How Are Urinary Tract Infections Diagnosed
Your doctor will review your medical history and do a physical exam. Other tests may include:
- Urinalysis. Lab testing of urine is done to check for various cells and chemicals, such as red and white blood cells, germs , or a lot of protein.
If UTIs become a repeated problem, other tests may be used to see if the urinary tract is normal. These tests may include:
- Intravenous pyelogram . This is a series of X-rays of the kidney, ureters , and bladder. It uses a contrast dye injected into a vein. This can be used to find tumors, structural abnormalities, kidney stones, or blockages. It also checks blood flow in the kidneys.
- Cystoscopy. In this test, a thin, flexible tube and viewing device is put in through the urethra to examine the bladder and other parts of the urinary tract. Structural changes or blockages, such as tumors or stones can be found.
- Kidney and bladder ultrasound. This imaging test uses high-frequency sound waves to make images of the bladder and the kidneys on a computer screen. The test is used to determine the size and shape of the bladder and the kidneys, and check for a mass, kidney stone, cysts, or other blockages or abnormalities.
Whats The Difference Between Uti & Yeast Infection
Discomfort and pain in your genital area can be a scary thingespecially when youre not sure what it is or why its happening. Quite often, the discomfort and pain is the result of a urinary tract infection or a vaginal yeast infection . Chances are, you have heard of and may have even experienced one or both of these highly common conditions. What you may not know is the differences between them.
Although both types of infection may seem similar, their causes, symptoms, and treatments are quite different. A UTI is a bacterial infection that occurs in any part of the urinary tract, which contains the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. A yeast infection is a fungal infection that affects the genitalia.
It is important to know the differences between a UTI and a yeast infection so that you or someone in your care can get the right treatment.
Fungal Urinary Tract Infections In The Dog And Cat: A Retrospective Study
Yipeng Jin, Degui Lin Fungal Urinary Tract Infections in the Dog and Cat: A Retrospective Study . J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 1 November 2005 41 : 373381. doi:
Thirty-five animals with fungal urinary tract infections were retrospectively studied. Dysuria, hematuria, increased frequency of micturition, anorexia, depression, and pyrexia were the most common clinical signs noted. Seven species of fungi were identified in the affected animals. Candida albicans was the most common isolate. Most animals diagnosed with fungal UTI also had other concurrent urinary tract or medical problems. Lower urinary tract diseases, diabetes mellitus, neoplasia, and renal failure were the most common concurrent or preceding diseases identified. Resolution of fungal UTI occurred in 12 animals that received specific antifungal treatment.
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Diagnosing A Yeast Infection
An experienced doctor can often diagnose a yeast infection based on the history and symptoms you discuss. If you are seeing a provider in person, your doctor will examine you to evaluate the discharge and take a sample of vaginal fluid with a cotton swab to send to the lab. These lab tests can also be used to identify other causes of discharge, such as STIs.
Evidence Review: The Grade Method
GRADE is a systematic approach to guideline development that has been described in detail elsewhere . The IDSA adopted GRADE in 2008. In the GRADE system, the guideline panel assigns each recommendation with separate ratings for the underlying quality of evidence supporting the recommendation and for the strength with which the recommendation is made . Data from randomized controlled trials begin as high quality, and data from observational studies begin as low quality. However, the panel may judge that specific features of the data warrant decreasing or increasing the quality of evidence rating, and GRADE provides guidance on how such factors should be weighed . The strength assigned to a recommendation chiefly reflects the panel’s confidence that the benefits of following the recommendation are likely to outweigh potential harms. While the quality of evidence is an important factor in choosing recommendation strength, it is not prescriptive.
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Treatment Of Fungal Uti
Treatment of fungal UTI fully depends on nature and severity of infection for symptomatic or high-risk patients fluconazole or, for resistant organisms, amphotericin B sometimes flucytosine is added. Fungal colonization of catheters does not require treatment. Asymptomatic candiduria rarely requires therapy. Candiduria should be treated in the following:
- Neutropenic patients
- Patients who are undergoing urologic manipulation
- Patients with renal allografts
Fungal Infections In The Urinary Tract
In recent years, new research has established that the urinary bladder is not sterile as it was previously believed.
In fact, it is home to communities of microorganisms that, in the right balance, help to keep the bladder healthy.
Changes in the balance of these microorganisms have been noted to be present in all bladder conditions.
Further, it has been shown that standard testing does not pick up all infections reliably. So if you experience symptoms after a negative test result it does not necessarily mean that no infection is present.
Standard testing also does not test for organisms other than bacteria. But are they even a thing?
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Viral Urinary Tract Infection
Viral-induced disease in humans is increasingly recognized, especially of the upper urinary tract. However, it can be difficult to determine cause-and-effect relationships because viral-induced disease may occur in the absence of detectable replicating virus. Several viruses have been implicated in canine and feline disease .20
Why Are Females At A Higher Risk For Utis
People with female reproductive organs are at a higher risk for UTIs because of their anatomy. The female urethra, the tube which empties urine from your bladder out of your body, is shorter than someone born with male anatomy.
