Urinary Tract Infection

What is a Urinary Tract Infection?

The Urinary System comprises Kidneys, Ureters, Bladder, and Urethra. A urinary tract infection can affect any of these. However, UTIs are divided into upper urinary tract infections (affecting kidneys and ureters) and lower urinary tract infections (affecting bladder and urethra). Women have shorter urethra and therefore, women are more vulnerable to this infection.

What are the symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection?

The symptoms of urinary tract infection vary from area to area depending upon the site of infection in the urinary tract.

If the infection is in the upper urinary tract, the symptoms might include:

Lower Urinary Tract Infection (Cystitis and Urethritis)
abdomen pain
Pain while urinating
Itching and burning in the genitals
Blood in the urine
Urge to urinate frequently

If the infection is in the lower urinary tract, the symptoms include:

Upper Urinary Tract Infection (Acute Pyelonephritis)
High grade fever and chills
Loin to groin pain
Nausea and Vomiting
General feeling of being unwell

What are the causes of Urinary Tract Infection?

Urinary Tract Infections usually occur when bacteria enters the urinary tract through urethra and begins multiplying in the bladder. The common causes of a urinary tract infection includes:

Infection of the bladder: 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.
Infection of Urethra (urethritis): This type of UTI can occur when GI 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.

Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Infections:

The doctor will use the following tests to determine the presence of a urinary tract infection. These tests include:

Urine Sample Analysis: You will be asked to urinate in a cup and afterwards, a sample from your urine will be taken to the laboratory, a complete urine examination will be performed on the sample to declare results
Laboratory Bacteria Culture: To give a patient an antibiotic targeted treatment, the doctor will determine which specific bacteria is causing you the problem.

Treatment for Urinary Tract Infection:

Most infections caused by a UTI are simply treated with antibiotics and they go away without any complications. The doctor will also prescribe you some painkillers to ease the pain. The doctor will also suggest you take lots of fluid, keep yourself hydrated with water and fresh juices.