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Can A Urinary Tract Infection Cause Body Aches

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Urinary Tract Infection Treatment

Urinary Tract Infection – Overview (signs and symptoms, pathophysiology, causes and treatment)

If you are a healthy adult man or a woman who is not pregnant, a few days of antibiotic pills will usually cure your urinary tract infection. If you are pregnant, your doctor will prescribe a medicine that is safe for you and the baby. Usually, symptoms of the infection go away 1 to 2 days after you start taking the medicine. Its important that you follow your doctors instructions for taking the medicine, even if you start to feel better. Skipping pills could make the treatment less effective.

Your doctor may also suggest a medicine to numb your urinary tract and make you feel better while the antibiotic starts to work. The medicine makes your urine turn bright orange, so dont be alarmed by the color when you urinate.

Uti Diagnosis And Treatment

UTIs are diagnosed with a urine test that checks forspecific markers in the urine that indicate infection. Once a urinary tract infection is confirmed,the UTI can be treated quickly with oral antibiotics. Symptoms usually resolvequickly typically within the first 24 to 48 hours. Even if your symptomsresolve, however, its important to use the full course of antibioticsprescribed to ensure that the infection is fully treated.

There is some evidence that cranberry juice helps to preventUTIs in susceptible women, but its risky to rely on cranberry juice alone ifyou already have symptoms. Proper medical care is still the gold standard oftreatment.

How Does It Occur

Normally the urinary tract does not have any bacteria or other organisms in it. Bacteria that cause UTI often spread from the rectum to the urethra and then to the bladder or kidneys. Sometimes bacteria spread from another part of the body through the bloodstream to the urinary tract. Urinary tract infection is less common in men than in women because the male urethra is long, making it difficult for bacteria to spread to the bladder.

Urinary tract infection may be caused by a sexually transmitted disease. Sometimes a stone in the urinary tract blocks the flow of urine and causes an infection. In older men, an enlarged prostate can cause a urinary tract infection by keeping urine from draining out of the bladder completely. Infection might also be caused by the use of a catheter used to drain the bladder or by urethral stricture, which is a narrowing of the urethra by scar tissue from previous infections or surgical procedures.

You may be more likely to have a UTI if you have diabetes or another medical problem that affects the immune system.

Recommended Reading: How To Treat Urinary Tract Infection

From Bad To Worse: The Facts About Utis & Kidney Infections

You know those few friends who seem to get UTIs all the time? No biggie, they say. Just run to the doc, pop some antibiotics, and the annoyance is kicked . I was never one of those women, and I naïvely assumed I never would be. UTIs just werent something I got, I thought.

Until I did. In retrospect, the signs were clear: I had to pee every two seconds, and it was painful when I did. At first, I thought it was constipation. Then, I thought it was a bad reaction from the laxative that I took for the constipation that it wasnt. Later, I thought it was the flu. For a fleeting moment, I even let pregnancy cross my mind. But a UTI? That simple, silly, easily treatable little thing? It wasnt even on my radar.

So, like a very bad womens health columnist would do, I ignored my symptoms . I had a big trip coming up, deadlines looming, and shopping and packing lists to check off before hitting the road. These things pass, right?

Well it passed, alrightstraight up into my kidney, where it festered for over 10 days. I had a terrible fever, the chills, and constant discomfort and swelling in my back and belly. It wasnt until I returned home and finally went to the doctor that I found out that a kidney infection was to blame. To save the organ at that point, I needed to be pumped with several bags of IV fluids, a nice fat shot of painkiller, and some serious antibiotics.

What Is A Uti Anyway

Right Flank Pain

A UTI, or urinary tract infection, happens when bacteria enters into any part of your urinary system, which includes the urethra, the bladder, the kidneys or the uterus. If not flushed out of the system, the bacteria can lead to an infection, or a UTI.

If youve ever had a UTI , you probably havent forgotten the symptoms. UTIs are very unpleasant, to say the least, and are often accompanied with one or more of the following:

  • A burning sensation when urinating

  • A strong urge to urinate often, usually passing only small amounts of urine at a time.

  • Cloudy and/or strong smelling urine

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When To Get Medical Advice

It’s a good idea to see your GP if you think you might have a UTI, particularly if:

  • you have symptoms of an upper UTI
  • the symptoms are severe or getting worse
  • the symptoms haven’t started to improve after a few days
  • you get UTIs frequently

Your GP can rule out other possible causes of your symptoms by testing a sample of your urine and can prescribe antibiotics if you do have an infection.

Antibiotics are usually recommended because untreated UTIs can potentially cause serious problems if they’re allowed to spread.

What Causes A Bladder Infection

Most of the time a bladder infection is caused by bacteria that are normally found in your bowel. The bladder has several systems to prevent infection. For example, urination most often flushes out bacteria before it reaches the bladder. Sometimes your body cant fight the bacteria and the bacteria cause an infection. Read the reasons you may be at risk for UTIs.

