What is a Urinary Tract Infection?

A urinary tract infection is a common non-contagious illness many people face; typically it involves bacteria or fungi contaminating one or more of the structures of the urinary tract such as the kidneys, bladder, ureters, or urethra. Usually an infection of the urinary tract is easily treated with antibiotics. However, left untreated a urinary tract infection can lead to serious complications, so it is very important to see your healthcare provider if you think you may have an infection of the urinary tract.

Who is Most at Risk for a Urinary Track Infection UTI?

Anyone can get a urinary tract infection, but are more common in women than men. It is not scientifically proven, but the train of thought is that women are affected more often because females have a shorter urethra than males thereby shortening the length that bacteria must travel to reach the bladder. There are certain risk factors that can contribute to your getting a urinary tract infection such as:

• Birth defects (that cause the interruption or inability for urine to be passed)
• Being female
• Having an active sex life
• Are post menopausal
• Use spermicides
• Use a diaphragm
• Have Diabetes
• Have an immune suppressing disease
• Have to use a catheter for urination
• Have an obstruction in the urinary tract (kidney stones or gallstones)
• Have an enlarged prostate

What are the Symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection?

• Pain or burning during urination
• Pain in the lower back
• Sudden urge to urinate with little outcome
• Dark (bloody)or cloudy (pus)urine
• Foul smelling urine
• Feeling of pressure in the groin area or lower back
• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Malaise (lethargic or tired feeling)
• Confusion (in seniors)

What is the Treatment for a Urinary Tract Infection?

If you have any of the above mentioned symptoms you should see your healthcare provider right away, when diagnosed early the treatment for a urinary tract infection is pretty simple. If you have a severe urinary tract infection it may be necessary to be hospitalized for intravenous antibiotic treatments. To get to a diagnosis your healthcare provider will request a urine specimen from you to confirm that a bacterium is present in your urine; this is usually done right in the physician’s office or urgent care center. Once the doctor has confirmed that a bacterium is present, he or she will likely prescribe antibiotics as the treatment to eradicate the bacteria causing your urinary tract infection. Typically the doctor will also tell you to drink plenty of fluids to help flush out the bacteria in your urinary tract. Some doctors suggest drinking cranberry juice as an added holistic aid in curing your urinary tract infection. The doctor will also stress the necessity of being certain that you take all of the medication prescribed. Do not stop taking the antibiotics until you have completely finished the entire prescription. Even if the symptoms are gone and you are feeling better it is still necessary to finish all of the antibiotics or your infection may return and this may complicate the process of curing your infection. Most infections will clear up in two to three days after beginning treatment, but again make sure you follow your health care provider’s directions to the letter. The doctor may also prescribe an analgesic pain reliever if you are experiencing burning or pain when urinating, the prescription analgesic will help to numb the pain. If you are having recurring urinary tract infections your doctor may refer you to a urologist for more in depth studies as to the cause of your frequent infections and perhaps to formulate a better method of treatment for your particular health status. The doctor may also wish to discuss any preventive steps that may be implemented to stave off recurring infection such as home urine test kits or estrogen therapy in post menopausal women. There are numerous treatment options available that your doctor can formulate to better manage your urinary tract health. If after a few days of taking your medication you do not seem to be getting better or your symptoms get worse, see your doctor or urgent care center immediately. The doctor may need to do further testing such as running blood tests, order an ultrasound or scan of the kidneys to ascertain what is causing your condition to worsen. It may be as simple as changing the type of antibiotics you are taking, but an untreated or improperly treated case of urinary tract infection can cause a very serious illness called sepsis, which can be fatal. If your doctor cannot see you right away go to an urgent care center in your area immediately and bring your prescription(s) with you.