Urinary Tract Infection

Subject: Midwifery III (Theory)

Overview

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The bladder and urethra are the most commonly infected parts of the urinary tract. Women are more likely than men to have a UTI. A bladder infection can be painful and inconvenient. However, if a UTI spreads to your kidneys, it might have significant repercussions. In most cases, urinary tract infections originate when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and grow in the bladder. UTIs are most common in women and damage the bladder and urethra. A urine sample is being analyzed. A doctor may request a urine sample for testing for white blood cells, red blood cells, or germs. To avoid contamination of the sample, you may be instructed to wipe your genital area with an antiseptic pad before collecting the pee midstream. Antibiotics are commonly used by doctors to treat urinary tract infections. The drugs prescribed and the duration of treatment are determined by your medical condition and the type of bacterium discovered in your urine.

Definition

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most infections affect the lower urinary tract, specifically the bladder and urethra.

Women are more likely than men to have a UTI. A bladder infection can be painful and inconvenient. However, if a UTI spreads to your kidneys, it can have serious consequences.

Symptoms

  • Urge to urinate that is strong and persistent
  • Urinating with a burning sensation
  • passing little volumes of urine on a regular basis
  • The appearance of hazy urine
  • Pee that is red, bright pink, or cola-colored is an indication of blood in the urine.
  • Urine that smells strongly
  • Women's pelvic pain
  • Rectal discomfort in men

Causes

  • In most cases, urinary tract infections originate when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and grow in the bladder.
  • UTIs are most common in women and damage the bladder and urethra.
  • Urinary tract infection (cystitis). This type of UTI is typically caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), a type of bacterium prevalent in the GI tract.
  • Urinary tract infection (urethritis). When GI bacteria spread from the anus to the urethra, this type of UTI occurs. Furthermore, because the female urethra is so close to the vagina, sexually transmitted infections like herpes, gonorrhea, and chlamydia can cause urethritis.

Tests and Diagnosis

Tests and procedures used to diagnose urinary tract infections include:

  • A urine sample is being analyzed. A doctor may request a urine sample for testing for white blood cells, red blood cells, or germs. To avoid contamination of the sample, you may be instructed to wipe your genital area with an antiseptic pad before collecting the urine midstream.
  • Making a picture of your urinary tract. If your doctor feels that an abnormality in your urinary tract is the source of your frequent infections, you may undergo an ultrasound or a computerized tomography (CT) scan to create images of your urinary tract.
  • Using a scope to inspect the inside of your bladder. If you have recurrent UTIs, your doctor may perform a cystoscopy, which involves inserting a long, thin tube with a lens (cystoscope) into your urethra and bladder to examine the inside of your urethra and bladder. The cystoscope is passed through your urethra and into your bladder.

Treatments and Drugs

Doctors typically use antibiotics to treat urinary tract infections. Which drugs are prescribed and for how long depend on your health condition and the type of bacterium found in your urine.

Simple Infection

Drugs commonly recommended for simple UTIs include:

  • Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra, others)
  • Amoxicillin (Amoxil, Augmentin, others)
  • Nitrofurantoin (Furadantin, Macrodantin, others)
  • Ampicillin
  • Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
  • Levofloxacin (Levaquin)

Frequent Infections

If you experience frequent UTIs, doctor may make certain treatment recommendations, such as:

  • A longer term of antibiotics or a regimen of short courses of antibiotics at the beginning of your urinary symptoms
  • Home urine testing, in which a test stick is dipped into a urine sample to screen for infection
  • If your infections are caused by sexual activity, you should only take one antibiotic after sexual activity.
  • If you are postmenopausal, you should consider vaginal estrogen therapy to reduce your risk of recurrent UTIs.

Severe Infection

  • For a severe UTI, you may need treatment with intravenous antibiotics in a hospital.
Things to remember
  • A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
  • Most infections affect the lower urinary tract, specifically the bladder and urethra.
  • Women are more likely than men to have a UTI.
  • A bladder infection can be painful and inconvenient.
  • However, if a UTI spreads to your kidneys, it can have serious consequences.
  • In most cases, urinary tract infections occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and multiply in the bladder.
  • UTIs are most common in women and affect the bladder and urethra.
  • A urine sample is being analyzed.
  • A doctor may request a urine sample for testing for white blood cells, red blood cells, or bacteria.
  • To avoid contamination of the sample, you may be instructed to wipe your genital area with an antiseptic pad before collecting the pee midstream.
  • Antibiotics are commonly used by doctors to treat urinary tract infections. The drugs prescribed and the duration of treatment are determined by your medical condition and the type of bacterium found in your urine.
Questions and Answers

An infection of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra is known as a urinary tract infection (UTI). The lower urinary tract, including the bladder and urethra, is where most infections occur. Compared to men, women are more likely to get a UTI. An infection that only affects your bladder can be uncomfortable and painful. However, if a UTI spreads to your kidneys, serious consequences could result.

  • An intense, constant urge to urinate
  • The urge to urinate causes burning
  • Urinating frequently and in tiny amounts.
  • Cloudy-appearing urine
  • Red, bright pink, or cola-colored pee is a symptom that there is blood in the urine.
  • Urine with a strong scent
  • Women's pelvic pain
  • Rectal discomfort in men

Antibiotics are frequently prescribed by doctors to treat urinary tract infections. Your health status and the kind of microbe identified in your urine will determine which medications are administered and for how long.

Easy infection

Medications frequently suggested for mild UTIs include:

  • Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra, others)
  • Amoxilin (Amoxil, Augmentin, others)
  • Nitrofuranol (Furadantin, Macrodantin, others)
  • Amoxicillin
  • Drug Ciprofloxacin
  • Levofloxacin
  • Numerous infections

If you experience frequent UTIs, doctor may make certain treatment recommendations, such as:

  • A longer term of antibiotic therapy or a plan involving several short doses of antibiotics when your urinary symptoms first appear.
  • At-home testing for infections performed by dipping a test stick into a urine sample
  • If your illnesses are related to sexual activity, take one dose of antibiotics after sexual activity.
  • Vaginal estrogen therapy to reduce the risk of recurring UTIs if you are postmenopausal

A serious infection

You might require hospital treatment with intravenous antibiotics if your UTI is severe.

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