The female urethra is also quite close to female reproductive organs. That means bacteria from sexual intercourse as well as products like spermicide can be in close contact with the urethra and bladder.
Females also experience menopause and pregnancy. These two biological events change the bacteria in your reproductive and digestive tracts and create conditions that make UTIs more likely.
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Fungal Infections Of The Urinary Tract
As youve hopefully seen above, systemic fungal infections are a thing whether your doctor believes in them or not.
Therefore, it makes sense that fungal infections could also affect the urinary tract.
And in fact, recent studies have shown that this is the case.
A study from 2016 used a novel, culture-independent testing method which showed that females with interstitial cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome flares showed a greater prevalence of certain fungi, specifically Candida and Saccharomyces species .
An even newer study showed that specific microbial patterns correlated with specific urinary tract symptoms. Overall, they actually found a decreased diversity of fungal species in patients with more severe symptoms. Bladder pain patients had altered levels of Malassezia spp while patients with incontinence had changes in Wickerhamomyces spp .
What To Do If You Suspect A Fungal Infection
Unfortunately, adequate testing is not yet widely available. If youve had a stool test that indicates fungal infections this may indicate other fungal infections in the body. But we cant know for sure.
An open-minded doctor may be up for trying anti-fungal medication if other therapies have not worked.
Several natural compounds have both antibacterial and antifungal activity and may be worth trying however, dont assume that something is safe only because it is natural. Do your research!
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What Are The Symptoms Of A Urinary Tract Infection
These are the most common symptoms of a UTI:
- Frequent urination
- Pain or burning when passing urine
- Urine looks dark, cloudy, or reddish in color
- Urine smells bad
- Feeling pain even when not urinating
- Pain in the back or side, below the ribs
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Despite an strong urge to urinate, only a small amount of urine is passed
- Women may feel an uncomfortable pressure above the pubic bone
The symptoms of UTI may look like other conditions or medical problems. Always see a health care provider for a diagnosis.
How Long Does Each Infection Last
The severity of the infection and the treatment method determine how long both a yeast infection and a UTI lasts. A UTI generally goes away 1-2 days after starting antibiotics. A complicated UTI, on the other hand, can take several days to weeks to fully treat. Similarly, a mild yeast infection can go away after a few days.
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How Long Does It Take To Recover
Both UTIs and yeast infections should clear up after taking medications within days or a few weeks. You must make sure to take prescribed or over-the-counter medication as directed for the entire recommended length of time to prevent the infection from returning.
You may be able to prevent both UTIs and yeast infections by practicing good hygiene and making changes to your wardrobe. Here are some prevention tips:
- Wipe from front to back after a bowel movement.
- Avoid tight-fitting clothing around your genital area, such as pantyhose and restrictive pants.
- Change out of wet swimsuits quickly.
- Avoid scented feminine hygiene products.
Further prevention of UTIs include:
- using the bathroom frequently
- regularly drinking lots of fluid
- urinating before and after sex
Its also possible that drinking cranberry juice can prevent UTIs. The research results are mixed. Make sure to choose a sugar-free version. If the juice is too tart, you can water it down to make the juice more palatable.
You may also be able to reduce your chances of contracting a yeast infection if you:
- avoid hot baths and hot tubs
- change your feminine products often
- control your blood sugar if you have diabetes
Complications Of Fungal Uti
Complications of fungal UTI due to candidal infection can include emphysematous cystitis or pyelonephritis and fungus balls in the renal pelvis, ureter, or bladder. Lower or upper urinary tract obstruction may occur. Papillary necrosis and intrarenal and perinephric abscesses may form. Although renal function often declines, severe renal failure is rare without postrenal obstruction.
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Recovery Of Fungal Infection Of Lower Urinary Tract In Cats
It is common for fungal urinary infections to require long-term treatment before they are fully resolved. At least two additional urine tests will be needed, one occurring 10 to 14 days after the initial treatment and the second 10 to 14 days later. Two months after the final treatment has been administered, another culture will be performed to ensure that all residual fungus has been eliminated. If the results of this test are negative, the condition will be deemed to have been resolved.
Carefully following the instructions that the veterinarian has provided is vitally important to the cats recovery. Owners should ensure that dietary restrictions are followed and must observe the cats urination habits closely. If a change in the color of the urine is noticed or the cat begins to display signs of difficulty with urination, a follow-up visit to the vet will be needed.
Owners can help the cat to recover by providing access to clean, fresh water at all times. Several litter boxes should be available and they should be kept in a quiet and comfortable area of the house, away from any potential danger. All litter boxes must be kept clean. They should be scooped out twice a day and the litter should be changed at least once a week. It is best if the cat can be kept calm while it is recovering. If possible, avoid any major changes in routine in order to minimize potential stress.
