Urinary Tract Infection

Definition

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of your urinary system for example your urethra,bladder,ureters, and kidneys.Most infections occur in the lower urinary tract  involving the bladder and the urethra.
Women are more susceptible of developing a urinary tract infection than men. Infection limited to your bladder can be painful with discomfort.Serious complication can occur if  the infection spreads to your kidneys.
Doctors usually treat urinary tract infections with antibiotics. But you can take steps to prevent your chances of contracting a UTI in the first place.

Symptoms

Urinary tract infections don't always cause signs and symptoms, but when they do they may include:

• A persistent urge to urinate
• A burning sensation when urinating
• Passing urine frequently and in small amounts
• Urine that appears red, bright pink or cola-colored — a sign of blood in the urine
• Cloudy bad smelling urine
• Lower back pain

UTIs may be overlooked or mistaken for other conditions in older adults.

 

 

 Types of urinary tract infection

 UTIs may result in more-specific signs and symptoms depending on the type, as per part of your urinary tract  infected.

Part of urinary tract affected	Signs and symptoms
Kidneys infection (acute pyelonephritis)	Upper back and side pain Raised fever Shaking and chills Nausea and vomiting
Bladder infection (cystitis)	Pelvic pressure Lower abdominal discomfort Frequent or painful urination Haematuria(Blood in urine)
Urethra infection (urethritis)	Burning sensation while urinating Discharge

Illustrated image of the urinary tract

 

 

Causes

Urinary tract infections typically occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply in the bladder. Although the urinary system is designed to keep out such microscopic invaders, these defenses sometimes fail. When that happens, bacteria may take hold and grow into a full-blown infection in the urinary tract.
The most common UTIs occur mainly in women and affect the bladder and urethra.

• Bladder infection (cystitis). This type of UTI is usually caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), a type of bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. However, sometimes other bacteria are responsible. Sexual intercourse may lead to cystitis, but you don't have to be sexually active to develop it. All women are at risk of cystitis because of their anatomy — specifically, the short distance from the urethra to the anus and the urethral opening to the bladder.
• Urethra infection (urethritis). Occurs when gastrointestinal bacteria spread from the anus to the urethra. Also, because the female urethra is close to the vagina, sexually transmitted infections, such as herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia and mycoplasma, can cause urethritis.

 Risk Factors

Urinary tract infections are common in women, and many women experience more than one infection during their lifetimes. Risk factors specific to women for UTIs include:

• Use of catheter. People who can't urinate on their own and use a tube (catheter) to urinate have an increased risk of UTIs. This may include people who are hospitalized, people with neurological problems that make it difficult to control their ability to urinate and people who are paralyzed.
• Urinary tract  procedure. Recent surgery or an exam of your urinary tract  involving medical instruments can increase your risk of developing a urinary tract infections.

• Menopause. Progressive decline in circulating estrogen after menopause in the body, causes changes in the urinary tract that make you more vulnerable to infection.
• Female anatomy. A woman has a shorter urethra than a man does hence rectum and urethra are close to each other, thus making infection more likely.
  
  UTIs are more common in women because the rectum and urethra are close to each other, making infection more likely. - See more at: http://www.bidmc.org/YourHealth/Conditions-AZ/Urinary-tract-infection-UTI.aspx#sthash.WyAkk6sY.dpuf
• Sexually active.  Having a new or multiple sexual partner also increases your risk.
• Use of IUD and diaphragms as birth control method by women. Use of Intra Uterine Devices and diaphragms for birth control increase risk of contracting UTIs , as well as women who use spermicidal agents.

• Anatomical abnormalities of the Urinary tract. Babies born with urinary tract abnormalities that don't allow urine to leave the body normally or cause urine to back up in the urethra have an increased risk of UTIs.
• Urinary tract blockages. Kidney stones or an enlarged prostate can trap urine in the bladder and increase the risk of UTIs.
• Weak immune system. Pregnancy,diabetes,sickle cells and other diseases that impair the immune system — the body's defense against germs — can increase the risk of UTIs.

