Urinary Tract Infections

What are urinary tract infections (UTI)?

Urinary tract infections are a serious, but common, health problem that affects millions of people each year. With the reason remaining unclear, women are especially prone to urinary tract infections.

What causes UTIs to occur?

Normal urine is sterile and contains fluids, salts, and waste products. It is free of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. An infection occurs when microorganisms, usually bacteria from the digestive tract, cling to the opening of the urethra and begin to multiply.

Most infections arise from Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria, which normally live in the colon.

• An infection limited to the urethra is called urethritis.
• From the urethra, bacteria often move on to the bladder, causing a bladder infection, which is called cystitis.
• If the infection is not treated promptly, bacteria may then go up the ureters to infect the kidneys called pyelonephritis.

Microorganisms called chlamydia and mycoplasma may also cause UTIs in both men and women. These infections tend to remain limited to the urethra and reproductive system, and may be sexually transmitted, requiring treatment of both partners.

What are some common symptoms of UTIs?

The following are the most common symptoms of a urinary tract infection, however, each individual may experience symptoms differently.

• frequent urination
• a painful, burning feeling during urination
• fever
• urine appears cloudy or reddish in color (blood may be present in the urine)
• feeling pain even when not urinating
• fatigue
• pain in the back or side, below the ribs
• nausea and/or vomiting
• despite an intense urge to urinate, only a small amount of urine is passed
• women may feel an uncomfortable pressure above the pubic bone

The symptoms of a urinary tract infection may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Consult your physician for a diagnosis.

How are UTIs diagnosed?

Diagnosing a urinary tract infection may involve a urinalysis test that allows your physician to examine your urine for bacteria and blood cells. Other diagnostic tests and procedures may include:

• intravenous pyelogram (IVP)
  an opaque dye is injected into the vein and x-rays are taken which visualize the bladder, kidneys, and ureters
• cystoscopy
  a flexible tube and a viewing device are inserted through the urethra in order to see the inside of the bladder
• renal ultrasound
  a transducer is passed over the kidneys, radiating sound waves that bounce off of the kidneys, transmitting a picture on a screen.

How UTIs may be treated:

A treatment protocol will be established by your physician after careful consideration of your individual symptoms and medical profile. In general, treatment for urinary tract infections include one or more of the following:

• antibacterial drugs
• other medication and/or a heating pad to relieve pain

It is often recommended that the patient:

• drink plenty of water to help cleanse the urinary tract of bacteria
• avoid coffee, alcohol, and spicy foods
• quit smoking

Preventing future urinary tract infections:

To reduce the likelihood of developing another UTI, a patient may consider the following:

• Drink plenty of water every day.
• Drink cranberry juice -- large amounts of vitamin C inhibits the growth of some bacteria by acidifying the urine. Vitamin C supplements have the same effect.
• Urinate when you feel the need and do not resist the urge to urinate.
• Wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria around the anus from entering the vagina or urethra.
• Take showers instead of tub baths.
• Cleanse the genital area before/after sexual intercourse.
• Avoid using feminine hygiene sprays and scented douches.