Urinary tract infections, also known as UTIs, are common and can strike anyone at any time, though they are especially common in women of childbearing age. They can affect any part of the urinary system, from the urethra (the urinary opening at the tip of the penis or vagina) to the kidneys and back again. UTIs are usually easy to treat with antibiotics, but if left untreated they can be serious enough to require hospitalization. Here’s what you need to know about UTIs and how to avoid them.
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What is a UTI?
Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are one of the most common types of infection in women. They affect the bladder and kidneys. When symptoms don’t go away after 24 hours, that’s when you might need medical help for treatment. Anyone can get a UTI, but some people are more likely than others – like children and women who have a weakened immune system.
When Do You Need to See a Doctor?
Many people with UTIs will not experience symptoms. If you suspect that you may have a UTI, visit your doctor for a urinalysis and culture test. The best way to treat a UTI is with antibiotics; however, it is important to know the risks involved with taking these drugs in order to make an informed decision about treatment. Your doctor may be able to offer other methods of treatment if you have allergies or sensitivities toward the medications prescribed.
What Does A Bladder Infection Feel Like?
Bladder infections are often asymptomatic. In some cases, there is only a slight sensation of needing to urinate frequently, pain or pressure when urinating, burning with urination, or lower abdominal pain. When the infection does cause symptoms it is likely accompanied by blood in the urine and/or vaginal discharge in women.
For those experiencing any of these symptoms, you may want to discuss the possibility of a UTI with your doctor.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Kidney Infection?
Most people that are diagnosed with a UTI, typically only experience lower abdominal pain and urgency. However, in some cases, there are other symptoms that accompany the bladder infection such as fever, nausea, vomiting, or blood in the urine. Depending on the level of severity of your kidney infection it may require antibiotics to cure or simply be treated by drinking lots of fluids.
Certain factors will also play a role in what your doctor can do for you like whether or not you have any underlying health conditions.
In extreme cases where an antibiotic is required for the treatment of your kidney infection, your physician will prescribe the dosage based on how severe it is- which would depend on if you are experiencing high fever and dehydration.
Treatment Options:
Treatment usually includes supportive therapy, including pain management, controlling a high fever, and preventing or treating dehydration with intravenous fluids. Antibiotics can be used to fight the infection if it is not resolving quickly on its own. In some cases, antibiotic resistance leads to other interventions such as incision and drainage of infected material (a bladder tap) or cystoscopy.
Acute kidney injury associated with untreated UTIs is common in women and may require dialysis. It is less common in men but still happens infrequently. Children sometimes need admission for UTIs but often resolve without long-term problems and without needing hospitalization or invasive intervention.
Best Prevention Practices:
• Drink plenty of fluids. Drinks such as cranberry juice, pineapple juice, or tea can help maintain a healthy urinary tract by keeping bacteria from sticking to the walls of your bladder.
• Don’t use a diaphragm or contraceptive foam. These methods contain estrogen that encourages the growth of bacteria in the urinary tract.
• Practice good hygiene habits. Wipe front-to-back instead of back-to-front, wash with soap and water after urinating or going to the bathroom, change your underwear frequently, always sit while urinating instead of standing – especially if you feel pressure in your stomach – and wear tight underwear that won’t cause bladder infections like thong underwear do.