Read Also: Why Did I Get A Urinary Tract Infection

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Urethral Pain With No Infection

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In August i got a UTI and i went to the doctor and he gave me antibiotics well the uti went away but i have had a burning sensations since then. I have went to doctors i have even had surgery to get my bladder dialated. NOTHING HADS WORKED. My doctor thinks it may be Interstial Cystitis? I looked it up online and it does sound like that maybe could be it but it doesnt say anything about me having constant burning after urination. I feel like it is ruining my life. Sex is not enjoyable anymore because it hurts now. Can someone help me please?

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What Can Happen If A Uti Is Not Treated

Urinary Tract Infections – Causes, Symptoms, Treatments, and more

If treated right away, a UTI is not likely to damage your urinary tract. But if your UTI is not treated, the infection can spread to the kidneys and other parts of your body. The most common symptoms of kidney infection are fever and pain in the back where the kidneys are located. Antibiotics can also treat kidney infections.

Sometimes the infection can get in the bloodstream. This is rare but life-threatening.

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Symptoms Of Advanced Bladder Cancer In Women

Undiagnosed and untreated bladder cancer may advance, causing additional symptoms. Many of these result from the original tumor getting larger.

As bladder cancer progresses, it penetrates the bladder lining and the surrounding layers of muscle and tissue. If the cancer continues to metastasize , it may also cause symptoms in nearby or faraway organs and tissues.

Why Asymptomatic Bacteriuria Usually Doesnt Warrant Antibiotics

Clinical studies overwhelming find that in most people, treating asymptomatic bacteriuria with antibiotics does not improve health outcomes.

A 2015 clinical research study found that treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria in women was associated with a much higher chance of developing a UTI later on, and that these UTIs were more likely to involve antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Even for frail nursing home residents, there is no proof that treating asymptomatic bacteriuria improves outcomes, but it does increase the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Despite the expert consensus that this condition doesnt warrant antibiotics, inappropriate treatment remains very common. A 2014 review article on this topic notes overtreatment rates of up to 83% in nursing homes.

Is there a role for cranberry to treat or manage urine bacteria?

The use of cranberry juice or extract to prevent UTIs has been promoted by certain advocates over the years, and many patients do prefer a natural approach when one is possible.

However, top quality clinical research has not been able to prove that cranberry is effective for this purpose. In a 2016 study of older women in nursing homes, half were given cranberry capsules daily. But this made no difference in the amount of bacteria or white blood cells in their urine.

A 2012 systematic review of high-quality research studies of cranberry for UTI prevention also concluded that cranberry products did not appear to be effective.

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Treatment Of Kidney Infection

Most kidney infections need prompt treatment with antibiotics to stop the infection damaging the kidneys or spreading to the bloodstream.

You may also need painkillers.

If you’re especially vulnerable to the effects of an infection , you may be admitted to hospital and treated with antibiotics through a drip.

Most people who are diagnosed and treated promptly with antibiotics feel completely better after about 2 weeks.

People who are older or have underlying conditions may take longer to recover.

Treating Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Overview and More

Your recommended treatment plan by your GP will depend on whether your infection is in the upper or lower urinary tract.

Both types of urinary tract infection can usually be treated at home using a course of antibiotics.

If an upper UTI is more serious or there is increased risk of complications, you may need hospital treatment.

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Common Bladder Problems And When To Seek Help

Bladder problems can disrupt day-to-day life. When people have bladder problems, they may avoid social settings and have a harder time getting tasks done at home or at work. Common bladder problems include urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence, and urinary retention.

Some signs of a bladder problem may include:

  • Inability to hold urine or leaking urine
  • Needing to urinate more frequently or urgently
  • Pain or burning before, during, or after urinating
  • Trouble starting or having a weak stream while urinating
  • Trouble emptying the bladder

If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your health care provider.

Treatment for bladder problems may include behavioral and lifestyle changes, exercises, medications, surgery, or a combination of these treatments and others. For more information on treatment and management of urinary incontinence, visit Urinary Incontinence in Older Adults.

How To Feel Better

If your healthcare professional prescribes you antibiotics:

  • Take antibiotics exactly as your healthcare professional tells you.
  • Do not share your antibiotics with others.
  • Do not save antibiotics for later. Talk to your healthcare professional about safely discarding leftover antibiotics.

Drink plenty of water or other fluids. Your healthcare professional might also recommend medicine to help lessen the pain or discomfort. Talk with your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your antibiotics.

