A urinary tract infection, or UTI, starts within the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. If an infection develops, it generally only affects the bladder and the urethra, although any part of the tract may become infected. According to the Mayo Clinic, women have a higher risk of UTIs because of to their anatomical structure. Understanding the guidelines of UTIs can help patients identify symptoms and seek the appropriate medical attention.
Symptoms
Infections of the bladder and urethra will cause symptoms such as cloudy or bloody urine, which may or may not have an odd or foul odor; low fever, pain or burning during urination; pressure or cramping the lower regions of the abdomen or back; and a strong, urgent need to urinate often. If the infection progresses past the urethra and bladder, the kidneys may become infected, causing irreparable damage, MedlinePlus says. Identifying these symptoms early on can significantly decrease the chance of complications. If patients experience chills; shaking or night sweats; fatigue; a fever exceeding 101 degrees Farenheit; back, groin or side pain; mental changes; or changes in the skin, they should immediately seek medical attention for the necessary treatment.
Treatment
Bacteria exposure and proliferation cause UTIs, which requires the use of antibiotics to effectively eliminate the infection, MedlinePlus says. The most common antibiotics for mild bladder and kidney infections are trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, amoxicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanate, doxycycline and fluoroquinolones, the University of Maryland Medical Center states. Standard dosing requires a three-day course of medication for women and a one-week to two-week course for men. In severe kidney infection cases, hospitalization is generally necessary, which requires intravenous antibiotics to aggressively fight the bacteria.
Raw cranberry juice and over-the-counter or prescription-strength urinary pain relief tablets, which include phenazopyridine hydrochloride, help to treat the discomfort and pain associated with UTIs. It may take up to three days for the antibiotics to start working.
Prevention
Escherichia coli--widely known as E. coli--is usually the bacterial cause of most UTIs. Women should try to prevent this organism from entering urinary tract by wiping front to back with toilet paper after both urination and bowel movements. Both males and females should keep the genital area clean and dry by taking regular baths and limiting contamination. Females should regularly change tampons and maxi-pads during their menstrual cycles and avoid using feminine hygiene sprays or douches, TeensHealth says. Additionally, frequent bubble baths can cause vaginal irritation, so showers are recommended--especially for those prone to recurring infections. Wearing breathable undergarments, such as cotton, also prevents the infection from developing.
In some cases, women can experience recurring UTIs, especially after sexual intercourse. Physicians may prescribe a low-dose antibiotic for daily use or after intercourse. Because of the nature of antibiotics and bacteria's proclivity to become resistant, it is essential that patients adhere to dosing requirements to both prevent and treat UTIs.
