MANAGING URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS (UTI)

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MANAGING URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS (UTI)

By Elizabeth Eby

According to WebMD, urinary tract infections, or UTIs occur when microorganisms or bacteria from the digestive tract cling to the opening of the urethra and start to multiply. Most infections are caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria that migrate out of the colon. Chlamydia and mycoplasma may also cause UTIs.

Kidney stones, diabetes, enlarged prostrate glands, and urinary catheters are also associated with UTIs. Bacteria on a catheter can infect the bladder, so special care is required to be sure catheters are sterile and changed as directed.

Women and UTIs
Women suffer UTIs more frequently than men. This is because a woman’s urethra (the tube between the bladder and the outside of your body through which you urinate) is short, allowing bacteria easy access to the bladder.

In addition, a woman’s urethral opening is closer to bacteria located in the vagina and anus. Women must always wipe from front to back so they don’t get fecal matter in their urethra. Sexual intercourse appears to trigger UTIs among some women.

The possibility of recurrent UTIs multiply with incidence. For example, four out of five women who have had three UTIs get another one within 18 months of the last infection.

Men and UTIs
UTIs in men should be treated as soon as possible, as it may be an indication of a serious medical condition such as an enlarged prostrate or kidney stone. According to the National Kidney and Urological Diseases Information Clearinghouse, UTIs in older men are frequently associated with acute bacterial prostatitis, which can be fatal if not treated immediately. Please contact your health professional if you have any questions.

UTI Symptoms
UTIs may be present without showing any symptoms. Feeling tired, experiencing all-over body pain, experiencing pain in the back or on the side below the ribs may indicate a UTI. Other symptoms may include:

Frequent urge to urinate
Painful, burning sensation during urination
Pressure around the public bone (women)
Fullness around the rectum (men)
Despite urge to urinate, and only passing a small amount of urine
Bloody or discolored urine
Diagnosing UTIs
Doctors use urinalysis to test for E. coli bacteria, blood, and pus. If the patient has symptoms of a UTI and the urinalysis shows pus but no bacteria, the doctor will order a special type of urinalysis used to test for chlamydia and mycoplasma.

If a UTI was previously diagnosed and failed to clear up after treatment, the doctor may order an X-ray of the urinary tract to check for structural changes that might cause the infection. Tests for recurrent UTIs include ultrasound or a cystoscopy. The cystoscope allows the doctor to see inside the bladder and the urethra.

Avoiding a UTI
General precautions for avoiding a UTI include drinking lots of water and thorough wiping after a bowel movement. Because of their repetitive nature, women and people with urinary catheters need to be wary of infection.

Don’t resist the urge to urinate. Allowing urine to remain in the bladder gives bacteria a breeding ground. Urinating helps to wash away bacteria around the urinary opening.

Some helpful tips for avoiding UTIs include:

Keep catheters sterile and change them as directed
Drink plenty of water every day
Don’t resist the urge to urinate
Take showers instead of baths
Avoid bubble baths unless using very gentle products
Specific recommendations for women include:
Wipe from front to back following urination to prevent spreading bacteria around the anus into the vagina or urethra
Cleanse the genital area before sexual intercourse
Urinate and cleanse the genital area after sex
Additional antibiotic strategies are available for those who suffer recurrent infections. Speak with your doctor or other healthcare professional about treatment.

Treating UTIs
Antibiotic drugs are used to treat UTIs that do not involve nervous system conditions or obstructions of the urinary tract.

Your doctor will select the best course of treatment for your particular infection. Additional drugs are available to relieve the pain caused by a UTI. Heating pads and drinking plenty of water may also help some of the side effects of a UTI. Folklore says cranberry juice may help. This has not been proven, but it comforts some people.

Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods while treating a UTI.

Products are avaliable to temporarily relieve UTI symptoms. They do not treat the infection and should only be taken as directed.

And be sure to consult with your doctor if you suspect a UTI. UTIs may be dangerous if not treated promptly.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases at the National Institutes of Health is an excellent source for additional information.