 

Complications

When treated promptly and properly, lower urinary tract infections rarely lead to complications. But left untreated, a urinary tract infection can have serious consequences.
Complications of a UTI may include:

• Recurrent infections, especially in women who experience three or more UTIs.
• Permanent kidney damage from an acute or chronic kidney infection (pyelonephritis) due to an untreated UTI.
• Increased risk in pregnant women of delivering low birth weight or premature infants.
• Urethral narrowing (stricture) in men from recurrent urethritis, previously seen with gonococcal urethritis.
• Sepsis, a potentially life-threatening complication of an infection, especially if the infection works its way up your urinary tract to your kidneys.

 

Test and Diagnosis

Tests and procedures used to diagnose urinary tract infections include:

• Urine sample analysis. Your doctor may ask for a urine sample for lab analysis to look for white blood cells, red blood cells or bacteria. To avoid potential contamination of the sample, you may be instructed to first wipe your genital area with an antiseptic pad and to collect the urine midstream.
• Urine culture. Laboratory urine analysis is sometimes followed by a urine culture. This test reveals bacteria causing your infection and which medications will be most effective.
• Imaging.Recommended if having frequent infections suspected to be caused by an abnormality in your urinary tract, you may have an ultrasound, a computerized tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Contrast dye can be used to highlight structures in your urinary tract.
• Cystoscopy. A procedure using a long, thin tube with a lens (cystoscope) is inserted in your urethra and passed through to your bladder to have a clear view of the urinary tract.

 

Treatment and Drugs

Antibiotics usually are the first line treatment for urinary tract infections. Which drugs are prescribed and for how long depend on your health condition and the type of bacteria found in your urine.

  

 

Uncomplicated or simple infection

Drugs commonly recommended for simple UTIs include:

• Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole
• Nitrofurantoin
• Ciprofloxacin
• Levofloxacin
• Cephalexin
• Ceftriaxone
• Azithromycin
• Doxycycline

Often, symptoms clear up within a few days of treatment. But you may need to continue antibiotics for a week or more. Take the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed.
For a simple UTI that occurs when you're otherwise healthy, your doctor may recommend a shorter course of treatment,like for 1-3 days of which depends on your particular symptoms and medical history.
Pain medication (analgesic) can be administered by your doctor to numb your bladder and urethra to relieve burning while urinating, though pain is usually relieved soon after starting an antibiotic.

 

 

Frequent infections

If you have frequent UTIs, your doctor may make some treatment recommendations, as follows:

• Low dose antibiotics, initially for six months but sometimes longer
• A single dose of antibiotic after sexual intercourse if your infections are related to sexual activity is recommended
• Vaginal estrogen therapy if you're past menopause

 

 

Complicated or Severe infection

In case of complicated urinary tract infection, you may need treatment with intravenous antibiotics in a hospital.

 

 Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Urinary tract infections can be painful, but you can take steps to ease your discomfort until antibiotics treat the infection. Follow these tips:

• Drink plenty of water. Helps to dilute your urine and flush out bacteria.
• Avoid drinks that may irritate your bladder. Do not take coffee, alcohol, and soft drinks containing citrus juices or caffeine until your infection has cleared. They can irritate your bladder and tend to aggravate your frequent or urgent need to urinate.
• Use a heating pad. Applying a warm heating pad to your abdomen minimizes discomfort.
• Avoid using douches and feminine hygiene spray
• If you are a woman,always wipe from the front to the back after a bowel movement
• Keep genital clean daily

Facebook

Definition

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system. Most UTIs start in the lower urinary tract in the bladder or urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine out of the body. A UTI can also include an infection in the upper urinary system, including the kidneys.
There are different names for infections in different parts of the urinary system, including:

• Uretheral infection—urethritis
• Bladder infection—cystitis
• Kidney infection—pyelonephritis

The infection may also occur in the tube connecting the bladder to the kidney (ureter). All of these infections are considered to be UTIs.

