Signs Of A Urinary Tract Infection
A urinary tract infection is something many women and some men have had to deal with at some point in their lives. It happens when bacteria from outside your urinary tract enter it, usually through your urethra.
The infection itself can manifest anywhere in your urinary system, including your urethra, bladder, ureters, or even your kidneys. The higher up the infection, the more severe it can become. Fortunately, most UTIs are milder and affect the lower parts of your urinary tract such as your urethra and bladder.
Our Westmed Family Healthcare experts Clifton Etienne, MD, Michael Cavanagh, MD, and Flora Brewington, MD, often see people with urinary tract infections. At our office in Westminster, Colorado, a same-day urgent care visit can result in an accurate UTI diagnosis in addition to tips and medications to alleviate your UTI and its symptoms.
Familiarizing yourself with five of the most glaring signs of a UTI can help you identify it early and treat it before it migrates to your kidneys.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Utis
If you have a urinary tract infection, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Pain or burning when urinating
- The need to urinate more often than usual
- A feeling of urgency when you urinate
- Blood or mucus in the urine
- Cramps or pain in the lower abdomen
- Pain during sexual intercourse
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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.
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How To Prevent A Uti
Hydration is the key to prevent a UTI. If youâre at risk of having a UTI, drink Uqora. If youâre in the older generation, you have to drink it every day. Good hygiene can also prevent a UTI.
If you have signs of urinary tract infection, the Uqora might be able to help. But most importantly, be sure the speak with your doctor about the possibility of your parents having a UTI if they suddenly show signs of dementia.
References:
- What is UTI? Mayo Clinic
- Signs and Symptoms of UTI WebMD
You may visit Uqora by clicking HERE
By Coastal Urgent Care Bossier
Have you been experiencing some discomfort in your pelvic region lately?
Theres a good chance that you could have a urinary tract infection . This type of infection is common, especially in women. A whopping 50-60% of women will contract a UTI in their lifetime.
Though getting a UTI isnt unusual, its still a serious problem that needs immediate attention.
The longer a UTI goes untreated, the worse the symptoms will get. It can become excruciatingly painful, and eventually cause other complications. Anti-biotics are needed to cure it.
If youre asking the question, do I have a UTI?, youre probably experiencing some uncomfortable symptoms. Read on to learn about the early warning signs.
Can Uti Cause Paranoia
If your loved ones behavior changes dramatically and starts to exhibit symptoms, you may believe he or she has a urinary tract infection . Sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, confusion, aggression, delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, and other personality-related behavior changes and causes may all be present in some people.
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Common Signs Of Urinary Tract Infections And How To Prevent Them
Read Time: Two Minutes
By Nathan Ratchford, MDPhelps Health
If you have ever experienced a burning sensation or pain while urinating, that may be a sign of a urinary tract infection .
A urinary tract infection is typically an infection of the urinary tract, which includes the bladder, urethra, ureters and kidneys. Most UTIs occur in the lower portion of the urinary system the bladder and urethra.
While both men and women can get UTIs, women are more prone than men to getting UTIs or bladder infections. In fact, about one in five women will get a UTI in her lifetime.
Women typically have shorter urethra, and this anatomy difference makes it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract.
Common symptoms of UTIs may include the following:
- Increased frequency or urge to urinate
- Burning feeling when urinating
- Aching feeling, pressure or pain in the abdomen, lower back or sides
- Cloudy or bloody urine
- Strong odor in urine
The best way to get checked for a urinary tract infection is to see your doctor and get a test called a urinalysis. This test will take a sample of your urine and check for bacteria and blood cells.
Typically, these urinalysis tests are simple, quick and are performed in the doctors office. Many patients will know test results within 48 hours.
Based on the results, if you do have a UTI, your doctor may prescribe you antibiotics to treat the infection. Over-the-counter medicines may help with pain, but do not treat UTIs.
You Have Soreness In Your Lower Abdomen Back Or Sides
The type of pain youre feeling could also indicate where the infection has taken place. Pain in the back and side could signal a kidney infection or pyelonephritis. Pressure in the pelvic area or lower abdomen is a symptom of a bladder infection also known as cystitis, Dr. Kielb explains. Check out these 11 silent signs of a kidney infection.
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Other Ways To Prevent Some Utis Coming Back
If you keep getting a bladder infection , there’s some evidence it may be helpful to take:
- D-mannose a sugar you can buy as a powder or tablets to take every day
- cranberry products available as juice, tablets or capsules to take every day
Speak to your doctor before taking any of these during pregnancy.
Be aware that D-mannose and cranberry products can contain a lot of sugar.
If you’re taking warfarin, you should avoid cranberry products.
