Causes Of Urinary Tract Infection In Women

Why Asymptomatic Bacteriuria Usually Doesnt Warrant Antibiotics

Urinary Tract Infection In Women | Causes & Treatment

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.

Utis In The Elderly: Symptoms And Treatment

Urinary tract infections are the most common type of bacterial infection in older adults. According to the National Institutes of Health, UTIs affect around 10% of men and 20% of women older than 80. Seniors may also experience different and more severe symptoms than younger adults do, including agitation, mental confusion, and sudden changes in behavior.

When left untreated, UTIs in the elderly can cause serious problems, including permanent kidney damage and sepsis a generalized and potentially life-threatening infection.

Read on to understand how UTIs can affect the elderly and how to recognize symptoms of this common infection.

Can Pelvic Pain Be Prevented

Pelvic pain canât always be prevented. However, incorporating these recommendations into your daily life can help reduce your risk:

Donât overuse. Limit activities that require you to stand or walk for long periods of time.
Eat more fiber. This is particularly helpful if your pelvic pain is due to diverticulitis.
Exercise regularly. Staying physically active helps keep your joints and muscles in good condition.
Stretch your muscles. Warm up before exercising to help reduce the risk of pelvic pain.
Visit your healthcare provider regularly. Routine examinations can help your medical team detect issues early on before they worsen.

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Seattle Children’s Urgent Care Locations

If your childs illness or injury is life-threatening, call 911.

Treatment for a Bladder Infection

What You Should Know about Bladder Infections:

Bladder infections are common in girls.

Most infections do not respond to the first dose of an antibiotic.

Often the bladder symptoms do not improve the first day.

Here is some care advice that should help.

Keep Giving the Antibiotic by Mouth:

UTIs need a prescription antibiotic. It will kill the bacteria that are causing the bladder infection.

Give it as directed.

Try not to forget any of the doses.

Give the antibiotic until it is gone. Reason: To keep the bladder infection from flaring up again.

Prevention of Bladder Infections in Girls

Tips for How to Prevent UTIs in Girls:

When your child bathes, clean the genital area with warm water. Soap is not needed for young girls.

Don’t use bubble bath, shampoo or other soaps in the bath water. Reason: They are irritants.

Keep bath time less than 10 minutes. Your child also should pass urine right after baths.

Teach your daughter to wipe herself correctly from front to back after a stool.

Drink enough fluids each day to keep the urine light-colored.

Pass urine at least every 4 hours during the day and avoid “holding back.”

Wear cotton panties. Reason: To allow the skin to breathe. Your child doesn’t need to wear panties during the night.

Avoid constipation.

You have other questions or concerns

Private Duty Nursing Services

Sometimes, seniors need help with more than daily living tasks and require a licensed medical professional. Centric Healthcare offers the services of private duty nurses who attend to your or your loved ones medical needs in your home. Examples of our services that can assist in the treatment and prevention of UTI include assistance with catheter care, medication administration, and a trained eye that can help identify self-care needs and watch for classic and non-classic UTI symptoms.

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What Is The Prognosis For A Person With A Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infections typically respond very well to treatment. A UTI can be uncomfortable before you start treatment, but once your healthcare provider identifies the type of bacteria and prescribes the right antibiotic medication, your symptoms should improve quickly. Its important to keep taking your medication for the entire amount of time your healthcare provider prescribed. If you have frequent UTIs or if your symptoms arent improving, your provider may test to see if its an antibiotic-resistant infection. These are more complicated infections to treat and may require intravenous antibiotics or alternative treatments.

Youve Got A Cold The Flu Or Allergies

You may be tempted to curse your seasonal sneezes, a cold, or the dreaded flu for making your life even more miserable with a UTI, but these ailments arent the cause. The meds you take to manage symptoms could be.

Though theyre the bomb at keeping your runny or stuffy nose in check, antihistamines and decongestants might make you go less by causing urinary retention. And see No. 6 that may lead to a UTI.

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Can I Become Immune To The Antibiotics Used To Treat A Uti

Your body can actually get used to the antibiotics typically used to treat a urinary tract infection . This happens in people who have very frequent infections. With each UTI and use of antibiotics to treat it, the infection adapts and becomes harder to fight. This is called an antibiotic-resistant infection. Because of this, your healthcare provider may suggest alternative treatments if you have frequent UTIs. These could include:

Waiting: Your provider may suggest that you watch your symptoms and wait. During this time, you may be encouraged to drink plenty of fluids in an effort to flush out your system.
Intravenous treatment: In some very complicated cases, where the UTI is resistant to antibiotics or the infection has moved to your kidneys, you may need to be treated in the hospital. The medicine will be given to you directly in your vein . Once youre home, you will be prescribed antibiotics for a period of time to fully get rid of the infection.