Asymptomatic Candiduria Previously Healthy Patient
The presence of candiduria should be verified with a second, clean-voided urine culture. Many times it is found that the first culture was contaminated, especially in samples from female patients. Once the presence of candiduria is confirmed, a careful history and physical examination and screening laboratory studies to look for symptoms or signs of predisposing factors are essential because occult diabetes mellitus, genitourinary structural abnormalities, diminished renal function, and metabolic abnormalities may be discovered . If no explanation for candiduria is found, a follow-up examination of the urine is generally all that is necessary because candiduria can be expected to resolve within weeks to months without therapeutic intervention in the vast majority of individuals .
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The Problem With Testing And Treatment
Current gold standard testing misses a lot of bacterial infections as is but in the case of fungal infections, it doesnt pick them up at all and other testing methods are needed.
This means that if you have symptoms but no infection has been found it does not guarantee that there isnt a fungal infection present.
Antibiotic treatment also poses a problem as fungi are not affected by antibiotic treatment. Instead, bacterial species that may keep fungi in check from taking over, may be killed off by antibiotics allowing fungi to proliferate.
Instead, anti-fungal medication is needed but with the lack of adequate testing, doctors are unlikely to prescribe them as there would be no proof of an infection.
This shows once again, that the balance of the microbial system is really important.
When Should You Seek Help At Physicianone Urgent Care
If you are experiencing sudden, debilitating pain in the pelvic area, you should go to the emergency room right away. For any other concerns related to possible UTIs or yeast infections, the professionals at PhysicianOne Urgent Care can help.
PhysicianOne Urgent Care is here 7 days per week for high-quality, convenient walk-in urgent care. Contact us at 1.855.349.2828, or stop in today for a convenient, walk-in visit. If youre looking to save time, find a location near you and check in online, today!
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Drink Plenty Of Fluids
Dehydration is linked to an increased risk of UTIs.
This is because regular urination can help flush bacteria from the urinary tract to prevent infection. When youre dehydrated, you arent urinating as often, which can create a breeding ground for bacteria.
A examined nursing home residents and administered a drinking schedule to participants to increase their fluid intake. Following the schedule decreased UTIs requiring antibiotics by 56%.
In a 2020 randomized control trial , 140 premenopausal participants prone to UTIs took part in a 12-month study to test if a higher fluid intake would decrease their risk of recurrent cystitis and, in turn, their risk of developing a UTI. Researchers found that an increase in fluid intake led to a decrease in UTI frequency.
To stay hydrated and meet your fluid needs, its best to drink water throughout the day and always when youre thirsty.
Benefits of drinking more fluids for UTI
Drinking plenty of liquids can decrease your risk of UTIs by making you pee more, which helps remove bacteria from your urinary tract.
evidence suggests that increasing your intake of vitamin C could protect against UTIs.
Vitamin C is thought to work by increasing the acidity of urine, killing off the bacteria that cause infection.
An older 2007 study of UTIs in pregnant women looked at the effects of taking 100 milligrams of vitamin C every day.
Fruits and vegetables are especially high in vitamin C and are a good way to increase your intake.
Sign And Symptom Of Fungal Uti
Normally patients with candiduria are asymptomatic but Candida can cause urethral symptoms like mild urethral itching, dysuria, watery discharge in females may result from the urine coming into contact with periurethral tissue that is inflamed due to candidal vaginitis. Among lower UTI, cystitis due to Candida may result in frequency, urgency, dysuria, and suprapubic pain. Hematuria is common. In patients with poorly controlled diabetes, pneumaturia due to emphysematous cystitis has occurred. Fungus balls may cause symptoms of urethral obstruction. Most patients with renal candidiasis that is hematogenously spread lack symptoms referable to the kidneys but may have an antibiotic-resistant fever, candiduria, and unexplained deteriorating renal function.
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Should You See A Doctor
Both UTIs and yeast infections should be reviewed and diagnosed by your doctor to prevent them from getting worse. UTIs that are untreated could lead to a more serious kidney infection. Yeast infections may also be something more serious, or the symptoms may actually be from another condition, such as a sexually transmitted infection.
Treatment Of Fungal Infection Of Lower Urinary Tract In Cats
The primary treatment for fungal infections in the lower urinary tract involves addressing the risk factors that are associated with the condition. Removing contaminated catheters and eliminating the use of certain drugs is often the first step. Antifungal drugs will usually be prescribed and may be administered through a urinary catheter in a procedure known as infusion. Urinary alkalization may be used to increase the effectiveness of treatment. Fungal urinary tract infections are difficult to treat and it is likely that multiple rounds of infusion will be needed before the cat has made a complete recovery.
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