A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of any area of the urinary system such as the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. The majority of urinary tract infections involve the lower urinary tract, the bladder and the urethra. Even though upper tract UTIs are less common than lower tract UTIs, they are normally more severe.
Women are more likely to develop a urinary tract infection than men, with many women having repeat infections. An infection limited to your bladder can be painful and irritating; however, serious reactions can occur if an infection reaches the kidneys.
Doctors usually treat urinary tract infections with antibiotics. However, you can take steps to reduce your chances of getting an infection.
Types of Urinary Tract Infections
Each type of UTI can have specific signs and symptoms, depending on which part of the urinary tract is infected. Each type has a different name, based on the location. Common types of urinary tract infections include:
Cystitis (bladder)
You may regularly feel that you need to urinate or it may be painful when you do. You may also have lower abdominal pain, bloody or cloudy urine.
Pyelonephritis (kidneys)
This type of UTI can cause fever, chills, pain in your side or upper back, along with nausea and vomiting.
Urethritis (urethra)
Urethritis can cause a burning sensation when you urinate and discharge.
Symptoms
Urinary tract infections can get overlooked or mistaken for other conditions with similar symptoms, particularly in older adults. Symptoms of a UTI vary depending on what part of the urinary tract is infected.
Lower tract urinary tract infections affect the urethra and bladder. Symptoms of a lower tract UTI include:
- Burning sensation when urinating
- Increased frequency of urination without passing much urine
- Sudden urge to urinate
- Blood in urine (red, pink or brown)
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Darker coloured urine
- Lower abdominal pain in women
- Rectal pain in men
- Feeling fatigued or generally unwell
- Changes in behaviour such as confusion or agitation in older people.
Upper tract urinary tract infections affect the kidneys. This infection can be potentially life threatening if bacteria travel from the infected kidney into the blood. Symptoms of an upper tract UTI include:
- Pain and tenderness in the sides and upper back
- Fever
- Chills
- Nausea and vomiting
Cause and Risk Factors
Urinary tract infections are common in women, with many women experiencing recurring infections. Risk factors for developing a UTI include:
- Female anatomy
- Sexual activity
- Certain types of birth control
- Menopause
- Urinary tract abnormalities
- Blockages in the urinary tract
- A suppressed immune system
- Catheter use
- A recent urinary procedure
Diagnosis
If you believe you have a urinary tract infection, make an appointment with your doctor. They will ask about your symptoms and request a urine sample to help check for bacteria and rule out other conditions.
If you suffer from frequent urinary tract infections, your doctor may suggest imaging tests to assess the urinary tract. Imaging tests can include:
Pregnant women who display symptoms of a urinary tract infection should see their doctor immediately. UTIs during pregnancy can cause high blood pressure and premature delivery. They are also more likely to spread to the kidneys.
Treatment
Antibiotics are typically the first line of treatment for a urinary tract infection. How long you have to take medication and what you have to take varies depending on the type of bacteria found in your urine and your overall health condition. In the majority of cases, the cause of a urinary tract infection is bacteria, which can be treated with antibiotics.
If you experience more than 3 UTIs a year, it is a good idea to ask your doctor to recommend a treatment plan such as:
- A low dosage of antibiotic that can generally be used to treat a bacterial urinary tract infection, depending on what part of the tract is affected. Lower tract UTIs are typically treated with oral antibiotics. Upper tract UTIs require intravenous (into the veins) antibiotics.
- One dose of an antibiotic following sex
- Antibiotics for 1 – 2 days each time symptoms develop
- A non-antibiotic treatment
- At-home urine tests
Home Treatment
A urinary tract infection cannot be cured with home treatment; however, there are some things that you can to enable your medication to work better and clear the infection faster.
Cranberries are a popular remedy, but cannot treat a urinary tract infection if it has already developed. However, there is a chemical in cranberries that helps prevent harmful bacteria from reaching the lining of the bladder.
Mild UTIs commonly pass within a few days. To help soothe any pain or discomfort you can:
- Take over the counter pain medication such as paracetamol.
- Use a hot water bottle between your thighs, your abdomen or back.
- Rest and drink plenty of fluids. This can help the body flush out the bad bacteria.
- Avoid having sex until your symptoms have cleared up. When you do next have intercourse, be sure to urinate afterwards to flush out any bacteria that may be in your urethra.
- Empty your bladder as soon as you feel you need to urinate.
If the antibiotics fails to treat your urinary tract infection, or if you stop the medication early, this type of infection can lead to a more serious infection, such as a kidney infection.
Outlook
Those with uncomplicated urinary tract infections generally respond well to treatment, with antibiotics provide complete recovery.
If you have recurrent urinary tract infections or your symptoms are not improving, your provider may test to check if it is an antibiotic-resistant infection. These are more complicated to treat and may involve intravenous antibiotics (through an IV) or other treatments. Recurrent urinary tract infections can lead to scarring of the urinary tract if not treated promptly.
Need Help?
If you are concerned you may have developed a urinary tract infection, you can be seen by a Consultant Urologist at One Ashford Hospital, usually within 48 hours.
One Ashford Hospital is well placed to see patients with urinary infections from Ashford, Maidstone, Canterbury, Folkestone, Dover and all surrounding villages. To book an appointment, call the hospital direct on 01233 364 022 or email here
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