Urinary Tract Infection

Women tend to experience a urinary tract infection more than a man. When a UTI occurs with a man though, they are more likely to need hospitalization. The rate of a UTI in a woman is 60%, compared with only 20% in a man.

What is a UTI? A UTI is a medical problem where at least one or more structures in the urinary tract become infected after bacteria entry. These bacteria multiply through the urethra opening and travel into the bladder, which is the path where bacteria climb up words. If the problem becomes too severe, it can easily turn into a full-blown kidney infection.

Primary or Recurrent UTIs are labeled depending upon whether they are just once in a great while, or recur one after another on a frequent basis.

A UTI can be community acquired. This means that they can be spread by food that is contaminated containing e.coli. When the intestines have a bit of food poisoning, it can spread into the urinary tract.

Infections in the hospital are acquired by nurses not being clean and sterile enough when placing a urinary catheter. These infections are more resistant due to bacteria being resistant to drug treatments.

A UTI that is not complicated is bacterial in nature, and connected with E. coli. This attacks women moreso than men.

Recurring Infections A high percentage rate of UTIS are reinfections, like around 85 percent. The same type of bacteria may be present in the recurrences until an effective treatment is found.

Interstitial cystitis is not easy to treat. This type of problem occurs when the bladder wall has an inflammation. The symptoms are very similar to cystitis without any type of bacteria present. Women with this problem experience pelvic pain, pain during sex, and other conditions. A drug, Pentosan is one of the most frequent drugs used. This seems to clear up some of the problems.

Kidney stones can often times bring on a urinary tract infection. This is because these stones block the passage of urine from getting through. Kidney stones often form when you don't drink enough liquid and formations of stones then take place.

Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Infections

Diagnosis of a UTI is easy enough. A dipstick test that you can even do at home is really reliable and shows the presence of nitrites and other abnormalities in the urine.

Urine samples are needed for testing that is more involved testing at the doctor's office. Urinalysis in a culture will grow bacterias if present, and shows what types of infections are found. The higher the bacteria count found, the more conclusive evidence of infections present.

Overall symptoms of UTI's are:

A foul smelling urine

Frequent and urgent urination

Abdominal and lower back pain if it is a kidney infection

In some cases vomiting

If you have any of the above symptoms, it is best to seek the medical attention of your doctor. Kidney stones can be brought on by UTI'S.

Bladder cancer is a risk factor with many urinary infections

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Urinary Tract Infections Explained   Not rated yet
Author: Jennifer King A urinary tract infection can affect men, women, adults and children. Urinary tract infections are commonly caused by bacteria,...