Older Adults Should Have Other Symptoms Too

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Signs & Symptoms (& Why They Occur)

When your loved ones doctor suspects a UTI, be sure to mention whether these symptoms are also present:

Fever over 100.5 °F
Worsening urinary frequency or urgency
Sudden pain with urination
Tenderness in the lower abdomen, above the pubic bone

Having at least two of the symptoms above, along with a positive urine culture, will confirm a UTI.

How To Prevent Urinary Tract Infection In Women

To prevent urinary tract infection in women, the following methods may help:

Drink enough water every day:Fluids clean your urinary tract and prevent bacteria from multiplying. Drinking cranberry juice may inhibit bacterial growth by reducing the ability of bacteria to adhere to the urethra.
Wipe from front to back:To prevent the spread of intestinal bacteria from the rectum to the urinary tract, women should always use toilet paper from front to back after defecating. Thus, the entry of bacteria into the urethra can be prevented.
Reduce the spread of bacteria during sexual intercourse:After intercourse, urinate to flush bacteria from your urethra. You can consult your doctor about the measures that can be taken to reduce the risks of urinary tract infection and other infections and to minimize the formation of bacteria during sexual intercourse.

You Eat A Lot Of Sugar

Bacteria that cause UTIs love feeding on sugar, so you run the risk of providing a feast for them whenever your sweet tooth strikes. Kalas V, et al. Structure-based discovery of glycomimetic FmlH ligands as inhibitors of bacterial adhesion during urinary tract infection. DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1720140115

If you eat tons of added sugars and get a real surge in your blood sugar, you may end up with some of that sugar in your urine, says Mary Jane Minkin, MD, a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Yale School of Medicine.

Some foods and beverages, like coffee, booze, and chocolate, can also irritate your delicate urinary tract and exacerbate an existing UTI.

A Pharmacist Can Help With Utis

You can ask a pharmacist about treatments for a UTI.

A pharmacist can:

offer advice on things that can help you get better
suggest the best painkiller to take
tell you if you need to see a GP about your symptoms

Some pharmacies offer a UTI management service. They may be able to give antibiotics if they’re needed.

Urgent Advice: Ask For An Urgent Gp Appointment Or Get Help From Nhs 111 If:

You think you, your child or someone you care for may have a urinary tract infection and:

a very high temperature, or feeling hot and shivery
a very low temperature below 36C
are confused, drowsy or have difficulty speaking
have not been for a pee all day
have pain in the lower tummy or in the back, just under the ribs
can see blood in their pee

These symptoms could mean you have a kidney infection, which can be serious if it’s not treated as it could cause .

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

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What Are The Causes Of Dysuria

There are many causes of dysuria. Also know that doctors cant always identify the cause.

WOMEN: Painful urination for women can be the result of:

Bladder infection .
Urinary tract infection.
Endometritis and other causes outside the urinary tract, including diverticulosis and diverticulitis.
Inflammation of the bladder or urethra . Inflammation is usually caused by an infection.

The inflammation may also be caused by sexual intercourse, douches, soaps, scented toilet paper, contraceptive sponges or spermicides.

Normal female anatomy

MEN: Painful urination for men may be the result of:

Urinary tract infection and other infections outside the urinary tract, including diverticulosis and diverticulitis.
Prostate disease.

Normal male anatomy

Painful urination for men and women may be the result of a sexually transmitted infections or the side effect of medications. Chemotherapy cancer drugs or radiation treatments to the pelvic area may inflame the bladder and cause painful urination.

Tips To Prevent A Urinary Tract Infection

Topics in this Post

Obstetrics and Gynecology

A urinary tract infection, also called a UTI, is an infection that occurs in the urinary system. This could include the urethra, bladder, ureters and kidneys. Most infections involve the bladder and urethra, known as the lower urinary tract.

The most common symptoms include painful urination, tenderness above the bladder area, urgency and frequency of urination. Cloudy and a strong odor are not signs of infection.

Women are at greater risk for a UTI because the urethra is shorter than in men, so it’s easier for bacteria to travel to the bladder. UTIs also are more common in postmenopausal women because low estrogen levels change vaginal and urethral tissue to increase the risk of infection.

It’s always better to prevent an infection rather than simply treat it. UTIs are no different.

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What Causes Urinary Tract Infections

Normal urine is sterile and contains fluids, salts, and waste products. It does not contain bacteria, viruses, or fungi. A UTI occurs when germs, most often bacteria from the digestive tract, get into the opening of the urethra and start to multiply.

Most UTIs are caused by E. coli bacteria, which normally live in the colon.

