A urinary tract infection is a very common type of infection in your urinary system. It can involve any part of your urinary system. Bacteria—particularly E. coli—are the most common cause of UTIs. Symptoms include the need to urinate frequently, pain when urinating, and pain in the side or lower back. Antibiotics can treat most UTIs.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system. The urinary system includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most infections affect the lower urinary tract – the bladder and urethra.
Women are at greater risk of developing UTIs than men. If the infection is limited to the bladder, it can be painful and bothersome. If a UTI spreads to the kidneys, serious health problems can occur.
Healthcare providers often treat urinary tract infections with antibiotics. You can also take steps to reduce your chances of getting a UTI in the first place.
Diagnostics and tests
How do you know you have a UTI?
If you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection, talk to your healthcare provider. They will ask about your symptoms, review your medical history, and perform a physical exam. They may also order tests to help confirm the diagnosis.
What tests will be done to diagnose a urinary tract infection at link hospital ?
A healthcare provider may order the following tests to diagnose a UTI:
Urine analysis- During this test, you will pee into a special cup. The provider sends the sample to a lab, where technicians examine it for signs of a UTI using multiple variables, such as nitrites, leukocyte esterase, and white blood cells.
Urine culture- You will pee into a special cup and lab technicians will test your sample to grow and identify any bacteria present. Urine cultures are important because they help your provider determine the most appropriate treatment.
If your infection doesn't respond to treatment, your provider may order the following tests to examine your urinary tract for disease or injury:
Ultrasound- An ultrasound is an imaging test that helps your provider look at your internal organs. Ultrasound is painless and requires no preparation.
Computed tomography (CT)- A CT scan is another imaging test. It's a type of X-ray that takes cross-sectional images of your body—like slices—that create 3D pictures of the inside of your body. A CT scan is more accurate than a standard X-ray.
Cystoscopy- Cystoscopy uses a cystoscope to look into the bladder through the urethra. A cystoscope is a thin instrument with a lens and a light at the end.
If you have frequent UTIs, your healthcare provider may perform tests to check for other health problems -- such as diabetes or an abnormal urinary system -- that may be contributing to your infections.
Bladder Infection Treatment at link hospital ?
The specific intervention depends on the severity of the symptoms. In many cases, healthy patients who have a UTI but have no symptoms do not require any treatment at all. Such asymptomatic UTIs usually resolve within two to three days.
If symptoms of a urinary tract infection are present – such as burning when urinating or an increased need to urinate – treatment usually consists of antibiotics, which are prescribed for three to 14 days. They contain:
Trimethoprim: Trimethoprim is the standard treatment for urinary tract infections in otherwise healthy adults. It is one of the strongest UTI antibiotics, so most patients only require a three-day course. Trimethoprim is generally well tolerated with few side effects that generally include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea/constipation, or stomach pain.
Nitrofurantoin: Nitrofurantoin is the second most commonly prescribed antibiotic for bladder UTIs. It usually requires a longer course than trimethoprim (7 days) and is usually well tolerated, but should not be used by anyone with kidney disease. Side effects include nausea and vomiting.
Cephalosporins: Cephalosporins are often used as first-line treatment in patients who have upper urinary tract infections involving the ureters or kidneys. It is usually taken for seven to 10 days. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, upset stomach and diarrhea.
Penicillin or amoxicillin: These antibiotics are usually only prescribed when other antibiotics have proven ineffective. The bacteria, especially E. coli, have become resistant to penicillin and amoxicillin and only respond in 50 percent of cases. Side effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and vaginal itching or discharge.
Treatment for UTI symptoms?
When UTI symptoms are particularly bothersome, your doctor may also recommend phenazopyridine (Pyridium) to relieve burning and discomfort, to be taken in conjunction with antibiotics. This medicine should not be taken for more than two days and has side effects that include headache, nausea and changes in the color of urine (orange).
Recommendations for preventing UTIs?
To prevent a urinary tract infection, some research suggests that the following may be helpful:
Increase fluid intake: Your doctor may recommend increased fluid intake to help flush bacteria from the urinary system.
Drinking cranberry juice: Drinking 8 ounces of cranberry juice a day can help prevent recurrent UTIs. People who take blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin) or are prone to kidney stones should consult a doctor before trying this approach.
Proper hygiene: Regular bathing keeps the genital area free of bacteria, and women should wipe from front to back after using the bathroom to prevent bacteria from entering the urethra.
Urinary tract infections are when you have an infection in your urinary system. You may feel embarrassed if you have symptoms that affect your genitals or cause incontinence, but that's okay—you haven't done anything wrong. UTIs are common, especially if you have a vagina. A healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection, and your symptoms should subside within a few days. Follow your provider's instructions and complete a full course of antibiotics to make sure the UTI goes away.