30/07/2020
What to know about urinary tract infections
Urinary tract infections are caused by microbes such as bacteria overcoming the body’s defenses in the urinary tract. They can affect the kidneys, bladder, and the tubes that run between them.
They are one of the most common types of infection and account for around 8.1 million visits to a doctor every year.
The urinary tract can be divided into the upper urinary tract and the lower urinary tract. The upper urinary tract consists of the kidneys and the ureters, and the lower urinary tract consists of the bladder and the urethra.
Fast facts on urinary tract infections
Women have a lifetime risk of over 50 percent of developing a urinary tract infection (UTI).
Common symptoms include a strong, frequent urge to urinate and a painful and burning sensation when urinating.
A UTI is usually diagnosed based on symptoms and testing of a urine sample.
UTIs can be cured with 2 to 3 days of treatment.
Cranberry extracts do not treat UTIs but may help reduce the risk of recurrent UTI.
Causes
Many people will experience UTIs in their lifetime.
The vast majority of urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli), usually found in the digestive system. Chlamydia and mycoplasma bacteria can infect the urethra but not the bladder.
UTIs are given different names depending on where they occur. For example:
A bladder infection is called cystitis.
A urethra infection is called urethritis.
A kidney infection is called pyelonephritis.
The ureters are very rarely the site of infection.
Risk factors
Over 50 percent of all women will experience at least one UTI during their lifetime, with 20 to 30 percent experiencing recurrent UTIs.
Pregnant women are not more likely to develop a UTI than other women, but if one does occur, it is more likely to travel up to the kidneys. This is because changes in the body during pregnancy that affect the urinary tract.
As a UTI in pregnancy can prove dangerous for both maternal and infant health, most pregnant women are tested for the presence of bacteria in their urine, even if there are no symptoms, and treated with antibiotics to prevent spread.
People of any age and s*x can develop a UTI. However, some people are more at risk than others. The following factors can increase the likelihood of developing a UTI:
s*xual in*******se, especially if more frequent, intense, and with multiple or new partners
diabetes
poor personal hygiene
problems emptying the bladder completely
having a urinary catheter
bowel incontinence
blocked flow of urine
kidney stones
some forms of contraception
pregnancy
menopause
procedures involving the urinary tract
suppressed immune system
immobility for a long period
use of spermicides and tampons
heavy use of antibiotics, which can disrupt the natural flora of the bowel and urinary tract
Symptoms
The symptoms of a UTI can depend on age, gender, the presence of a catheter, and what part of the urinary tract has been infected.
Common symptoms of a UTI include:
strong and frequent urge to urinate
cloudy, bloody, or strong-smelling urine
pain or a burning sensation when urinating
nausea and vomiting
muscle aches and abdominal pains
People with catheters may only experience fever as a symptom, making diagnosis more difficult.
Acute pyelonephritis
Acute pyelonephritis is a sudden and severe kidney infection. If an individual develops this condition they could also experience upper back and side pain, high fever, shaking, chills, fatigue, and mental changes. It is considered an emergency and should be evaluated by a doctor immediately if suspected.
Cystitis
If a person has a bladder infection, they could also experience low fever, and pressure and cramping in the abdomen and lower back.
Complications
Most UTIs are not serious, but some can lead to serious problems, particularly with upper UTIs.
Recurrent or long-lasting kidney infections can cause permanent damage, and some sudden kidney infections can be life-threatening, particularly if bacteria enter the bloodstream in a condition known as septicemia.
They can also increase the risk of women delivering infants that are premature or have a low birth weight.
Prevention
Taking showers instead of baths can help prevent UTIs.
There are several measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing a UTI:
Drink lots of water and urinate frequently.
Avoid fluids such as alcohol and caffeine that can irritate the bladder.
Urinate shortly after s*x.
Wipe from front to back after urinating and bowel movement.
Keep the ge***al area clean.
Showers are preferred to baths and avoid using oils.
Sanitary pads or menstrual cups are preferred to tampons. If you want to buy menstrual cups, then there is an excellent selection on Amazon with thousands of customer reviews.
Avoid using a diaphragm or spermicide for birth control.
Avoid using any perfumed products in the ge***al area.
Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothing to keep the area around the urethra dry.
Individuals are advised to contact a doctor if they develop the symptoms of a UTI, especially if they have developed the symptoms of a potential kidney infection.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis will usually be made after asking about the symptoms and testing a urine sample to assess the presence of white blood cells, red blood cells, and bacteria.
A method of collecting urine called “clean catch” is used. This requires that a person wash their ge***al area before providing a urine sample mid-flow. This helps to prevent bacteria from around the ge***al area getting caught in the sample.
If a person has recurrent UTIs, a doctor may request further diagnostic testing to determine if anatomical issues or functional issues are to blame. Such tests may include:
Diagnostic imaging: This involves assessing the urinary tract using ultrasound, CT and MRI scanning, radiation tracking, or X-rays.
Urodynamics: This procedure determines how well the urinary tract is storing and releasing urine.
Cystoscopy: This diagnostic exam allows the doctor to see inside the bladder and urethra with a camera lens, which inserted through the urethra through a long thin tube.
When men contract a UTI, it will infect the same organs and areas as a UTI would in a woman. For men, however, the prostate is also at risk of infection.
Treatment
Drinking plenty of water helps flush out UTIs and lowers the risk of future infection.
As UTIs are normally caused by bacteria, they are most commonly treated with antibiotics or antimicrobials.
The type of medication and length of treatment will depend on the symptoms and medical history of the individual.
The full course of treatment should always be completed for UTIs to make sure that the infection is fully clear, and to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance. UTI symptoms can disappear before the infection has completely gone.
Drinking lots of fluids and frequently urinating are always recommended for people who have UTIs as this helps to flush out the bacteria. A variety of pain relief medications may be prescribed to alleviate pain. Applying a heating pad to the back or abdomen can also help.
An uncomplicated UTI is one that occurs in an otherwise healthy person with a normal clear urinary tract. These can usually be cured with 2 to 3 days of treatment.
A complicated UTI is one that occurs in a person who is weakened by another condition, such as pregnancy or heart transplant. Complicated UTIs tend to require longer periods of antibiotics, usually between 7 to 14 day
