Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Definition
Urinary tract infection is the infection of the urinary system. Infections of the lower urinary tract are more common.
Alternative names
Causes, incidence and risk factors
Sometimes bacteria get attached to the urethra and gain entry in the urinary tract and cause infection. Escherichia coli, Chlamydia or Mycoplasma are some of the organisms causing UTI. Escherichia coli generally cause cystitis (infection of the urinary bladder). Chlamydia, gonorrhea and herpes simplex virus (sexually transmitted diseases) can cause urethritis (infection of the urethra) in women.
Being women, ageing, use of catheters for prolonged time, menopause, allergies, certain birth control devices and being sexually active are the risk factors for development of UTI. Diabetes, sickle cell anemia, AIDS, kidney problems, kidney stones and abnormalities of the urinary tract are the medical conditions that increase the risk of UTI.
Symptoms
Symptoms of UTI are irritation of the urethra, frequent urge to urinate, very small amount of urine every time, pain or burning sensation of the urethra or bladder while passing urine, white cloudy or red colored urine, urine having strong smell, weakness, feeling of washed out, shaking, exhausted. In women there may be feeling of pressure above pubic bone and in males there may be fullness at rectum. In children there may be incontinence, irritation, fever, not eating, loose motions or abnormal urine. If the infection has reached the kidneys then there may be back pain or side pain blow the ribs with nausea, vomiting and fever.
Signs and tests
UTI can be diagnosed by physical examination and testing the urine in laboratory. Urine analysis consists of appearance of urine, acidity of the urine, microscopic examination of urine and urine culture. Microscopic examination is done for presence of red blood cells, pus cells or bacteria. Urine culture can detect the infection and the type of bacteria causing it. If there is urinary obstruction due to UTI then ultrasound is done. Blood test may be done to find out if infection has reached the circulatory system. For complicated cases X-ray, CT scan, MRI or cystoscopy may be done.
Treatment
Asymptomatic cases of mild UTI do not require treatment and the infection gets cured on its own. UTI is generally treated using antibiotics, if otherwise patient is in good health. The antibiotics given for UTI are amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim and nitrofurantoin. The antibiotics are given singly or in combination as per the severity of the infection. The course of the antibiotic depends on the severity of the infection and history of recurrence.
In case of severe infection hospitalization is required and antibiotics are administered intravenously.
Analgesics are also given to relieve pain.
Expectations (Prognosis)
The prognosis is good with treatment. In absence of treatment the infection may reach to kidneys and may cause permanent damage. Lack of hygiene can cause recurrent UTI.
Complications
If UTI are not treated they can cause pylonephritis (infection of the kidneys) that can damage the kidneys permanently. Infection of the kidneys is more common in children and older adults. UTI may cause urinary tract obstruction. The infection may spread to other parts of the body. Frequent UTI may cause urinary incontinence. UTI in pregnant women can cause low birth weight, developmental delay and mental retardation of the infant or premature delivery.
Calling your health care provide
If there are symptoms of UTI then it is better to contact the health care provider immediately.
Prevention
Intake of lots of fluids, avoiding use feminine products, wiping from front to back after toilet and urination after intercourse are the measures to prevent UTI. Cranberries, blueberries juice, lactobacilli and fermented milk products are protective against UTI.
Reference
Nih.gov, wikipedia.com, mayoclinic.com