Page last reviewed: 22 March 2022 Next review due: 22 March 2025
Am I At Risk Of A Uti
While UTIs can happen to anyone, they are more common in females who are sexually active or menopausal, or have health conditions such as diabetes or urinary incontinence. Females who use spermicides or diaphragms as contraception are also at increased risk of UTIs, and may benefit from other contraceptive options if they get recurrent UTIs.
Some people at greater risk of developing urinary tract infections:
- Females nearly 1 in 3 females will have a UTI that needs treatment before the age of 24.
- Males with prostate problems an enlarged prostate gland can cause the bladder to only partially empty, raising the risk of infection.
- Older people some medications and problems with incontinence mean that older people are more likely to get a UTI.
- People with urinary catheters people who are critically ill and people who cant empty their bladder are at a greater risk of infection.
- People with diabetes changes to the immune system make people with diabetes more vulnerable to infection.
- Infants babies in nappies commonly get UTIs, in particular, infants born with physical problems of the urinary system are at greater risk.
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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.
How Is The Condition Treated
Antibiotics are required to clear active infection. The route varies according to the severity of infection. Very unwell patients may need to be admitted to hospital to be given antibiotics through a drip. Most patients however can be treated with oral antibiotics at home. It is important to complete the course of antibiotics to the end, rather than till the features of infection ease, to ensure complete eradication of infection. If you are able to drink, then drinking plenty of water helps flush the infection.
Patients with underlying or contributory cause need these to be addressed. For example, good control of blood sugar is important in diabetic patients and the use of local oestrogen cream after the menopause may help improve vaginal atrophy.
For patients who suffer from recurrent urinary tract infection, the use of low dose daily antibiotic may be required. Cranberry juice may help, as it prevents bacteria from attacking the lining of the urinary tract.
Cranberry juice is also available in tablet form. Both however are better avoided if there is history of stones.
Drinking adequate fluids, 1½ to 2 litres per day, will help. Avoiding bladder irritants, such as spicy food, alcohol and caffeine, may also be beneficial.
Good toilet hygiene is important. For example, washing the area down below with water after passing urine and wiping from front to back help reducing infection.
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What To Do If You Suspect You Have A Uti
As mentioned, if you suspect you might be starting to get an infection, you can take some over the counter medication and make sure that you are hydrating properly. However, if the symptoms are quite noticeable, the best thing that you can do is to seek medical attention right away. Your doctor will test your urine for an infection. You should follow your physicianâs recommendations about treatment if you do have a UTI.
Typically, your doctor is going to provide you with a prescription for antibiotics to help fight off the infection. Pain medication might also be prescribed. If you take these things as directed, you should be feeling better in just a few days. For more information on UTI warning signs contact one of our offices today.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Bladder Infection
The symptoms of a water infection vary depending upon its severity. However, most people experience the following:
- Needing to urinate more often than usual
- Pain or a burning/stinging sensation while urinating
- The sudden urge to urinate
- Feeling as though you cannot fully empty your bladder
- Foul-smelling, cloudy or bloody urine
- Feeling achy, tired and unwell
On their own, these symptoms typically point to a lower UTI such as cystitis. This means that the infection has only affected the urethra and/or bladder. If the infection spreads further up the urinary tract to the ureters or kidneys this is known as an upper UTI. An upper UTI is more serious than a lower UTI, and its symptoms include:
- Agitation and restlessness
Left untreated, an upper UTI can seriously damage the kidneys and spread to the bloodstream. When you start experiencing these symptoms, you should contact a doctor.
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How Long After Hip Replacement Surgery Can You Get An Infection
Joint replacement can result in a minor infection in only a few thousand patients, approximately one in every hundred. It is common for the infection to be deep within the wound or around the implant. It can happen at any time after surgery, from the time it is performed to years after it is completed.
The research, funded by the National Institutes of Health, looked at 623,253 hip replacement procedures performed in England and Wales between 2003 and 2013. The risk of revision surgery due to infection can be quantified as a result of this study. The study highlights some modifiable risk factors that can be addressed preoperatively, such as obesity. It is noted in a recent set of NICE guidelines for total hip replacement for end-stage arthritis that infection is one of several causes of revision during surgery. A specific prosthesis option is not recommended by the National Institute for Health Care Quality , but the expected revision rate after ten years should be less than 5%. A year after hip replacement, there are fewer than 2% of cases of joint infection. It may allow patients to discuss their surgical plans and clinical decisions as part of the surgical planning process. This project was funded by a grant from the National Institute of Health Researchs Applied Research Program.
