UTI / Urinary Tract Infections

A UTI (urinary tract infection) is an infection of one or more components of the urinary tract. The urinary tract consists of two kidneys, two ureters, a bladder, and a urethra.

The term UTI is frequently used to indicate an infection anywhere along the urinary tract, but a urinary tract infection (UTI) can also be specified based on the part of the urinary tract affected by the infection:

• Urethritis is an infection of the urethra.
• Cystitis is an infection of the urinary bladder.
• Bladder and urethral infections are called lower UTI.
• Pyelonephritis is an infection of one or more of the kidneys. It is called upper UTI.

UTI’s can be prevented by simple measures such as drinking enough water, using the bathroom more frequently and completing the course of antibiotics prescribed to you. Read 10 ways to never get another UTI for more information on this topic.

Urine does not normally contain bacteria. But if the flow of urine is obstructed or the urine is retained in the bladder, it provides an environment for bacteria to multiply. Most urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by bacteria that enter through the urethral opening, multiply and move up the urethra to the bladder.

Lower UTIs are usually uncomplicated and fairly easy to treat with antibiotics. However, if a lower UTI is not treated with antibiotics in a timely fashion, the infection will spread up into the kidneys. Kidney infections are harder to eradicate and need a prolonged course of antibiotics. A kidney infection is often a result of a bladder infection that was not treated in time or an underlying cause such as a kidney stone or a partially or incompletely treated UTI. Untreated, a kidney infection enters the blood stream, causing life-threatening sepsis.

Home and over-the-counter (OTC) remedies (cranberry juice), herbal medicines, and urinary analgesics (pyridium) only alleviate symptoms temporarily. Without antibiotics, a bacterial infection of urine will simply not go away. On the other hand, a simple antibiotic course will cure a UTI.

Most urine infections are due to Escherichia coli (E. coli), a bacteria found in stool. Usually these bacteria are sensitive to antibiotics.

Other bacteria that cause UTIs include Proteus, Klebsiella, and Enterococcus. These bacteria are usually resistant to antibiotics and their presence may necessitate additional tests.

A recent hospitalization, catheterization, diabetes, or kidney stones are common among those suffering from recurrent UTIs or UTI that is resistant to antibiotic treatment. A urine culture helps establish the identification of the bacteria causing the infection, as well as its susceptibility to antibiotics.

The symptoms of urinary infection depend on the location of the infection. If the infection affects the urethra, it is characterized by burning pain when passing urine, urgency, and a sense of incomplete emptying of the urinary bladder, a spasmodic pain at the end of urination with or without blood in the urine or on the tissue.

If the infection affects the urinary bladder, symptoms may be minimal. There may be pressure-like symptoms above the pubic bone, frequent passing of urine (frequency), burning pain (dysuria) on passing urine, cloudy and foul-smelling urine, incontinence (loss of bladder control) with coughing or sneezing, lower abdominal discomfort similar to that felt during menstrual cycles (yet somewhat different and distinct), and occasionally a fever.

If the infection affects the upper part of the urinary tract (ureters, kidneys) it is characterized by back pain, blood in urine, fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, and shakes.

Even though UTIs are easily treatable, access to prompt medical care and appropriate antibiotic treatment is what determines the duration of the disease and its prognosis.