Urinary tract infection

From ArticleWorld


Urinary tract infection is a term that denotes any infection occurring somewhere between the kidneys and the urethra. It is common in sexually active women, diabetics, and people with various malformations of the urinary tract. Women are more vulnerable to such infections than males, because the urethra is shorter and located closer to the anal cavity. A sudden increase in sexual activity may also increase the risk of UTI. It can be caused by various organisms, including Escherichia coli, the Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae and the Enterococcus spp.

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Symptoms and diagnosis

The urinary tract infection can cause various symptoms, including:

  • Urethritis, with pain at the urethral meatus or a severe burning sensation along urethra.
  • Cystitis, with pain in the midline suprapubic region and, quite often, frequent urination.
  • Hematuria (the presence of blood in the urine)
  • Foul-smelling, cloudy urine.

The diagnosis process involves various urine tests, including those for the presence of nitrites, leukocyte esterase or leukocytes. A high number of bacteria without leukocytes is a sign of infection. A costovertebral angle tenderness check is required to exclude a pyelonephritis, and renal function tests may be performed if the symptoms are severe and appear associated with high fever or creatinine.

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Treatment and prevention

Antibiotic treatment is often enough in common cases. Medication involves trimethoprim, cephalosporins and various fluorogquinolone drugs. Intravenous antibiotics are required only if the symptoms displayed indicate a pyelonephritis. Older treatment methods involved a high risk of side effects, but the newer medication has eliminated this risk.

Prevention doesn't require any special medical measures. The most common measures to be taken include:

  • Drinking an adequate quantity of fluids
  • Urinating whenever it is needed
  • Taking showers instead of baths, or urinating immediately after taking a bath.
  • Practicing good hygiene of the genital organs
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