How To Prevent Uti Re
Following some tips can help you avoid getting another UTI:
- Empty your bladder often as soon as you feel the need to pee don’t rush, and be sure you’ve emptied your bladder completely.
- Wipe from front to back after you use the toilet.
- Drink lots of water.
- Choose showers over baths.
- Stay away from feminine hygiene sprays, scented douches, and scented bath products they’ll only increase irritation.
- Cleanse your genital area before sex.
- Pee after sex to flush out any bacteria that may have entered your urethra.
- If you use a diaphragm, unlubricated condoms, or spermicidal jelly for birth control, you may want to switch to another method. Diaphragms can increase bacteria growth, while unlubricated condoms and spermicides can irritate your urinary tract. All can make UTI symptoms more likely.
- Keep your genital area dry by wearing cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes. Donââ¬â¢t wear tight jeans and nylon underwear they can trap moisture, creating the perfect environment for bacteria growth.
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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.
Treating Utis In The Elderly
If you think your loved one might have a urinary tract infection, see a doctor right away to avoid further complications. An urgent care clinic is a viable alternative if you cannot get an appointment with their primary care physician soon enough. Urinalysis and/or a urine culture are typically required to diagnose a UTI, determine what kind of bacteria are present in the urine and select the most appropriate antibiotic for treatment. If caught early on, a course of antibiotics typically clears the infection in no time.
Keep in mind that older individuals are also prone to a related condition called asymptomatic bacteriuria, which is characterized by the presence of bacteria in the urine but the absence of any signs or symptoms of a urinary tract infection. The estimated incidence of asymptomatic bacteriuria is 15 percent or greater in women and men between 65 and 80 years of age and continues to climb after age 80 to as high as 40 to 50 percent of long-term care residents.
Research shows that most patients with asymptomatic bacteriuria do not develop symptomatic UTIs, therefore antibiotic treatment is not beneficial. In fact, antibiotic use can result in adverse side effects, such as Clostridium difficileinfection, and contribute to the development of resistant bacteria. A seniors physician will consider their symptoms and test results to differentiate between a UTI and asymptomatic bacteriuria and determine whether treatment is necessary.
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Does Cranberry Juice Prevent A Urinary Tract Infection
Many people say that cranberry juice can help treat, or even prevent, a UTI. Researchers are currently looking into the topic, but havent found a definitive answer yet. Healthcare providers recommend drinking lots of fluids if you have, or have a history of getting, a UTI. Adding a glass of unsweetened cranberry juice to your diet isnt a proven way to prevent a UTI, but it typically wont hurt you either.
What Are Urinary Tract Infections
The infection can occur anywhere along the urinary tract, that includes your kidneys, bladder, the tubes that carry urine from your kidneys to your bladder , and the tube that connects your bladder to the outside of your body are all included . However, urinary tract infections most commonly involve the lower urinary tract the bladder and the urethra.
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Common Uti Symptoms And Signs
The urine of most healthy, properly hydrated people appears light yellow or clear and is nearly free of odor. It also causes zero pain or discomfort to pass.
But for the majority of people who experience a urinary tract infection, thats not the case. Instead, they will likely encounter at least one of the following indicators:
When the kidneys are infected, other noticeable symptoms may include:
- Fever, shaking, and chills
- Nausea and vomiting
- Upper back, side, or groin pain
While its been long noted that confusion in the elderly is a sign of UTI, a 2019 report in BMC Geriatrics concludes that theres insufficient evidence connecting the symptom to that diagnosis.
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Are Urinary Tract Infections Contagious
No. Urinary tract infections are not contagious.
- Lower abdominal pain or pelvic pressure or pain
- Mild fever , chills, and just not feeling well
- Urethra : Burning with urination
Upper urinary tract infection
Symptoms develop rapidly and may or may not include the symptoms of a lower urinary tract infection.
- Fairly high fever
- Flank pain: pain in the back or side, usually on only one side at about waist level
In newborns, infants, children, and elderly people, the classic symptoms of a urinary tract infection may not be present. Other symptoms may indicate a urinary tract infection.
- Newborns: fever or hypothermia , poor feeding, jaundice
- Infants: vomiting, diarrhea, fever, poor feeding, not thriving
- Children: irritability, eating poorly, unexplained fever that doesnt go away, loss of bowel control, loose bowels, change in urination pattern
- Elderly people: fever or hypothermia, poor appetite, lethargy, change in mental status
Pregnant women are at increased risk for a UTI. Typically, pregnant women do not have unusual or unique symptoms. If a woman is pregnant, her urine should be checked during prenatal visits because an unrecognized infection can cause pregnancy health complications.
Although most people have symptoms of a urinary tract infection, some do not.
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