Urinary Tract Infections

Also called: UTI

The urinary system is the body's drainage system for removing wastes and extra water. It includes two kidneys, two ureters, a bladder, and a urethra. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the second most common type of infection in the body.

You may have a UTI if you notice

  • Pain or burning when you urinate
  • Fever, tiredness, or shakiness
  • An urge to urinate often
  • Pressure in your lower belly
  • Urine that smells bad or looks cloudy or reddish
  • Pain in your back or side below the ribs

People of any age or sex can get UTIs. But about four times as many women get UTIs as men. You're also at higher risk if you have diabetes, need a tube to drain your bladder, or have a spinal cord injury.

If you think you have a UTI it is important to see your doctor. Your doctor can tell if you have a UTI with a urine test. Treatment is with antibiotics.

NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections

The following features are indicative of Urinary Tract Infections:
  • persistent urge to urinate
  • burning sensation when urinating
  • passing frequent, small amounts of urine
  • cloudy urine
  • red, bright pink or cola-colored urine
  • strong-smelling urine
  • pelvic pain in women
It is possible that Urinary Tract Infections shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.

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Common Causes of Urinary Tract Infections

The following are the most common causes of Urinary Tract Infections:
  • bacteria infection in urinary tract

Risk Factors for Urinary Tract Infections

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Urinary Tract Infections:
  • female anatomy
  • birth control pills use
  • menopause
  • urinary tract abnormalities
  • blockages in the urinary tract
  • catheter use

Prevention of Urinary Tract Infections

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Urinary Tract Infections. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • drink plenty of liquids
  • wipe from front to back after urinating and after a bowel movement
  • empty your bladder soon after intercourse
  • avoid potentially irritating feminine products
  • change your birth control method

Occurrence of Urinary Tract Infections

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Urinary Tract Infections cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Very common > 10 Million cases

Common Age Group

Urinary Tract Infections most commonly occurs in the following age group:
  • Aged between 20-35 years

Common Gender

Urinary Tract Infections can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Infections

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Urinary Tract Infections:
  • Urine sample analysis: To look for white blood cells, red blood cells or bacteria
  • Growing urinary tract bacteria in a lab: To see which bacteria are causing infection
  • Imaging test: To see the urinary tract

Doctor for Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Infections

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections:
  • Urologist
  • Nephrologist
  • Infectious disease specialist

Complications of Urinary Tract Infections if untreated

Yes, Urinary Tract Infections causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Urinary Tract Infections is left untreated:
  • recurrent infections
  • permanent kidney damage
  • urethral narrowing in men
  • sepsis

Medicines for Urinary Tract Infections

Below is the list of medicines used for Urinary Tract Infections:

Self-care for Urinary Tract Infections

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Urinary Tract Infections:
  • Drink plenty of water: Helps in diluting the urine and flush out bacteria
  • Avoid drinks that may irritate your bladder: Avoid coffee, alcohol, and soft drinks that tend to aggravate the frequent or urgent need to urinate
  • Use a heating pad: Minimize the bladder pressure or discomfort

Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections

The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Urinary Tract Infections:
  • Intake cranberry juice: May treat or prevent infection

Time for Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections

While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Urinary Tract Infections to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
  • Within 1 week

Is Urinary Tract Infections Infectious?

Yes, Urinary Tract Infections is known to be infectious. It can spread across people via the following means:
  • during sexual activity

Related Topics

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Urinary Tract Infections.

Related Topics

Bladder Diseases
Urinalysis

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