I Think I Might Have A Urinary Tract Infection

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

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

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.

Pain Or Burning While You Urinate

Burning during urination is perhaps the most unmistakable sign of a urinary tract infection. Coupled with the increased urge to urinate, painful urination can be an all-day issue instead of just a few-times-a-day issue.

The pain you feel while urinating is due to the urine running along the irritated lining of your urethra. Sometimes, you might see some blood in your urine or a pink hue as red blood cells leak from the urethra walls.

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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How Do I Know If I Have A Urinary Tract Infection

A urinary tract infection isnt difficult to recognize: Youll feel a pressing need to empty your bladder every few minutes, though little or no urine may come out, and youll feel a burning sensation when you do urinate. You may also have discomfort in your lower back or just above your pubic bone or pain during sex. Like any infection, it can make you feel feverish, shaky, and drained. About 50 percent of women will get a UTI at some point in their lives for some, the problem becomes chronic. Men rarely get them.

What Not To Do If You Have A Uti

DO NOT have sexual intercourse. You dont want to have sex after your UTI for at least two weeks until your symptoms have cleared up. Intercourse can worsen your symptoms and possibly make your infection worse. Sex during a UTI could also be uncomfortable or painful.

DO NOT drink alcohol. While you should get plenty of fluids, you need to stay away from alcohol. Alcoholic drinks can irritate the bladder and worsen the infection.

DO NOT eat artificial sweetener. Even when you dont have a UTI, you should avoid artificial sweeteners. They can intensify your bladder symptoms.

DO NOT drink caffeine. You may think that you cant get by without your cup of coffee in the morning. However, it may be beneficial to skip it while youre suffering from a UTI. Those who regularly drink caffeine have more severe UTI symptoms. This is because caffeine has been shown to irritate the bladder.

What Are Utis In Dogs

You might think a UTI means your dog has a urinary tract infection caused by a urinary pathogen or bacterial infection. But your dogs urinary tract disease might not be what it seems. Bladder issues often stem from inflammation with no bacteria causing them at all. In fact, many holistic vets say that UTI stands for urinary tract inflammation . This is important to help you treat bladder problems in your dog.

When To See A Doctor For Urinary Tract Infection

Sometimes a mild UTI will go away without medical treatment. The use of antibiotics, though, can decrease the length and severity of infection, and help prevent the development of complications. Most healthcare providers recommend contacting your doctor as soon as you notice bladder infection symptoms or urinary tract infection symptoms.

You should also see your healthcare provider if you get frequent UTIs. If you have three or more urinary tract infections in 12 months, call your doctor.

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A Note About Antibiotics For Bladder Infections

Antibiotics are standard treatment for UTIs. The problem with this is that antibiotics dont just kill the bacteria causing the UTI they also destroy the healthy bacteria in your dogs gut. Remember that many holistic vets say that urinary tract problems in dogs are actually inflammation, not an infection. So using antibiotics will damage your dogs microbiome without effectively treating the real cause of your dogs UTI. Thats why UTIs become chronic recurrent infections in many dogs. Urinary concentration of antibiotics is also a factor. The drugs are less effective if they dont achieve high antimicrobial concentrations. In fact, a 2014 review of antibiotics for UTIs at University of Copehagen concluded: there is little published evidence relating to antibiotic treatment of UTIs in dogs and cats. Well-designed clinical trials focusing on the duration of treatment are warranted to create evidence-based treatment protocols.

Antibiotic resistance is also a concern. The more your dog takes antibiotics, the less effective they are. So save them for when theyre truly necessary and avoid antimicrobial resistance thats becoming a problem for all of us!

What Is A Uti

UTI l Urinary Tract Infection & Pyelonephritis Treatment for NCLEX RN & LPN

Lets start with the basics: UTI stands for Urinary Tract Infection which is the general term for an infection occurring anywhere within your urinary system. Most often they infect the bladder and urethra the tube that drains the bladder but they can also happen in the ureters the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder and the kidneys themselves.

Also Check: Can Peyronies Cause Urinary Problems

How To Reduce The Risk Of A Bladder Infection

Expert opinions vary on whether certain lifestyle changes reduce the risk of bladder infection, but it may be helpful to: Drink plenty of liquids, especially water, to help flush out bacteria. Urinate often, especially when you feel the need. Wipe from front to back after urination or a bowel movement. Take showers rather than baths.

Uti Symptoms In Women Important Things To Know

If youve ever had a urinary tract infection and if youre a woman, chances are you have you know theyre not fun. UTIs can make you feel an increased urge to urinate combined with a burning sensation. These symptoms tend to reappear throughout the day and can be extremely uncomfortable.

UTIs are the second most common type of infection in the body, leading to more than eight million visits to health care providers each year. Urinary tract infections are also one of the most common conditions treated by MDLIVE doctors.

Read Also: How To Treat Urinary Retention

What Causes A Urinary Tract Infection

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.

Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms

Ninety percent of the time when a healthy adult woman experiences painful urination and a urge to frequently urinate, it is a UTI. In addition, many women who have bladder infections may notice that their urine looks cloudy or dark. Some may even see blood in their urine.

While burning and a frequent or intense urge to urinate are the most common symptoms associated with UTIs, sometimes more painful or uncomfortable symptoms arise.

