Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

  • Urinary Tract Infection
    Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can occur in any part of the urinary tract. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria. They can also be caused by fungi or viruses. UTIs are the second most common type of infection in humans. The National Kidney & Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC) reports that UTIs account for over eight million doctor visits annually.
Submitted by PatientsEngage on 20 December 2014

The urinary tract consists of the kidneys, ureters (which connect the kidneys and the bladder), bladder, and urethra. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can occur in any part of the urinary tract. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria. They can also be caused by fungi or viruses.

UTIs are the second most common type of infection in humans. The National Kidney & Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC) reports that UTIs account for over eight million doctor visits annually.

Anatomy 

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs. They are located in the abdomen on either side of the spine. The kidneys filter blood to remove excess water, salt, potassium, urea and other substances. The waste products are then excreted as urine.

The ureters are thin, spaghetti-shaped tubules. They carry urine from the kidney to the bladder. The bladder is a small, balloon-shaped organ located in the pelvis. In women, the bladder is located in front of the uterus. In men, the bladder is located just above the prostate gland.

The urethra is the tube through which urine exits the bladder. The urethra in women is far shorter than it is in men. In men, it has to pass through the prostate and the penis.

 

Community
Kidney, Urinary, Gastro Intestinal, Liver
Condition
Urinary Tract Infection

Stories

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  • Urinary Tract Infection Prevention
    Prevention Researchers are trying to develop a vaccine to prevent recurrent UTIs. In the meantime, there are simple steps you can take to help prevent UTIs. Health departments recommend: Wiping from front to back after urinating or having a bowel movement. Drinking six to eight glasses of water daily. Drinking water after having sex. Not holding urine for long periods of time. Cleaning your vaginal and rectal areas daily. Taking showers instead of baths. Wearing comfortable underwear, tight…
  • Management of Urinary Tract Infection
    Here are some useful tips on management of Urinary Tract Infection including dietary guidelines, your UTI management team and what to watch out if you have frequent UTI infections If you are getting frequent infections, try to identify specific triggers as they can be avoided. For women, behavioural modifications such as avoiding use of spermicides, proper perineal care like wiping front to back and postcoital voiding  is recommended. In post-menopausal women, vaginal estrogen application…
  • Urinary Tract Infection Treatments
    Antibiotics are used to treat UTIs. Lower UTIs can be treated with oral antibiotics. Upper UTIs require intravenous antibiotics. Sometimes, bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics. Urine cultures can help your doctor select an effective antibiotic treatment. The following antibiotics are used to treat UTIs: Beta-lactams, including penicillins and cephalosporins (for example, Amoxicillin, Augmentin, Keflex, Duricef, Ceftin, Lorabid, Rocephin, Cephalexin, Suprax and others). Trimethoprim -…
  • Tests and Diagnosis for Urinary Tract Infection
    Diagnosis  History and physical exam may suggest whether you have a lower or upper UTI. Definitive diagnosis requires a “clean catch” urine specimen. This is urine collected from the middle of the urinary stream (decreases the contamination of cells and microbes). The doctor will instruct how to do a clean catch. The goal is to avoid picking up bacteria from patient’s skin. Read: Know Your Tests: The Urine Test  Doctors will look for a large number of white blood cells in the…
  • Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection
    Symptoms of UTI depend upon what part of the urinary tract is infected. Lower UTIs are infections of the urethra and bladder. Their symptoms include: Burning with urination Increased frequency of urination with scant amounts of urine being passed Bloody urine (blood in urine) Cloudy urine (milky colored urine) Urine that looks like cola or tea (dark brown coloured urine) Strong odour to urine Pelvic pain (women - lower abdominal pain) Rectal pain (men - anal pain) Upper UTIs are infections of…
  • Causes of Urinary Tract Infection
    Anything that reduces the bladder emptying or irritates the urinary tract can cause UTIs. Many factors can put someone at risk. Obstructions: Blockages that make it difficult to empty the bladder can cause an UTI. Obstructions can be caused by an enlarged prostate, kidney stones and certain forms of cancer. Gender: Women are more likely to get UTIs. This is because their urethras are shorter. UTIs in men are less common and more serious. Sexual Activity: Pressure on the urinary tract during…
  • Types of Urinary Tract Infection and Complications
    Types of UTI  There are a number of different types of urinary tract infections. Urinary tract infections usually develop first in the lower urinary tract (urethra, bladder). If these infections are not treated, they may progress to the upper urinary tract (ureters, kidneys). Bladder infection (cystitis) is by far the most common UTI.  Infection of the urethra is called urethritis. Kidney infection (pyelonephritis) is a serious condition that requires urgent treatment. Pyelonephritis…
  • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
    The urinary tract consists of the kidneys, ureters (which connect the kidneys and the bladder), bladder, and urethra. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can occur in any part of the urinary tract. Most UTIs are caused by bacteria. They can also be caused by fungi or viruses. UTIs are the second most common type of infection in humans. The National Kidney & Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC) reports that UTIs account for over eight million doctor…

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