URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS (UTIs)
A urinary tract infection is an infection involving any part of the urinary system.
- The urinary system helps in removing wastes and extra water from our body.
- It includes 2 kidneys, 2 ureters, the bladder and the urethra.
- The urinary system is divided into the upper urinary tract -the kidneys and the ureters and the lower urinary tract- the urethra and the bladder.
- Infections that occur in the upper urinary tract mostly affect the kidney. This type is known as pyelonephritis.
- Most infections occur in the lower urinary tract. Infections that affect the urethra is called urethritis and the one that affects the bladder is termed cystitis.
- People of all age and sex can develop an infection. However, infections are more common in women than in men.
- People with diabetes and spinal cord injury are at higher risk of getting the infection
CAUSES
Urinary tract infections are commonly caused by a bacteria. The bacteria can enter into the urinary tract through the urethra and multiply in the bladder where they grow and cause an infection. A larger percentage of infection is caused by a bacteria called Escherichia coli.
The following factors can increase your chance of getting an infection:
- Poor personal hygiene
- Pregnancy
- Sexual intercourse with multiple or new partners
- Kidney stones
- Menopause
- A certain type of contraceptives
- Urinary tract abnormalities
- People who urinate with the aid of a urinary catheter are at higher risk
- A recent urinary procedure.
- Suppressed immune system
- Use of tampons and spermicides.
SIGN AND SYMPTOMS
The sign and symptoms may depend on the part of the urinary tract infected.
The sign and symptoms of the lower urinary tract infection may include:
- Inflammation and irritation of the urethra lining
- Pain or burning sensation during urination
- Bad smelling or bloody urine
- Strong and frequent urge to urinate
- Lower abdominal pain
- Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
- Pelvic pain in women
The sign and symptoms of upper urinary tract infections may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fairly high fever
- Pain in the back or side.
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
DIAGNOSIS
Diagnosis will be made after the information has been given about symptoms, medical history including surgical history and medications. A physical examination and lab test completes the evaluation.
Your doctor may take your urine sample for lab analysis to check for bacteria. You may be required to wash the area around your genital before providing such sample, this is to prevent bacteria around the genital from contaminating the sample. This process is called urinalysis.
In rare cases, an imaging test may be used to detect the underlying cause of infections in the urinary tract. This is only necessary in cases of recurrent infections. An ultrasound examination to check problems with the kidney and bladder. A CT scan to give a detailed image of the urinary tract. Cystoscopy to detect abnormalities in the bladder contributing to infections.
TREATMENT
A urinary tract infection is commonly treated with antibiotics. The type of antibiotic and duration of treatment depend on the symptoms of the individual. Your doctor will help you choose the appropriate medication for your condition.
Drinking lots of fluids to aid frequent urination can be helpful in flushing out the bacteria.