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What is Urinary tract infection?
The urinary system is composed of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. All play a role in removing waste from your body. Urinary tract infections typically occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply in the bladder. Although the urinary system is designed to keep out such microscopic invaders, the defenses sometimes fail. When that happens, bacteria may take hold and multiply into a full-blown infection in the urinary tract.
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Also known as uti, Urinary Tract Infections, bladder infection, URINARY TRACT INFECT, uti - adults, bladder infection - adults
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Urinary tract infection information from trusted sources:
Urinary tract infection
A urinary tract infection is an infection that begins in your urinary system. Your urinary system is composed of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Any part of your urinary system can become infected, but most infections involve the lower urinary tract the urethra and the bladder. Read more on
www.mayoclinic.com
Urinary Tract Infections
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection involving the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. These are the structures that urine passes through before being eliminated from the body. Read more on
www.emedicinehealth.com
Pyelonephritis
The urinary system consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Infections of the urinary tract (UTIs) are the second most common type of infection in the body. You may have a UTI if you notice If you think you have a UTI, it is important to see your doctor. Your doctor can tell if you have a UTI by testing a sample of your urine. Treatment with medicines to kill the infection will make it better, often in one or two days. Read more on
www.nlm.nih.gov
Urinary-Tract Infection
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection of the urinary system, which consists of the kidneys, ureter, bladder, and urethra. Urinary tract infections are one of the most common causes of doctor visits, especially for women. Read more on
www.pdrhealth.com
Pyelonephritis
A kidney infection usually occurs when a bacterial infection (typically e-coli bacteria) moves up from the bladder or urethra and into one of the kidneys. The urethra is the tube that runs from the bladder through the penis or vulva. Urine is passed through the urethra. Read more on
www.nhs.uk
Bladder infection
Inflammation of the bladder usually occurring secondary to ascending urinary tract infections. Associated organs (kidney, prostate, urethra) may be involved. May be acute or chronic. Read more on
www.emedicinal.com
Urinary tract infection - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection that affects any part of the urinary tract. Symptoms include frequent feeling and/or need to urinate, ... Read more on
en.wikipedia.org
Urinary Tract Infections | UTI | Symptoms, Causes Diagnosis and ...
Jun 8, 2009 ... This topic is about urinary tract infections in teens and adults. Read more on
www.webmd.com
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Home ...
Mar 10, 2011 ... What are UTI symptoms and signs in women, men, and children? ... Suggested Reading on Urinary Tract Infection (UTI In Adults) by Our Doctors ... Read more on
www.medicinenet.com
Urinary Tract Infections in Adults
People with diabetes have a higher risk of a UTI because of changes in the ... Normally, a UTI does not cause fever if it is in the bladder or urethra. ... Read more on
kidney.niddk.nih.gov
Contents
Complications
When treated promptly and properly, urinary tract infections rarely lead to complications. But left untreated, a urinary tract infection can become something more serious than merely a set of uncomfortable symptoms.
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Lifestyle and home remedies
Urinary tract infections can be painful, but you can take steps to ease your discomfort until antibiotics clear the infection. Follow these tips: Drink plenty of water to dilute your urine and help flush out bacteria. Avoid coffee, alcohol, and soft drinks containing citrus juices and caffeine until your infection has cleared. They can irritate your bladder and tend to aggravate your frequent or urgent need to urinate.Use a heating pad on your abdomen to minimize bladder pressure or discomfort.
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Medical advice
If you have symptoms of a urinary infection, contact your doctor promptly.
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www.mayoclinic.com
Preparing for your appointment
Most urinary tract infections are treated by your family doctor or a general practitioner. However, when recurrences are frequent or a kidney infection becomes chronic, you'll likely be referred to a doctor who specializes in urinary disorders (urologist) or kidney disorders (nephrologist) for an evaluation to determine if urologic abnormalities may be causing the infections.
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www.mayoclinic.com
Prevention
Take these steps to reduce your risk of urinary tract infections: Drink plenty of liquids, especially water. Cranberry juice may have infection-fighting properties. However, don't drink cranberry juice if you're taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin. Possible interactions between cranberry juice and warfarin may lead to bleeding. Wipe from front to back. Doing so after urinating and after a bowel movement helps prevent bacteria in the anal region from spreading to the vagina and urethra. Empty your bladder as soon as possible after intercourse. Also, drink a full glass of water to help flush bacteria. Avoid potentially irritating feminine products. Using deodorant sprays or other...
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Risk factors
Some people appear to be more likely than are others to develop urinary tract infections. Risk factors include: Being female. Half of all women will develop a urinary tract infection at some point during their lives, and many will experience more than one. A key reason is their anatomy. Women have a shorter urethra, which cuts down on the distance bacteria must travel to reach the bladder.Being sexually active. Women who are sexually active tend to have more urinary tract infections. Sexual intercourse can irritate the urethra, allowing germs to more easily travel through the urethra into the bladder.Using certain types of birth control. Women who use diaphragms for birth control also may...
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Symptoms
Not everyone with a urinary tract infection develops recognizable signs and symptoms, but most people have some.
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Tests and diagnosis
If your doctor suspects you have a urinary tract infection, he or she may ask you to turn in a urine sample to determine if pus, red blood cells or bacteria are present in your urine. To avoid potential contamination of the sample, you may be instructed to cleanse your genital area with an antiseptic pad and to collect the urine midstream.
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Treatments and drugs
If your symptoms are typical of a urinary tract infection and you're generally in good health, antibiotics are the first line of treatment. Which drugs are prescribed and for how long depends on your health condition and the type of bacteria found in your urine.
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www.mayoclinic.com