Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of your urinary system, consisting of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Although infections generally involve the bladder and urethra, any part of the system is subject to infection. An infection limited to the bladder can be very painful and annoying, but severe consequences can occur if the infection spreads to the kidneys.

UTIs are very common, especially in women. Each year, 8 million to 10 million visits to doctors are for urinary tract infections. Antibiotics are the typical treatment for urinary tract infections. If you think you have a UTI, AFC Raleigh Brier Creek can help.

Symptoms Of A UTI

A urinary tract infection causes the lining of the urinary tract to become red and irritated. A urinary tract infection can be present without signs or symptoms, especially in older people. When symptoms are present, they may include:

• Frequent need to urinate
• Urgent need to urinate
• Incontinence
• Painful urination, possibly with a burning sensation
• Passing small amounts of urine
• Urine that appears cloudy
• Bright pink or brown urine
• Strong smelling urine
• Rectal pain – in men
• Pain in the side, abdomen or pelvic area
• Pressure in the lower pelvis

Other symptoms that may be associated with a urinary tract infection include:

• Pain during sex
• Penis pain
• Fatigue
• Fever (temperature above 100 degrees Fahrenheit) and chills
• Vomiting
• Mental changes or confusion, especially in older people

Symptoms vary depending on where the infection lies within the urinary tract.

• Urethra
  • Burning with urination
  • Discharge
• Bladder
  • Pelvic pressure
  • Lower abdomen discomfort
  • Frequent, painful urination
  • Blood in urine

• Kidneys
  • Back pain or side (flank) pain
  • High fever
  • Shaking and chills
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

  Causes Of A UTI

  
  

  Urinary tract infections typically occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and then multiply in the bladder and can spread through the entire urinary system. The most common UTIs affect the bladder and urethra.

  Risk factors

  Urinary tract infections are common in women, and many women experience more than one infection during their lifetimes. Specific risk factors include:

  • Female anatomy
  • Certain types of birth control
  • Menopause
  • Sexual activity
  • Urinary tract abnormalities
  • Blockages in the urinary tract such as kidney stones
  • Suppressed immune system
  • Catheter use
  • Aging - Older adults also are at higher risk for developing UTI infections. This increased risk may be due to incomplete emptying of the bladder, including enlarged prostate or bladder prolapse.

  Complications

  
  

  When treated promptly and properly, lower urinary tract infections rarely lead to complications. But left untreated, a urinary tract infection can have serious consequences. See us at AFC Raleigh Brier Creek right away if you think you may have a UTI.

  Complications of a UTI may include:

  • Recurrent infections
  • Permanent kidney damage
  • Increased risk in pregnant women of delivering low birth weight or premature infants
  • Urethral narrowing in men
  • Sepsis, a potentially life-threatening complication of an infection

  Prevention

  
  

  You can take these steps to reduce your risk of urinary tract infections:

  • Drink plenty of liquids, especially water.
  • Drink cranberry juice.
  • Wipe from front to back after urinating and after a bowel movement.
  • After intercourse, empty your bladder and drink a full glass of water.
  • Avoid potentially irritating feminine products like deodorant sprays, douches and powders.
  • Avoid diaphragms, unlubricated or spermicide-treated condoms.

  UTI Tests and Diagnosis

  
  

  If you suspect that you have a urinary tract infection, come see us. AFC Raleigh Brier Creek will perform a urinalysis to diagnose a urinary tract infection and provide the correct treatment.

  Treatments for UTIs

  
  

  Antibiotics are the most common treatment for urinary tract infections. As always, be sure to take all of your prescribed medicine, even after you start to feel better. Drink lots of water to help flush the bacteria from your body.

  When To Come to AFC Raleigh Brier Creek

  
  

  Come to AFC Raleigh Brier Creek if you suspect a UTI or if you have the following symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Vomiting
  • Back pain