These rare symptoms include:

If you have a high fever , back or flank pain, or nausea and vomiting it may indicate something more serious and you should seek urgent medical attention.

Read: Get UTI Treatment Online

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How K Health Can Help

Did you know you can get affordable UTI treatment with the K Health app? Download K to check your symptoms using our AI-driven symptom checker and, if needed, text with a doctor in minutes. K Healths board-certified, U.S.-based doctors can provide a treatment plan and prescription to resolve your symptoms as soon as possible.

How Is A Kidney Infection Diagnosis Confirmed

If youre feeling signs of a kidney infection, you should seek medical attention as soon as you can, if possible. A kidney infection can be serious because it can sometimes lead to a dangerous, life-threatening health condition called .

Even if your infection doesnt progress to that, a kidney infection can become chronic, i.e., long-lasting, and can cause permanent damage to your kidneys. Dr. Kaufman recommends heading to your local urgent care facility or emergency room if you have signs of a kidney infection.

For your doctor, diagnosing a kidney infection is pretty straightforward. They should start with lab tests like a urinalysis, which just involves peeing in a cup on your end. After you hand over your sample, the urine is examined under a microscope to check for the presence of bacteria and infection-fighting white blood cells. To see what kind of bacteria youre dealing with, the urine should also be cultured over the course of one to three days, according to the NIDDK. In some cases, your doc might also order imaging tests like a CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound to take a closer look at your kidneys.

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I Think I May Have A Urinary Tract Infection

But a few simple steps which experts claim can be easily prevents that can weaken urinary tract infection the skin near the infection

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* Put a small amounts of urinary tract infection. However these infections are especially suspicious if you notice excessive water consumption of crystals more likely to hold urine and increased thirst. Canine urinary tract infection

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What Else Can I Do To Ward Off A Uti

Urinary Tract Infections, Animation.

Drink a lot of water. The idea is to flush out any bacteria that may be making their way up your urethra before they can settle in and start to reproduce.
If you notice that coffee, spicy or acidic foods, or alcohol irritates your bladder, cut back on your intake. Such agitation may compromise your bladders ability to fight off an infection.
Keep your genital area clean. Wash with plain water once a day. Soap, bubble bath, and other personal hygiene products may be irritating.
Keep the area dry and ventilated. Synthetic fibers and tight pants can trap moisture and heat, promoting bacterial growth. Wear cotton-crotch underwear and loose-fitting clothes.
Practice good sexual hygiene. You and your partner should wash before and after sex. If you use a diaphragm, make sure it fits properly and use plenty of lubrication. Empty your bladder after intercourse to flush out bacteria lingering in the urethra.
Take care of yourself. Dont put off trips to the bathroom when you feel the urge to go, and be sure to empty your bladder completely when you urinate.
Avoid spermicide-coated condoms.
Always wipe yourself from front to back to reduce the chance of spreading bacteria from the rectal area into the vaginal area. Nurture your immune system by eating well, getting enough rest, and reducing stress in your life as much as you can.

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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.

What Are Potential Kidney Infection Complications

Most people recover 100% from a kidney infectionbut there is the possibility of serious complications if one is left untreated. As we mentioned, a kidney infection that doesnt get treated can cause a condition known as sepsis. This happens when your body responds overzealously to an infection, which can lead to a dangerous drop in blood pressure and cause the body to go into shock, according to the NIDDK. This can make your organs fail, which, in the most extreme cases, can lead to death.

Even in non-life-threatening cases, if you have a kidney infection that becomes chronic, you can wind up with permanent kidney damage that can cause problems like kidney disease or high blood pressure. In pregnant people, untreated kidney infections can also increase the risk of having a baby with low birth weight, notes the Mayo Clinic.

All of that sounds scary, but heres whats most important to know: A kidney infection is treatable. Its all about how soon you seek treatment once you start experiencing kidney infection symptoms.

Common Causes Of Urinary Tract Infection

A urinary tract infection or bladder infection occurs when bacteria enter the urinary system. Bacteria typically enter via the urethra and multiply in the bladder.

Factors that contribute to the development of UTI include:

Sex: Womens urethras are shorter than mens, so its easier for bacteria to migrate up to the bladder.
Age: Post-menopausal women face an additional risk of UTIs because decreased estrogen levels cause changes in the urinary track that increase susceptibility to infection.
Urinary tract abnormalities: Some people are born with unusually shaped urinary tracts that cause urine retention and increased the risk of infection.
Blockages:Kidney stones or an enlarged prostate can make it difficult to fully empty the bladder, which may enable bacteria to multiply.
Suppressed immune system:Cancer treatments that decrease the immune response can increase the risk of UTI. Diabetes also suppresses the immune system and is associated with increased risk of UTI.
Catheter use: Some people who are hospitalized, paralyzed or have certain neurological diseases use a flexible tube to empty the bladder. However, contaminating microorganisms can also enter the bladder via the tube and cause a UTI.

Southern Cross Medical Library

Over The Counter Treatment for UTI Symptoms

The purpose of the Southern Cross Medical Library is to provide information of a general nature to help you better understand certain medical conditions. Always seek specific medical advice for treatment appropriate to you. This information is not intended to relate specifically to insurance or healthcare services provided by Southern Cross. For more articles go to the Medical Library index page.

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