UTI Specialist

UTI Q & A

What is a UTI?

A urinary tract infection, often shortened to UTI, is an infection involving the bladder, ureters, kidneys, and/or urethra. Any part of the urinary tract can become infected and the farther up the infection is found the more serious it tends be. The upper track is made up of the kidneys and ureters. The lower tract is made up of the urethra and the bladder. UTIs are more frequent in adults and especially women.

What Causes a Urinary Tract Infection?

Infections generally develop when bacteria get into a person’s urine and start to multiply. Infections usually begin to develop at the opening of the urethra, where urine leaves the body, and then move up the tract. The most frequent cause of infection is inadequate wiping and sexual activity which transfers bacteria from the anus to the urethra. If the bacteria are not removed from the individual’s system and they reach the kidneys it can lead to a kidney infection which can be very severe.

What Symptoms Are Connected to a UTI?

When the infection is contained to the lower urinary tract symptoms can include:

• More frequent urination, frequently with only a small amount of urine
• Pain or burning when urinating
• Urgent need to urinate
• Cloudy, bloody, or odorous urine
• Low grade fever
• Lower abdominal discomfort

When the infection has reached the upper tract infections cause:

• Fever around 101˚
• Pain in the back and side
• Nausea and vomiting
• Shaking chills

Symptoms can also be very mild or nonexistent.

How are Urinary Tract Infections Treated?

A physician can determine that a person has a UTI by obtaining a urine sample. When the doctor examines the sample, the presence of bacteria and white blood cells will reveal an infection. the doctor will usually prescribe antibiotics for treatment. Generally, the same bacteria are accountable for the majority of UTIs so the physician will use the same form of antibiotic. Occasionally, for some individuals such as men, a urine culture will also be used to determine which bacteria is present. This is done since men don’t get UTIs as frequently and the bacteria could be unaffected by the usual medications.