A urinary tract infection, which often referred to as a UTI, is an infection which occurs in the urinary tract. The urinary tract encompasses the kidneys, ureter, bladder, urethra, and the prostate in males. Urinary tract infections can affect both men and women, adults and children.
The symptoms of a urinary tract vary a little bit and sometimes depend on the severity of the infection. Some patients experience nothing more than a burning sensation during urination. Others also experience fever and chills, pain in the lower back or abdomen, frequent and urgent urination, passing very little urine, feeling as though the bladder doesn’t empty, and unusual urine such as cloudy, dark, bloody, or unusual odor.
Urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria. Most often this bacterium enters the body through the vagina or the penis, and then travels through the urethra into the bladder or kidneys. This bacterium can also come from the digestive tract. It is not uncommon for the bacteria which cause urinary tract infections to enter the body regularly. The body typically rids itself of the bacteria before any type of infection sets in, however some patients are more susceptible while other may be susceptible due to a weakened immune system from poor sleep, poor diet, disease, or even fighting the common cold.
Women and children, especially little girls, are more at risk for urinary tract infections. Women and girls are placed at higher risk due to a higher rate of the bacterium entering the body. The bacteria can enter the bodies of women and girls more readily than boys or men as the distance that the bacterium travels is shorter. Women who use diaphragms, IUDs, un-lubricated condoms, and spermicidal condoms for birth control choices are at a higher risk for UTIs.
Diagnosing a urinary tract infection is not a difficult process. The physician will do a basic interview with the patient to determine fluid intake, birth control devices, if applicable, and request the patient describe the symptoms. X-rays, ultrasounds, or CT scans, if necessary, can reveal any blockage, swelling, or even if kidney stones are the cause of the symptoms described. However, most physicians can determine whether the patient is carrying a urinary tract infection or a kidney stone by the degree of pain the patient presents. Kidney stones typically present with intolerable pain while urinary tract infections are high in discomfort but still manageable. Urine tests can also help determine whether a urinary tract infection is present. A urinalysis can be the fastest determining factor if the physician is set up for testing on the facility site.
While most urinary tract infections are easy to treat and cause few complications, there is always a risk of complications when certain individuals come down with a urinary tract infection. Urinary tract infections in men can be difficult to treat. Pregnant women and older patients may get very ill from a urinary tract infection. Urinary tract infections can lead to dehydration and hospitalization. Severe urinary tract infections can lead to the need for intravenous antibiotics and hospitalization. In third world countries where medicine is not readily available, people still die from urinary tract infections.
Urinary tract infections are treated with antibiotics, a three day treatment for mild infections and a seven day treatment for more serious infections. Medication may be administered to alleviate pain and make it easier to urinate while the infection clears. Drinking ample fluids, particularly apple juice or cranberry juice can help clear up a urinary tract infection as well as help prevent future infections.
For people who experience urinary tract infections regularly or have been diagnosed with UTIs more than once a year, some physicians allow the patient to keep antibiotics on hand to take at the first sign of illness. Drinking fluids that are rich in vitamin C but low in acid, like cranberry juice, can help ward off future infections. Urinating after sexual intercourse can help flush away bacteria that may be passed from partner to partner, and the choice of birth control and sexual protection can impact the frequency of urinary tract infections. Drinking lots of water and urinating when the urge strikes rather than waiting long periods of time is very helpful in preventing infections. After urination, women should use the toilet paper from front to back, especially after a bowel movement, to help eliminate the spreading of bacteria. Wearing cotton underwear and clothing that allows the area to breathe can help avoid future infections. Tight fitting jeans and thong underwear can contribute to urinary tract infections.
Coping with a urinary tract infection requires urinating when needed, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking the full round of antibiotics as prescribed, even when feeling better. Stopping the antibiotics too early will only encourage the infection to return.
Find out more by viewing the Human Anatomy page:
Endocrine system
Urinary system
Medication commonly used for these disease:
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Ceftin can be generically prescribed as cefuroxime and is commonly used to treat life threatening or severe bacterial infections, or bacterial infections which have not responded to other antibiotics. Ceftin does not work on fungal or viral infections. Ce more...
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Cystone, an herbal formula which is composed of ginger, shilapuspha, pasanabheda, Indian madder, umbrella s edge, prickly chaff flower, sedge, purple fleabeane, lime silicate calx and mineral pitch, aids in keeping the urinary tract healthy more...
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Kenalog, which is generically prescribed as triamcinolone topical, is commonly used to treat inflammation of the skin. Kenalog is most commonly used to treat inflammation caused by allergic reactions, psoriasis, eczema, and in the dental form is used to t more...
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Detrol LA, which is generically prescribed as tolterodine, is commonly used to treat overactive bladder and incontinence, and urinary urgency. Detrol LA reduces spasms of the bladder by relaxing the muscles. more...
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Levaquin is often generically prescribed as levofloxacin and can be used to treat pneumonia, Chlamydia, gonorrhea, bronchitis, skin infections, urinary tract infections, and other bacterial infections. Levaquin is in a class of antibiotics known as fluoro more...
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Amoxicillin is the generic form of antibiotics which are also prescribed as Morisot, Amoxil, Biomox, Dispermox, Trimox, and Wymox. It is commonly used to treat bacterial infections in the body. Infections such as gonorrhea, skin infection, tooth infection more...
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The antibiotic Cipro can also be generically prescribed as ciprofloxacin, and is part of the group of medications known clinically as fluoroquinolones. Cipro is most often used to treat bacterial infections in the body, as antibiotics are ineffective at t more...
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Bactrim is a combination antibiotic which is generically prescribed as sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim. Bactrim is also commonly prescribed as Bethaprim, Cotrim, Septa, Sulfatrim, and Uroplus, each with a pediatric version as well. Bactrim is typ more...
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Acuretic is a popular prescribed drug that functions by keeping the kidney from retaining too much water. Commonly called HCT, Acuretic is a water pill that allows the kidney to release excess water and sodium through the urine. Acuretic is often prescri more...
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Aldactone, which is generically prescribed as spironolactone, is commonly used to conditions where the body has too much aldosterone in the body. Aldactone is a potassium sparing diuretic which prevents the body from absorbing too much salt and keeps the more...
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Urinary tract infections