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Uti Signs And Symptoms In Childrenare Different

UTIs are the second most common type of infection in children, behind ear infections. Unfortunately, early symptoms of UTI in young children are not always apparent. And sometimes there are no UTI symptoms at all, or your child is simply unable to articulate the UTI symptoms he or she is experiencing. When it comes to babies under 2 years old, parents need to tune in to these signs of a urinary tract infection:

  • Fever A fever of 104ðF or higher may be the sole symptom in babies. Its also the most common symptom of UTI during babys first two years.
  • Jaundice Up to 18 percent of babies with prolonged or worsening jaundice also have UTIs. When jaundice occurs one full year after birth, its a strong indicator of UTI.
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Crying while urinating

Meanwhile, older children generally have similar symptoms to adults, including urgency, cloudy urine, and pain during urination. For children whove already been toilet trained, bed-wetting is also a sign of a UTI.

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What Is A Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary Tract Infections, Animation.

A urinary tract infection is an infection of the urinary system. This type of infection can involve your urethra , kidneys or bladder, .

Your urine typically doesnt contain bacteria . Urine is a byproduct of our filtration systemthe kidneys. When waste products and excess water is removed from your blood by the kidneys, urine is created. Normally, urine moves through your urinary system without any contamination. However, bacteria can get into the urinary system from outside of the body, causing problems like infection and inflammation. This is a urinary tract infection .

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Infections And Dementia: The Link You Need To Know

Infections can cause short-term cognitive impairments that are reversible once they are treated, but they can also cause long-term cognitive impairment in people who are already on their way to dementia. As a result, the infection can reveal subtle symptoms of dementia in people who appear to have little dementia. It is also possible for UTI to cause permanent brain damage. Infections can damage nerves and brain cells, which is why skilled home health care professionals are so concerned. If you have any of the following symptoms, please see a doctor: confusion, decreased appetite, depression, a change in behavior, or difficulty speaking.

Who Is Most At Risk

In addition to the causes mentioned above, there are some things that can increase your risk of developing urinary incontinence without directly being the cause of the problem. These are known as risk factors.

Some of the main risk factors for urinary incontinence include:

  • family history there may be a genetic link to urinary incontinence, so you may be more at risk if other people in your family have experienced the problem
  • increasing age urinary incontinence becomes more common as you reach middle age and is particularly common in people over 80
  • having lower urinary tract symptoms a range of symptoms that affect the bladder and urethra

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Will A Uti Go Away On Its Own

Some UTIs can go away on their own. A 2022 article states that some uncomplicated UTIs can resolve spontaneously without treatment, but that some people need to see a doctor to relieve their symptoms.

A person should always see a doctor if they develop symptoms of a UTI as they can progress into a kidney infection.

What Causes A Urinary Tract Infection

What To Do For A Bladder Infection At Home

Urinary tract infections are caused by microorganisms usually bacteria that enter the urethra and bladder, causing inflammation and infection. Though a UTI most commonly happens in the urethra and bladder, bacteria can also travel up the ureters and infect your kidneys.

More than 90% of bladder infection cases are caused by E. coli, a bacterium normally found in the intestines.

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Cystitis In Men And Older People

Men tend to get cystitis later in life. Where trouble with urine flow is a symptom, this may indicate that the underlying cause is a problem with their prostate gland.

Cystitis is common in older people, particularly if they are unwell. Bladder catheters and some urinary-tract operations may also increase the risk of cystitis.

Antibiotics For A Uti

The form of antibiotic used to treat a bacterial UTI usually depends on which part of the tract is involved.

Lower tract UTIs can usually be treated with oral antibiotics. Upper tract UTIs require intravenous antibiotics. These antibiotics are put directly into your veins.

Sometimes, bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics. To reduce your risk of antibiotic resistance, your doctor will likely put you on the shortest treatment course possible. Treatment typically lasts no more than 1 week.

Results from your urine culture can help your doctor select an antibiotic treatment that will work best against the type of bacteria thats causing your infection.

Treatments other than antibiotics for bacterial UTIs are being examined. At some point, UTI treatment without antibiotics may be an option for bacterial UTIs by using cell chemistry to change the interaction between the body and the bacteria.

There are no home remedies that can cure a UTI, but there are some things that you can do that can help your medication work better.

These home remedies for UTIs, like drinking more water, may help your body clear the infection faster.

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Key Points About Urinary Tract Infections

  • Urinary tract infections are a common health problem that affects millions of people each year. These infections can affect any part of the urinary tract.
  • Most UTIs are caused by E. coli bacteria, which normally live in the colon.
  • The most common symptoms of UTIs include changes in urination such as frequency, pain, or burning urine looks dark, cloudy, or red and smells bad back or side pain nausea/vomiting and fever.
  • Antibiotics are used to treat UTIs. Other treatments may include pain relievers, and drinking plenty of water to help wash bacteria out of the urinary tract.
  • Other things that can be done may help reduce the likelihood of developing UTIs.

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