Urinary Tract Infection

What is a Urinary Tract Infection?

A urinary tract infection is the inflammation of the urinary bladder or urethra. In most cases, it is caused by a bacterial infection. Urinary tract infections are very common.

A urinary tract infection is also called a bladder infection, cystitis or a UTI.

Urinary tract infections usually occur in females because their urethra is shorter and closer to the anus, however, it can occur in males. Males that develop urinary tract infections are often uncircumcised boys.

Symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection

Symptoms of a urinary tract infection may vary. Young children with urinary tract infections may only have a fever, or may have no symptoms.

 •Pressure in the lower pelvis

•Painful Urination

•Painful Sexual intercourse

•Frequent need to urinate

•Fever

•Chills

•Vomiting

• Urgent need to urinate

•Cloudy Urine

•Blood in the urine

•Foul or strong urine odor

What Causes a Urinary Tract Infection?

A urinary tract infection is usually caused when bacteria enter the urethra and bladder and cause inflammation and infection.

In normal conditions, the urethra and bladder have no bacteria. When bacteria enters the bladder, it is usually removed during urination.

Some of the most common causes of urinary tract infections are:

1.Instruments inserted into the urinary tract (such as during catheterization or cystoscopy).

 2.Pregnancy

 3.Diabetes

4.A history of analgesic nephropathy or reflux nephropathy.

Risks of Developing a Urinary Tract Infection

Some activities and conditions can increase your risk of developing a urinary tract infections. The most common risks are:

•sexual intercourse

 •benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

•bowel incontinence

•prostatitis

•urethral strictures

•lack of adequate fluids

Can a Urinary tract infection be Treated?

Urinary tract infections can be treated. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to control the infection.

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