Summary about Disease
Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common infections of the bladder (cystitis) in otherwise healthy, non-pregnant women. They are typically caused by bacteria entering the urethra and traveling to the bladder, leading to inflammation and infection. "Uncomplicated" means the infection occurs in a healthy urinary tract without structural abnormalities or underlying medical conditions that complicate treatment.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
Frequent urination
Urgent need to urinate
Burning sensation during urination (dysuria)
Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
Pelvic pain or pressure
Small amounts of urine passed frequently
Blood in the urine (hematuria)
Causes
The most common cause is bacteria, most often Escherichia coli (E. coli), entering the urinary tract. Other bacteria can also cause UTIs. Sexual activity can increase the risk, but UTIs are not always sexually transmitted.
Medicine Used
Antibiotics are the primary treatment. Common antibiotics include:
Nitrofurantoin
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra)
Fosfomycin
Cephalexin The specific antibiotic and duration of treatment are determined by a healthcare provider.
Is Communicable
Uncomplicated UTIs are generally not considered communicable, meaning they are not typically spread from person to person. The bacteria that cause them often originate from the individual's own digestive system.
Precautions
Drink plenty of water.
Urinate frequently and do not hold urine.
Wipe from front to back after using the toilet.
Avoid potentially irritating feminine products.
Urinate after sexual activity.
Consider cranberry products (though evidence of effectiveness is mixed).
How long does an outbreak last?
With appropriate antibiotic treatment, symptoms typically improve within 1-3 days. The full course of antibiotics should be completed, even if symptoms resolve, to ensure the infection is eradicated.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually involves:
Review of symptoms.
Urine sample (urinalysis) to check for bacteria, white blood cells, and red blood cells.
Urine culture (if necessary) to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection and determine the best antibiotic.
Timeline of Symptoms
Initial symptoms: Frequent urination, urgency, and burning sensation often appear within a few hours to a day after bacteria enter the bladder.
Progression: Symptoms may worsen over the next 1-2 days if left untreated. Pain, cloudy urine, and blood in the urine may develop.
Improvement with treatment: Symptoms should start improving within 1-3 days of starting antibiotics.
Resolution: Complete resolution of symptoms typically occurs within a week of starting antibiotics.
Important Considerations
It's important to consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. Self-treating UTIs can lead to complications or antibiotic resistance.
Recurrent UTIs (two or more UTIs in six months or three or more in a year) should be discussed with a healthcare provider to determine possible underlying causes and preventive strategies.
This information is for uncomplicated UTIs. If you are pregnant, have diabetes, kidney problems, or other medical conditions, it is important to seek medical advice from your doctor as this may be a complicated UTI.