Summary about Disease
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of your urinary system — your kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and urethra. Women are at greater risk of developing a UTI than are men. Infection limited to your bladder can be painful and annoying. However, serious consequences can occur if a UTI spreads to your kidneys.
Symptoms
UTI symptoms vary depending on which part of the urinary tract is infected. Common symptoms include:
A strong, persistent urge to urinate
A burning sensation when urinating
Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
Urine that appears cloudy
Urine that appears red, bright pink or cola-colored (a sign of blood in the urine)
Strong-smelling urine
Pelvic pain, in women — especially in the center of the pelvis and around the area of the pubic bone
Upper back and side (flank) pain, if the kidneys are infected
Fever
Chills
Nausea
Vomiting
Causes
UTIs typically occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply in the bladder. UTIs are more common in women due to their shorter urethra, which makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder. Common causes include:
Bacteria: Most UTIs are caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), a type of bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract.
Sexual activity: Sexual intercourse can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract.
Catheters: Use of urinary catheters can introduce bacteria.
Suppressed immune system: Diabetes and other conditions can suppress the immune system and increase UTI risk.
Urinary tract abnormalities: Any abnormality in the urinary tract that obstructs the flow of urine can increase the risk of UTIs.
Medicine Used
Antibiotics are the primary treatment for UTIs. The specific antibiotic and duration of treatment will depend on the type of bacteria causing the infection and the severity of the infection. Common antibiotics used to treat UTIs include:
Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim, Septra)
Fosfomycin (Monurol)
Nitrofurantoin (Macrodantin, Macrobid)
Cephalexin (Keflex)
Ceftriaxone
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
Levofloxacin (Levaquin) Note: Fluoroquinolones like Ciprofloxacin and Levofloxacin are typically reserved for complicated UTIs or when other options aren't suitable, due to potential side effects.
Is Communicable
UTIs are generally not communicable in the traditional sense, meaning they are not spread from person to person like a cold or the flu. However, sexual activity can increase the risk of UTIs by introducing bacteria into the urinary tract. It is more accurate to say that certain behaviors can contribute to the risk of infection, not that the infection itself is transmitted.
Precautions
Drink plenty of fluids, especially water: This helps flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.
Wipe from front to back after urination and bowel movements: This helps prevent bacteria from the anal area from entering the urethra.
Empty your bladder soon after intercourse: This helps flush out any bacteria that may have entered the urethra during intercourse.
Avoid using irritating feminine products: Douches, powders, and sprays can irritate the urethra and increase the risk of infection.
Consider cranberry products: Cranberry products may help prevent recurrent UTIs, but consult with your doctor first, as they can interact with certain medications.
Urinate when you feel the urge: Holding urine for long periods can increase the risk of infection.
How long does an outbreak last?
With antibiotic treatment, symptoms typically improve within 1 to 3 days. However, it's crucial to complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor to ensure the infection is completely eradicated. Untreated UTIs can persist for weeks or even months and can lead to more serious complications.
How is it diagnosed?
UTIs are typically diagnosed based on:
Symptom review: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history.
Urinalysis: A urine sample is tested for the presence of bacteria, white blood cells, and red blood cells.
Urine culture: If the urinalysis indicates an infection, a urine culture may be performed to identify the specific type of bacteria causing the infection and determine the most effective antibiotic.
Imaging: In cases of recurrent or complicated UTIs, imaging tests such as ultrasound or CT scan may be used to identify any abnormalities in the urinary tract.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of UTI symptoms can vary, but a typical progression is as follows:
Initial Symptoms (1-2 days): Frequent urge to urinate, burning sensation during urination, small amounts of urine passed.
Worsening Symptoms (days 2-4 if untreated): Cloudy or strong-smelling urine, pelvic pain (women), back or side pain (if kidneys are involved).
Severe Symptoms (days 3+ if untreated): Blood in urine, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting (especially if the infection has spread to the kidneys).
With Antibiotics (within 1-3 days): Symptoms typically start to improve, with a gradual decrease in pain and frequency of urination. Important: This timeline is an approximation. Individuals may experience symptoms differently. Seek medical attention promptly if you suspect a UTI.
Important Considerations
Recurrent UTIs: Some individuals, especially women, experience recurrent UTIs. If you have frequent UTIs, talk to your doctor about strategies to prevent them.
Complicated UTIs: UTIs can be more complicated in individuals with diabetes, pregnancy, or underlying medical conditions. These cases may require longer treatment or hospitalization.
Asymptomatic Bacteriuria: Some individuals, particularly older adults, may have bacteria in their urine without experiencing any symptoms. This is called asymptomatic bacteriuria and typically does not require treatment unless the person is pregnant or undergoing certain medical procedures.
Pregnancy: UTIs during pregnancy can be dangerous and require prompt treatment to prevent complications.
Men: Although less common in men, UTIs can be a sign of an underlying problem, such as prostate enlargement or a structural abnormality in the urinary tract.