A urinary tract infection or UTI is an infection that can happen anywhere along the urinary tract. Your urinary tract is the system that makes urine and carries it out of your body. Urinary tract infections can have different names, depending on what part of the urinary tract is infected. The infection can be in the bladder, kidneys, ureters, or the urethra. If the infection is in the bladder it is called cystitis or a bladder infection. If the infection is in the kidneys is it called pyelonephritis or a kidney infection.
If the infection is in the urethra it is called urethritis.Most urinary tract infections are bladder infections. Infections in the ureters are very rare. UTIs are caused by germs, usually bacteria that enter the urethra and then the bladder. Most of the time, your body can get rid of these bacteria. However, certain conditions increase the risk of having UTIs.
Many different things can increase the risk of getting a UTI. For example if you have diabetes, kidney stones, problems emptying your bladder completely, a urinary catheter, bowel incontinence, or having anything that blocks the flow of urine.Something that could block the flow of urine would be an enlarged prostate or a narrowed urethra. You also have an increased risk if you are older (especially people in nursing homes), if you are immobile, and if you have gotten a surgery or other procedure involving your urinary tract.
Women have a bigger risk of getting a UTI than men do. This is because women have a shorter urethra than in men. Women that are pregnant have a greater risk, and women that have menopause.The symptoms of a bladder infection are: cloudy or bloody urine, which may have a foul or strong odor, low fever, pain or burning with urination, pressure or cramping in the lower abdomen or back, and a strong need to urinate often, even right after the bladder has been emptied.
If the infection spreads to your kidneys, symptoms may include: chills and shaking or night sweats, fatigue and a general ill feeling, fever above 101 degrees Fahrenheit, side, back, or groin pain, flushed, warm, or reddened skin, mental changes or confusion, nausea, vomiting ,and sometimes severe abdominal pain.Some long term effects of having a UTI is kidney damage or scarring, and Sepsis (life-threatening blood infection). The risk of getting Sepsis is greater among the young, very old adults, and those whose bodies cannot fight infections. Lifestyle changes may help prevent some UTIs. To help prevent infection you could change your habits in bathing and hygiene, diet, and clothing. For bathing/hygiene take showers instead of baths, avoid bath oils, keep your genital area clean, and wipe from front to back after using the bathroom.
For diet drink plenty of fluids (2 to 4 quarts each day), drink cranberry juice or use cranberry tablets, but don’t if you have a personal or family history of kidney stones, don’t drink fluids that irritate the bladder, like alcohol and caffeine. For clothing, don’t wear tight fitting pants, and only wear cotton underwear. Once you get a UTI there is treatment for it. But first, your doctor must first decide whether you have a mild or simple bladder or kidney infection, or how serious your infection is.If you have a mild bladder or kidney infection then your doctor will have you take antibiotics by mouth this is usually recommended because there is a risk that the infection can spread to the kidneys. “For a simple bladder infection, you will take antibiotics for 3 days (women) or 7 - 14 days (men).
” Everyone with a bladder or kidney infection should drink plenty of fluids. If the infection is more severe you will have to go to the hospital, at the hospital, you will receive fluids and antibiotics through a vein. Some people have urinary tract infections that keep coming back or that do not go away with treatment. Such infections are called chronic UTIs.
If you have a chronic UTI, you may need antibiotics for many months, or stronger antibiotics may be prescribed. ” If a structural (anatomical) problem is causing the infection, surgery may be recommended. UTIs are very common. They only really cause just discomfort and inconvenience. They can be quickly and easily treated. But if you don’t get to them soon enough they can spread and cause more damage.
If you think you have one go to the doctors and get tested. The sooner you contact your doctor, the sooner you'll be able to get rid of the problem.