What Can I Do If I Have Bladder Pain From Foods

Urinary Tract Infection Nursing NCLEX | UTI Symptoms Treatment Cystitis, Pyelonephritis, Urethritis

Living with bladder irritation can be uncomfortable. But you can take steps to remove irritants from your diet and reduce pain. Avoid foods that irritate your bladder, and remember that water is important. Drinking enough water helps you feel more comfortable after you eat foods that irritate your bladder.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Bladder discomfort can be frustrating and even embarrassing. Conditions like IC can make you feel like you need to pee even after youve already gone to the bathroom, and your bladder can hurt a lot. But you can get help to reduce irritation. Talk to your healthcare provider about your bladder irritation and possible food and drink causes.

Urinary Tract Infection In Elderly

Many elderly adults in modern society tend to suffer from infections of the urinary tract, and this is somewhat burdensome for caregivers. Caregivers may experience caregiver burnout and/or fatigue as they try to care for their loved ones with urinary tract infections. Thus, it is crucial to be aware of the causes, signs and symptoms, and prevention mechanisms for elderly adults with urinary tract infections. It is also important to remember that assisted living caregivers are trained on how best to support elderly residents with urinary tract infection, in order to help alleviate the burden from the shoulders of the family caregivers.

Urinary tract infections, also referred to as UTIs, are more common in older adults who are 65 years and above. In fact, urinary tract infections are the second most common cause of hospital admissions in community-dwelling senior citizens of age 65 and older. There has been a sudden rise in the number of seniors diagnosed with urinary tract infections, particularly more so among women affected than men. Within the past few years, more than 10% of women over 65 years have been diagnosed with urinary tract infections, with the number increasing to over 30% among women over 80 years of age.

You Dont Pee After Sex

The threat of getting a UTI shouldnt stop you from getting it on. But that doesnt mean resigning yourself to the afterburn.

One simple way to cut your risk: Head to the potty after youve finished your romp. Youll possibly flush out the bacteria that may have made their way into your urinary tract. Urinary Tract Infection. .

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Treatment Considerations In Older Adults

Dr N: She told me that her incontinence had definitely gotten worse in the last couple of weeks. I had noticed that another physician had sent a urine culture that had grown more than 105 CFU/mL of E coli that was sensitive to all antibiotics. Assuming that this was asymptomatic bacteriuria, it was not treated with antibiotics. A repeat urine culture again showed more than 105 CFU/mL of E coli, again it was pan sensitive. Given her symptoms, I treated her with a 7-day course of an antibiotic. However the antibiotics didnt really make a difference.

Studies have shown that treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria does eradicate bacteriuria. However, reinfection rates , adverse antimicrobial drug effects, and isolation of increasingly resistant organisms occur more commonly in the therapy vs nontherapy groups. No differences in genitourinary morbidity or mortality were observed between the 2 groups.

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Can Utis Be Prevented

A few things can help prevent UTIs. After peeing, girls should wipe from front to back with toilet paper. After BMs, wipe from front to back to avoid spreading bacteria from the rectal area to the urethra.

Also, go to the bathroom when needed and don’t hold the pee in. Pee that stays in the bladder gives bacteria a good place to grow.

Keep the genital area clean and dry. Girls should change their tampons and pads regularly during their periods. Bubble baths can irritate the vaginal area, so girls should take showers or plain baths. Avoid long exposure to moisture in the genital area by not wearing nylon underwear or wet swimsuits. Wearing underwear with cotton crotches is also helpful. Skip using feminine hygiene sprays or douches, as these can irritate the urethra.

If you are sexually active, go to the bathroom both before and within 15 minutes after sex. After sex, gently wash the genital area to remove any bacteria. Avoid sexual positions that irritate or hurt the urethra or bladder. Couples who use lubrication during sex should use a water-soluble lubricant such as K-Y Jelly.

Finally, drinking lots of water each day keeps the bladder active and bacteria-free.

UTIs are uncomfortable and often painful, but they’re common and easily treated. The sooner you contact your doctor, the sooner you’ll be able to get rid of the problem.

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What Are The Symptoms

It may be hard to figure out if a loved one has a UTI or not, because they may not have the classic symptoms. This is because urinary problems, such as incontinence, may have similar symptoms related to another issue, making it more difficult to recognize.

The classic, or common, symptoms of a UTI can include:

Burning while urinating
Frequent or urgent need to urinate
A feeling the bladder is not completely empty
Lower abdominal or pelvic pain

More severe symptoms of a complicated UTI can include:

Causes Of Upper Urinary Tract Infection

The kidneys and the ureters make up the upper urinary tract, but an infection of the upper urinary tract mostly affects the kidneys. Pyelonephritis, kidney infection, may affect only one or both kidneys. Usually, viruses or bacteria, mostly E.Coli, reach the kidneys by ascending the urinary system through the urethra, but in some cases, they might be transported to the kidneys via the bloodstream.7

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