A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common infection causes by microbes. Microbes can be bacteria, fungi and viruses. Urinary tract infection shows some symptoms and has particular treatments.

A UTI can occur in any part of urinary tract. Urinary tract consists of a pair of kidneys, ureters, a bladder and a urethra. Most UTIs only involve the urethra and bladder, in the lower tract.

Urinary tract infection Symptoms

Symptoms of a lower tract UTI include:

Burning sensation during urination

Increased frequency of urination without passing much urine

Bloody urine or cloudy urine

Urine color looks like cola or tea and has strong odor

One of the important symptoms of urinary tract infection is the pelvic pain.

Urinary tract infection symptoms of an upper tract:

Pain and tenderness in the upper back and sides

Chills and fever are the urinary tract infection symptom.

Nausea and vomiting

Treatment

Urinary tract infection treatment depends on the type of organism causing the infection.

Urinary tract infection treated with antibiotics which are caused by bacteria. Antibiotics can be given oral and intravenous for lower and upper part respectively. Antiviral and antifungal for viral and fungal UTI.

Cranberry juice to prevent certain types of bacterial UTI.

Urinary tract information diagnosis

Urine test: To test your urine for microbes. A large number of white blood cells in urine indicates an infection.

Complete blood count (CBC) and blood cultures for upper tract UTIs.

For recurrent UTIs, some tests are performed like

An ultrasound

X-ray image.

Cystoscopy

Computerized tomography(CT) scan

Causes and risks for urinary tract infections

Here are some factors that increase the risk of getting a UTI are

Age — older adults are more likely to get UTIs

Reduced mobility after surgery or prolonged bed rest

Kidney stones and a previous UTI

Urinary tract obstructions or blockages

Prolonged use of urinary catheters

Diabetes

Pregnancy and abnormally developed urinary structures from birth.

Weak immune system

Risk for women’s UTI

Shorter urethra: The length and location of the urethra in women increases the chances of UTIs. The urethra in women is very close to both the vagina and the anus. Bacteria that may naturally occur around both the vagina and anus can lead to infection in the urethra and the rest of the urinary tract.

Sexual intercourse: Pressure on the female urinary tract during sexual intercourse can move bacteria from around the anus into the bladder and increases the risk of getting urinary tract infection.

Spermicides may increase UTI risk. This increases the risk of bacteria entering the bladder.

Condom use during sex: Non-lubricated latex condoms may increase friction and irritate the skin of women during sexual intercourse. This may increase the risk of a urinary tract infection.

The decrease in estrogen levels: After menopause, risk of a UTI increases due to decreasing in your estrogen level.

Prevention