The Urinary Tract

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

UTIs are caused by bacteria that most often come from the digestive tract or rectal area. The bacteria cling to the opening of the urethra and begin to multiply. If the infection is not treated right away, bacteria may move up the urinary system to the kidneys.
Most infections are caused by a bacteria that normally lives in the colon. The bacteria may move from the rectal area to the urethra.
UTIs can also be sexually transmitted. This type of infection usually does not spread past the urethra. Both partners need to be treated.

Risk Factors

UTIs are more common in women because the rectum and urethra are close to each other, making infection more likely.
Other factors that may increase your chance of a UTI include:

• Being sexually active
• Using a diaphragm for birth control
• Menopause
• Diabetes
• Kidney stones
• Enlarged prostate
• Weak immune system
• Abnormalities of the urinary system, such as vesicoureteral reflux or polycystic kidneys
• Paraplegia or quadriplegia
• Sickle-cell anemia
• History of kidney transplant
• Bladder catheter in place, or recent device inserted into the urinary system
• Pregnancy

Symptoms

UTIs may cause:

• Frequent and urgent need to urinate
• Passing small amounts of urine
• Pain in the abdomen or pelvic area
• Burning sensation during urination
• Cloudy, bad-smelling urine
• Increased need to get up at night to urinate
• Leaking urine
• Fever and chills
• Nausea and poor appetite

An infection in the kidney can be more serious. Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of a kidney infection, such as:

• Bloody urine
• Low back pain or pain along the side of the ribs
• High fever and chills

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will also be done. A sample of your urine will be tested for blood, pus, and bacteria.
In general, children and men are less likely to get UTIs. Their infections are more likely to be caused by structural problems of the kidneys, bladder, or tubes. As a result, children and men may need more testing to determine the cause of a UTI.

Treatment

UTIs are treated with antibiotics. Standard medical care for a UTI includes taking antibiotics for 3 days. You will probably start to feel better after 1-2 days. It is important that you continue to take the entire course of medication, even if you feel better.
You may have your urine checked after you finish taking the antibiotics. This is to make sure that the infection is truly gone. If you have recurrent infections, you may be referred to a specialist.
The infection may cause pain and spasms in the bladder. Your doctor may recommend a medication called phenazopyridine. It may turn your urine, and sometimes your sweat, an orange color.
Severe UTIs may need a strong initial dose of antibiotics. You may be given antibiotics through an IV or an injection.

Prevention

To help keep bacteria out of your urinary tract:

• Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Cranberry juice is a good choice.
• Urinate when you feel the need and do not resist the urge.
• Empty your bladder completely and drink a full glass of water after having sex.
• Wash genitals daily.
• If you are a woman, always wipe from the front to the back after having a bowel movement.
• Avoid using douches and feminine hygiene sprays.

RESOURCES:

• Urology Care Foundation http://www.urologyhealth.org
• National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

• Canadian Urological Association http://www.cua.org
• Women's Health Matters http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca

References:

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 91: Treatment of urinary tract infections in nonpregnant women. Obstet Gynecol. 2008;111(3):785-794.
• Jepson RG, Craig JC. Cranberries for preventing urinary tract infections. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008;(1):CD001321.
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) (pyelonephritis and cystitis). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed. Updated June 24, 2015. Accessed September 1, 2015.
• Urinary tract infections in adults. Urology Care Foundation website. Available at: http://www.urologyhealth.org/urology/index.cfm?article=47. Accessed September 1, 2015.
• Urinary tract infections in adults. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/utiadult. Updated May 24, 2012. Accessed September 1, 2015.
• Urinary tract infection (UTI) in men. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed. Updated June 27, 2014. Accessed September 30, 2014.
• 12/5/2007 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed: Pohl A. Modes of administration of antibiotics for symptomatic severe urinary tract infections. Cochrane Database of Syst Rev. 2007;(4):CD003237.
• 5/6/2011 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed: Barbosa-Cesnik C, Brown MB, Buxton M, Zhang L, DeBusscher J, Foxman B. Cranberry juice fails to prevent recurrent urinary tract infection: results from a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Clin Infect Dis. 2011;52(1):23-30.

