Urinary Tract Infection

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is the infection of the urinary system which mainly includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, prostate (in men) and urethra. Urinary tract infections occur when bacteria develops in the urinary system.

Normal urine contains no bacteria (germs). Bacteria can get into the urine and the urinary tract from the skin around the rectum and genitals by traveling up the urethra into the bladder. Lower urinary tract infection or cystitis is the bacterial infection which is confined only to the bladder and the urethra.

Upper urinary tract infection or Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection of the kidneys resulting from bacteria traveling from outside the body into the urethra to the bladder and finally to the kidneys through the ureters.

For women, the risk of having a UTI is greater than men. This is probably because of a shorter urethra, so it is easier for the bacteria to move up to bladder. Bacteria can get into the urinary tract following sexual intercourse or use of a diaphragm for birth control or after menopause.

The following risk factors increase the likelihood of having a urinary tract infection:

• Diabetes.
• Advanced age.
• Urinary retention (difficulty fully emptying the bladder).
• Use of urinary catheter to urinate.
• Having urinary tract abnormalities that block the flow of urine.
• Bowel incontinence (the loss of bowel control).
• Kidney stones.
• Pregnancy.
• Surgical procedures involving urinary tract.

If you have a cystitis or bladder infection you may have an intense urge to pass urine, pain or burning sensation when urinating, and urine may look cloudy, bloody or have a foul smell.

If you have Pyelonephritis or kidney infection you may have fever with chills, flushed, reddened skin, pain in the back, nausea, and vomiting.

Your doctor will ask about urinary symptoms and then order the following tests if a UTI is suspected.

Urine Test

A sample of urine is collected and analyzed in a laboratory to determine if pus, red blood cells or bacteria are present.

Ultrasound scan

An ultrasound scan is a non-invasive, painless scan done to see whether there are any abnormalities in your urinary tract, such as a narrow ureter or a bladder stone or kidney stone.

Antibiotics are usually used to manage urinary tract infections. Depending on the type of infection present antibiotic therapy may be given either by mouth, IV or both. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to relieve burning pain and urge to urinate. A referral to a Urologist (urinary tract specialist) may be needed.