Urinary Tract Infection – Causes and Treatments
Whether you’re male or female, a urinary tract infection (UTI) can be a nasty problem. In order to avoid it, it’s important to know what causes and what treatments are available.
Symptoms
Symptoms of urinary tract infection include an urgent need to urinate. You may also feel soreness in your back, sides, or lower abdomen. You may also experience a painful, burning sensation during urination. The urine may smell or look cloudy. If you have symptoms of urinary tract infection, it’s a good idea to see your healthcare provider.
If you have an infection, your doctor will likely give you an antibiotic. Antibiotics will eliminate bacteria and prevent rare complications. A short course of antibiotics is usually enough to cure the infection. In some cases, you may need to continue taking the medication for several days.
Your doctor will likely diagnose a urinary tract infection based on your medical history and physical exam. They will take a sample of your urine for testing. Various cells, chemicals, and proteins will be tested, and the results will be compared to the bacteria found in your urine. If there are any abnormalities, your physician will likely order imaging of your urinary tract, such as a CT scan.
In addition to a diagnosis, your healthcare professional will prescribe medications for you. These medications may be over-the-counter or prescription. They can interact with other drugs you may be taking. Medications for urinary tract infections are typically administered in a three-day course.
Your physician may also prescribe a medication that will ease the burning pain you feel while urinating. Some doctors recommend phenazopyridine (Pyridium) for this purpose. However, you should not take phenazopyridine for more than 48 hours. This is because it can interfere with laboratory testing.
Other symptoms of urinary tract infection are fatigue and lethargy. They can be accompanied by nausea or fever. The bacteria in your urine will be tested to determine if the medication is effective. If you have signs of kidney involvement, your healthcare provider will also prescribe a medication that will help prevent further complications.
It is important to keep a record of your symptoms. You can keep a diary of your symptoms for up to fourteen days. You can also visit your healthcare provider if your symptoms return.
Causes
Having a urinary tract infection can be a very painful experience. The urine can be cloudy or bloody, and the pain can be felt in the abdomen, rectal area, and pelvic region.
UTIs are caused by bacteria that get into the urinary tract. They can also be caused by viruses or fungi. The main etiologic agent is Escherichia coli.
The urinary tract is made up of two kidneys and one urethra. The kidneys filter waste products out of the blood and turn them into urine. The urethra is a tube that is used to drain urine. It is shorter in women than in men. When the urethra is short, it becomes easier for bacteria to travel up the urethra.
When a person has a urinary tract infection, the bacteria enter the body through the urethra and spread into the kidneys. Once the kidneys have been infected, the bacteria can move into the blood and cause sepsis. This is a very serious condition and can lead to death.
If the infection does not clear up, it can lead to permanent kidney damage. The infection may also lead to recurrent infections. Some people have inherited a higher risk of developing a urinary tract infection.
Symptoms of a UTI include fever, burning or pain when urinating, and a strong urge to urinate. These symptoms can be relieved with over-the-counter pain medications or heating pads. If the infection is severe, a person may need to go to the hospital for intravenous antibiotics.
Urinary tract infections are very common, but the severity of the infection can vary. If it is not treated, the infection can lead to permanent damage to the kidneys and other organs. The infection can also lead to low birth weight in babies.
The most common treatment for a urinary tract infection is antibiotics. However, the use of antibiotics has some undesirable side effects. A short course of treatment is usually recommended. The duration of the course depends on the symptoms of the patient and his medical history.
If a urinary tract infection is not treated in time, it can lead to severe complications. Some UTIs can cause permanent damage to the kidneys and can lead to recurrent infections.
Treatment
Typically, a urinary tract infection (UTI) is caused by bacteria. However, it can also be caused by fungi. Antibiotics are usually used to treat UTIs.
Symptoms include burning, pain, and a strong urge to urinate. A doctor may order an ultrasound or cystoscopy to look at the inside of the bladder. This test can help to identify the type of bacteria that is causing the infection.
Your GP will determine the proper treatment based on the symptoms. They may prescribe pain relievers or over-the-counter medications. If you need a urine culture, you can get it at your office. If your symptoms don’t improve, you may need to visit a hospital.
Depending on your situation, you may need a longer course of antibiotics. If you have an upper tract UTI, you may need to take an intravenous antibiotic. You’ll also need to take the antibiotics at home. If you have a kidney infection, you may need to take time off work or school.
UTIs are fairly common in the United States. About 12% of men and 60% of women will get at least one UTI during their lifetime. Often, the UTI will disappear after a short course of antibiotics.
Aside from the antibiotics, you should drink plenty of fluids to help flush out the bacteria. A warm bath can also be helpful. You can also wear loose clothing to keep moisture from accumulating in the pelvic region. You can also teach good hygiene to prevent germs from spreading.
If you don’t get better after a short course of antibiotics, you may need to see a physician or seek treatment at a hospital. You can also call 111 to find out what to do if you don’t feel well. You can also search online for tips and resources on UTIs.
Using a heating pad can also help to ease the symptoms. You can even buy a hot water bottle or a washcloth and use it to apply heat to the area.
The most important thing is to take all of the medicine your provider prescribes. You should finish the full course of antibiotics if you are prescribed them.
Prevention
Having a urinary tract infection (UTI) can be very frustrating. These infections are often caused by bacteria in the bladder, urethra, or kidneys. However, there are some things you can do to prevent a UTI.
The first thing you need to do is to make sure you drink plenty of water. This will help flush the bacteria out of your body. You should also urinate frequently to reduce the concentration of bacteria in your bladder. You should also wash your hands before urinating.
In addition, you should avoid scented vaginal products. These products can change the bacterial makeup and increase your risk of developing a UTI. Instead, use fragrance-free products. You should also wear loose-fitting underwear to allow your skin to breathe. This will help reduce pain and moisture accumulation.
You should also drink at least six to eight glasses of water per day. This will also help dilute the urine.
You should also avoid foods that irritate your bladder. Using tampons may be helpful to prevent bacterial overgrowth. A heating pad can also help relieve pressure.
If you are worried about having a urinary tract infection, talk to your healthcare team. You may be prescribed antibiotics. These will usually clear up your UTI within a few days. If the antibiotics do not work, you should seek medical attention.
Vaccines are a promising solution to the problem of UTIs. A pre-clinical study has shown that a vaccine called ExPEC4V can be effective in preventing UTIs. A phase I trial in humans has also been conducted.
Other non-antibiotic measures include drinking lots of fluids, avoiding foods that irritate the bladder, and using birth control that does not contain spermicide. Other non-antibiotic options for recurrent UTIs include estrogens, intravesical glycosaminoglycans, and probiotics. A further randomized, placebo-controlled trial is needed to determine whether these measures are safe and effective.
The CDC is also a good resource for information on urinary tract infections. Their treatment guidelines are updated regularly and are considered trustworthy by most people.
You should also be aware that recurrent UTIs account for two to three million emergency department visits in 2007. These are very expensive costs.
Health Sources:
Health A to Z. (n.d.). HSE.ie. https://www2.hse.ie/az/
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
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Health A-Z. (2022, April 26). Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770
Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
Health Conditions A-Z Sitemap. (n.d.). EverydayHealth.com. https://www.everydayhealth.com/conditions/