- See more at: http://www.bidmc.org/YourHealth/Conditions-AZ/Urinary-tract-infection-UTI.aspx#sthash.WyAkk6sY.dpuf

Definition

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system. Most UTIs start in the lower urinary tract in the bladder or urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine out of the body. A UTI can also include an infection in the upper urinary system, including the kidneys.
There are different names for infections in different parts of the urinary system, including:

• Uretheral infection—urethritis
• Bladder infection—cystitis
• Kidney infection—pyelonephritis

The infection may also occur in the tube connecting the bladder to the kidney (ureter). All of these infections are considered to be UTIs.

The Urinary Tract

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

UTIs are caused by bacteria that most often come from the digestive tract or rectal area. The bacteria cling to the opening of the urethra and begin to multiply. If the infection is not treated right away, bacteria may move up the urinary system to the kidneys.
Most infections are caused by a bacteria that normally lives in the colon. The bacteria may move from the rectal area to the urethra.
UTIs can also be sexually transmitted. This type of infection usually does not spread past the urethra. Both partners need to be treated.

Risk Factors

UTIs are more common in women because the rectum and urethra are close to each other, making infection more likely.
Other factors that may increase your chance of a UTI include:

• Being sexually active
• Using a diaphragm for birth control
• Menopause
• Diabetes
• Kidney stones
• Enlarged prostate
• Weak immune system
• Abnormalities of the urinary system, such as vesicoureteral reflux or polycystic kidneys
• Paraplegia or quadriplegia
• Sickle-cell anemia
• History of kidney transplant
• Bladder catheter in place, or recent device inserted into the urinary system
• Pregnancy

Symptoms

UTIs may cause:

• Frequent and urgent need to urinate
• Passing small amounts of urine
• Pain in the abdomen or pelvic area
• Burning sensation during urination
• Cloudy, bad-smelling urine
• Increased need to get up at night to urinate
• Leaking urine
• Fever and chills
• Nausea and poor appetite

An infection in the kidney can be more serious. Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of a kidney infection, such as:

• Bloody urine
• Low back pain or pain along the side of the ribs
• High fever and chills

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will also be done. A sample of your urine will be tested for blood, pus, and bacteria.
In general, children and men are less likely to get UTIs. Their infections are more likely to be caused by structural problems of the kidneys, bladder, or tubes. As a result, children and men may need more testing to determine the cause of a UTI.

Treatment

UTIs are treated with antibiotics. Standard medical care for a UTI includes taking antibiotics for 3 days. You will probably start to feel better after 1-2 days. It is important that you continue to take the entire course of medication, even if you feel better.
You may have your urine checked after you finish taking the antibiotics. This is to make sure that the infection is truly gone. If you have recurrent infections, you may be referred to a specialist.
The infection may cause pain and spasms in the bladder. Your doctor may recommend a medication called phenazopyridine. It may turn your urine, and sometimes your sweat, an orange color.
Severe UTIs may need a strong initial dose of antibiotics. You may be given antibiotics through an IV or an injection.

Prevention

To help keep bacteria out of your urinary tract:

• Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Cranberry juice is a good choice.
• Urinate when you feel the need and do not resist the urge.
• Empty your bladder completely and drink a full glass of water after having sex.
• Wash genitals daily.
• If you are a woman, always wipe from the front to the back after having a bowel movement.
• Avoid using douches and feminine hygiene sprays.

- See more at: http://www.bidmc.org/YourHealth/Conditions-AZ/Urinary-tract-infection-UTI.aspx#sthash.WyAkk6sY.dpuf

Definition

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system. Most UTIs start in the lower urinary tract in the bladder or urethra. The urethra is the tube that carries urine out of the body. A UTI can also include an infection in the upper urinary system, including the kidneys.
There are different names for infections in different parts of the urinary system, including:

• Uretheral infection—urethritis
• Bladder infection—cystitis
• Kidney infection—pyelonephritis

The infection may also occur in the tube connecting the bladder to the kidney (ureter). All of these infections are considered to be UTIs.

The Urinary Tract

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

UTIs are caused by bacteria that most often come from the digestive tract or rectal area. The bacteria cling to the opening of the urethra and begin to multiply. If the infection is not treated right away, bacteria may move up the urinary system to the kidneys.
Most infections are caused by a bacteria that normally lives in the colon. The bacteria may move from the rectal area to the urethra.
UTIs can also be sexually transmitted. This type of infection usually does not spread past the urethra. Both partners need to be treated.

