Urinary tract infection Health Article

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Urinary tract infection Health Article
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Definition

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection that can happen anywhere along the urinary tract. The urinary tract includes the:

Bladder
Kidneys
Ureters -- the tubes that take urine from each kidney to the bladder
Urethra -- the tube that empties urine from the bladder to the outside

Alternative Names

Bladder infection; Cystitis; UTI
Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Cystitis, a common condition, is usually caused by bacteria entering the urethra and then the bladder. This leads to inflammation and infection in the lower urinary tract.

Certain people are more likely to get UTIs. Women tend to get them more often because their urethra is shorter and closer to the anus. Elderly people (especially those in nursing homes) and people with diabetes also get more UTIs.

Some children develop UTIs. In boys, they are most common before the first birthday. In young girls, UTIs are most common around age 3, overlapping with the toilet training period.

Cystitis in children can be promoted by abnormalities in the urinary tract. Therefore, children with cystitis, especially those under age 5, deserve special follow-up to prevent later kidney damage.

The following risk factors increase your chances of getting a UTI:

Bowel incontinence
Catheterization
Kidney stones
Immobility (for example, during recovery from a hip fracture)
Menopause
Narrowed urethra
Not drinking enough fluids
Pregnancy
Prostate inflammation or enlargement
Sexual intercourse, especially if you have multiple partners
Using a diaphragm for birth control

Symptoms

The symptoms of a UTI include:

Cloudy urine
Blood in the urine
Foul or strong urine odor
Frequent or urgent need to urinate
Need to urinate at night
Pain or burning with urination
Pressure in the lower pelvis

Young children with UTIs may only have a fever, or no symptoms at all.
Additional symptoms may include:

Mental changes or confusion (in the elderly, mental changes or confusion often are the only signs of a urinary tract infection; possible spread to the blood should be considered)
Flank (side pain, vomiting, fever, and chills (may be a sign of kidney involvement)
Painful sexual intercourse
Penis pain

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