thickening, or kidney involvement. Blood sugar testing is also important if not done recently, because uncontrolled sugar can cause recurrent UTIs.
If symptoms have been frequent for 2 years despite treatment, a referral to a urologist or gynecologist is usually recommended. They may consider longer-duration antibiotics, preventive low-dose therapy, evaluation for interstitial cystitis, or further tests such as repeat imaging or cystoscopy if indicated.
Seek urgent care if you develop fever, flank pain, vomiting, blood in urine, or severe pain, as these can suggest kidney infection.
Take care
Hello, mai aapki takleef samajh paa raha hoon. Aapke symptoms simple UTI se zyada serious lag rahe hain. Aapko recurrent complicated UTI ya kidney involvement ho sakta hai. Abhi ek baar ye saare tests karwaiye- Urine Routine Microscopy Culture Sensitivity, CBC, ESR, CRP, RFT, HbA1C, Repeat Ultrasound of Abdomen+Pelvis. Inki reports ke hisab se antibiotics change karni hongi. Kabhi-kabhi lamba course (10–14 days) dena padta hai. Khoon pani piye. Aur pain ke liye Tab. Paracetamol 650mg lein. Urine hold na karein. Proper hygiene maintain karein. Intercourse ke baad urination (agar relevant ho). Urgently doctor ko visit karnin agar tez bukhar, tez kamar dard, ulti, low BP, chakkar aaye. Yeh normal UTI nahi lag raha. Recurrent + systemic symptoms = proper investigation zaroori. Sabse important test: urine culture.
Dr. Nirav Jain MBBS, D.Fam.Medicine
Hello Aapka ESR 42, pus cells aur epithelial cells urine mein high hona, aur baar-baar UTI hona (2024 se ab tak 3 baar), yeh sab milke dikhata hai ki aapko chronic ya recurrent UTI ka problem ho sakta hai. Antibiotics lene ke baad bhi infection wapas aa raha hai, toh kuch important cheezein check karni zaroori hain:
1. Urine Culture Test: Yeh test zaroor karwayein, isse pata chalega ki kaunsi bacteria infection kar rahi hai aur kaunsi antibiotic uske liye best hai. Bina culture ke, sahi dawa milna mushkil ho sakta hai. 2. Imaging (Ultrasound KUB): Kabhi-kabhi bladder ya kidney mein koi structural problem (jaise stone, blockage, ya koi aur abnormality) hoti hai, jiski wajah se infection baar-baar hota hai. 3. Personal Hygiene: Safai ka dhyan rakhein, cotton underwear pehnein, aur urine ko zyada der tak na rokhein. 4. Diabetes ya Immunity Issues: Agar diabetes ya immunity weak hai toh bhi infection repeat ho sakta hai.
Aapko abhi yeh steps lene chahiye: - Apne doctor se urine culture aur ultrasound KUB test ke liye bolein. - Pura course antibiotics ka complete karein, lekin bina test ke baar-baar antibiotics na lein. - Zyada paani piyen, aur har baar urine pass karne ke baad area ko dhoyein.
Thank you
I’m really concerned by your symptoms – this is NOT just a simple UTI.
Here’s why it keeps happening and what you must do urgently:
🚨 Why is UTI recurring despite full treatment?
1. Wrong or resistant antibiotics – Without urine culture & sensitivity, bacteria may not be killed. 2. Underlying kidney infection (pyelonephritis) – Explains fever, body aches, back pain (worse on bending), sweats, low BP, dizziness. 3. Structural issue – Kidney stone, reflux, or scar tissue (not always seen on sonography). 4. Chronic bacterial prostatitis (if male) or pelvic pathology (RIF tenderness – could be appendix, ovary, or ureteric issue). 5. Immunity problem – Recurrent UTIs with systemic symptoms (low BP, fast heartbeat, shaking) suggest possible sepsis or chronic inflammation (ESR 42 confirms).
⚠️ Red flags you cannot ignore
· Low BP + dizziness + fast heartbeat + body shakes → could be early septic shock or adrenal insufficiency. · Chest pain + low energy → needs heart/lung evaluation. · Seasonal pattern (Feb–March) → possible allergic or autoimmune trigger.
✅ What to do RIGHT NOW (next 24–48 hours)
1. Go to a hospital – not a clinic. You need: · Urine culture + sensitivity (before any antibiotic) · Complete blood count + CRP + blood culture · Renal function test + electrolytes · CT urogram (sonography misses many stones/abscesses) 2. Stop self-medicating – No more random antibiotics. 3. Monitor BP and fever – If BP drops further or confusion occurs, emergency.
🩺 Long-term prevention (after stabilization)
· Low-dose prophylactic antibiotic (only after culture) · D-mannose supplement · Rule out tuberculosis (genitourinary TB can mimic chronic UTI) · Pelvic exam + cystoscopy if needed
I am a urologist – and I tell you honestly: this needs a senior urologist or infectious disease specialist immediately.
Dr. Nikhil Chauhan Urologist
Chronic UTIs over a span of two years with persistent high pus and epithelial cell counts indicate a potentially underlying issue that goes beyond a simple bacterial infection. It’s crucial to determine what might be causing these recurrent infections. First, a detailed diagnostic work-up should be considered, including a repeat urine culture and sensitivity test to identify the specific type of bacteria causing the infection and their antibiotic resistance pattern. Imaging studies like an ultrasound or a CT scan can evaluate anatomical abnormalities in your urinary tract, such as stones or structural issues that can predispose you to infections. An ESR level of 42 suggests inflammation; though non-specific, it can be part of a puzzle indicating chronic inflammation or an unaddressed infection. It might be necessary to consult a urologist, who can perform specialized tests, such as a cystoscopy to visually inspect the bladder and urethra. It’s also essential to review any lifestyle factors or habits that could contribute to recurrent UTIs, such as fluid intake, personal hygiene practices, or sexual activity, and make adjustments accordingly. Your current antibiotic treatment plan should be revisited, perhaps considering a longer course of antibiotics or prophylactic antibiotics if necessary. Apart from that, exploring the potential role of non-bacterial causes, like interstitial cystitis, could be valuable. Ensuring you stay hydrated and possibly incorporating probiotics could help restore urinary tract health. However, this is not a substitute for thorough medical evaluation and treatment, so timely engagement with a healthcare professional is crucial.