Risk Factors

UTIs are more common in women because the rectum and urethra are close to each other, making infection more likely.
Other factors that may increase your chance of a UTI include:

• Being sexually active
• Using a diaphragm for birth control
• Menopause
• Diabetes
• Kidney stones
• Enlarged prostate
• Weak immune system
• Abnormalities of the urinary system, such as vesicoureteral reflux or polycystic kidneys
• Paraplegia or quadriplegia
• Sickle-cell anemia
• History of kidney transplant
• Bladder catheter in place, or recent device inserted into the urinary system
• Pregnancy

Symptoms

UTIs may cause:

• Frequent and urgent need to urinate
• Passing small amounts of urine
• Pain in the abdomen or pelvic area
• Burning sensation during urination
• Cloudy, bad-smelling urine
• Increased need to get up at night to urinate
• Leaking urine
• Fever and chills
• Nausea and poor appetite

An infection in the kidney can be more serious. Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of a kidney infection, such as:

• Bloody urine
• Low back pain or pain along the side of the ribs
• High fever and chills

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will also be done. A sample of your urine will be tested for blood, pus, and bacteria.
In general, children and men are less likely to get UTIs. Their infections are more likely to be caused by structural problems of the kidneys, bladder, or tubes. As a result, children and men may need more testing to determine the cause of a UTI.

Treatment

UTIs are treated with antibiotics. Standard medical care for a UTI includes taking antibiotics for 3 days. You will probably start to feel better after 1-2 days. It is important that you continue to take the entire course of medication, even if you feel better.
You may have your urine checked after you finish taking the antibiotics. This is to make sure that the infection is truly gone. If you have recurrent infections, you may be referred to a specialist.
The infection may cause pain and spasms in the bladder. Your doctor may recommend a medication called phenazopyridine. It may turn your urine, and sometimes your sweat, an orange color.
Severe UTIs may need a strong initial dose of antibiotics. You may be given antibiotics through an IV or an injection.

Prevention

To help keep bacteria out of your urinary tract:

• Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Cranberry juice is a good choice.
• Urinate when you feel the need and do not resist the urge.
• Empty your bladder completely and drink a full glass of water after having sex.
• Wash genitals daily.
• If you are a woman, always wipe from the front to the back after having a bowel movement.
• Avoid using douches and feminine hygiene sprays.

RESOURCES:

• Urology Care Foundation http://www.urologyhealth.org
• National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

• Canadian Urological Association http://www.cua.org
• Women's Health Matters http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca

References:

• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 91: Treatment of urinary tract infections in nonpregnant women. Obstet Gynecol. 2008;111(3):785-794.
• Jepson RG, Craig JC. Cranberries for preventing urinary tract infections. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008;(1):CD001321.
• Uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) (pyelonephritis and cystitis). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed. Updated June 24, 2015. Accessed September 1, 2015.
• Urinary tract infections in adults. Urology Care Foundation website. Available at: http://www.urologyhealth.org/urology/index.cfm?article=47. Accessed September 1, 2015.
• Urinary tract infections in adults. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/utiadult. Updated May 24, 2012. Accessed September 1, 2015.
• Urinary tract infection (UTI) in men. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed. Updated June 27, 2014. Accessed September 30, 2014.
• 12/5/2007 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed: Pohl A. Modes of administration of antibiotics for symptomatic severe urinary tract infections. Cochrane Database of Syst Rev. 2007;(4):CD003237.
• 5/6/2011 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed: Barbosa-Cesnik C, Brown MB, Buxton M, Zhang L, DeBusscher J, Foxman B. Cranberry juice fails to prevent recurrent urinary tract infection: results from a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Clin Infect Dis. 2011;52(1):23-30.

- See more at: http://www.bidmc.org/YourHealth/Conditions-AZ/Urinary-tract-infection-UTI.aspx#sthash.WyAkk6sY.dpuf