WHAT ARE URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS?
A urinary tract infection also called a UTI, is an infection in any part of the urinary tract to include the bladder, ureters, urethra and kidneys. UTIs occur most commonly in the bladder and urethra, but on rare occasions, UTIs can spread to the kidneys. The treatment for UTS is usually antibiotics. Women are more likely to develop a urinary tract infection than men.
SYMPTOMS OF URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
The most common symptoms of a lower UTI are:
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Pain and burning sensation during urination
- Frequent need to urinate with only a small amount or a few drops released
- Cloudy, foul-smelling urine
- Blood in the urine
- Lower abdominal pain
- Mild fever and chills
Urinary tract infections can cause different symptoms in older adults and therefore, should be monitored especially if they are unable to communicate well.
If the urinary tract infection has spread into the ureter and/or kidneys you may experience back pain in the flank region and have a higher fever with chills. It is important to contact your doctor as soon as possible if you are experiencing symptoms of a bladder or kidney infection.
CAUSES & RISK FACTORS OF URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
When bacteria enter the urinary tract, it can cause an infection in the urethra, bladder, ureter and kidneys. The body is designed to keep bacteria out of the urinary tract; however, it is not always full-proof. Bacteria tend to multiply when it is in the bladder and this is when symptoms of a urinary tract infection often present. The most common kinds of UTIs are lower infections which occur in the urethra and the bladder. A bladder infection (cystitis) and a urethra infection (urethritis) are usually caused by a type of bacteria that is normally present in the gastrointestinal tract.
One in two women will experience a UTI in their lifetime. There are risk factors that may increase the chance of developing a urinary tract infection including:
DIAGNOSING & TREATING URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
Blue Ridge Urological specializes in a comprehensive range of urological conditions that affect both men and women. Urinary tract infections affect women at a much higher rate than men and we are here to help. If you suspect you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection, the first step in a diagnosis is to perform a urinalysis. A small sample of urine will be analyzed to look for red blood cells, white blood cells and/or bacteria. A urine culture may be performed to identify the type of bacteria that is causing the infection. A primary care physician can perform this test and provide the appropriate treatment. If you suffer from recurrent bladder infections, a urologist may want to use a scope (cystoscope) to look inside the urethra and bladder for any anomalies that may be causing frequent infections.
The treatment for a urinary tract infection is usually antibiotics. Symptoms will begin to go away within a few days of starting treatment; however, the full course of antibiotics should be taken as prescribed by your doctor even when you are feeling better. For patients with recurrent bladder infections, a low dose of antibiotics may be prescribed for a longer duration of time.
Your doctor may recommend a Vitamin C regimen to help discourage the growth of bacteria by keeping the urinary tract more acidic. This may also be accomplished by drinking cranberry juice. In all cases, drinking plenty of liquids, especially water, can help keep the urinary tract healthy.
Blue Ridge Urological is highly experienced in the diagnosis of and treatment of urinary tract infections. If you have recurrent bladder infections, a urologist can help assess the root cause of infection by performing imaging testing and bladder studies. For more information on urinary tract infections, call our office today at (540) 932-5926 or schedule your consultation online.
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