Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary Tract Infection: Causes, Symptoms,
and Treatment

A urinary tract infection, also called a UTI, is an infection that occurs in any part of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. It's often caused by bacteria entering the urethra and then spreading to the bladder and kidneys. UTIs are common, especially in women, and can cause symptoms like pain or burning during urination, frequent urination, and a feeling of urgency (feeling like you need to urinate when your bladder is empty).

Since UTIs are caused by bacteria, you will need to see your doctor and get a prescription for antibiotics treat your infection. There are also steps you can take at home to make yourself more comfortable while the antibiotics get to work.

Causes of UTI

UTIs happen when bacteria enter the urinary system through the urethra. Usually, bacteria travel up the urethra to the bladder. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the most common type of bacteria that causes UTIs. Some things put you at higher risk of getting a UTI, including:

• Sexual activity, especially for women

• Certain medical conditions, like kidney stones or an enlarged prostate

• Pregnancy

• Urinary catheters

  • A weak immune system

If you have UTI symptoms following a hospital procedure requiring a urinary catheter, discuss your symptoms with your care team before leaving the hospital. If you go home with a catheter, ask your care team when it should be removed. Until its removal, use good hand hygiene when handling it, and avoid putting your drainage bag in a position that allows urine to flow backward.

Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms

The symptoms of a UTI can vary but often include:

Pain or burning during urination. This is one of the most common symptoms of a UTI. 

Frequent urination, especially in small amounts. You might feel a strong urge to urinate but only release a small amount of urine (or none at all). 

Cloudy or bloody urine. The urine may appear cloudy or have a reddish tint. 

Strong- or foul-smelling urine. The urine may have an unusual or unpleasant odor. 

Pelvic pain or pressure. You may experience discomfort or pressure in the lower abdomen
or pelvis. 

Fever, chills, and body aches. If the infection has spread to the kidneys, these symptoms may be present. 

Woman drinking a glass of water for UTI health
sign for men's and women's restrooms
woman holding her stomach due to UTI pain

Urinary tract infection treatment

UTIs need antibiotic treatment, so it is important to see your doctor if you think you have one. Your doctor will test your urine and treat your UTI with an antibiotic that fights the type of bacteria causing your infection.

It is very important to complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if you start to feel better. If you don’t take all of your medication, your infection can come back, and possibly be harder to treat.

Once you start your antibiotics, it can take a day or two to start feeling better. Try some of these tips to take care of yourself at home and help the healing along:

Pain relievers. Over-the-counter pain relievers, like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen), can help manage inflammation and discomfort.

Increase your fluid intake. Drinking plenty of water can help flush out the urinary tract and prevent dehydration. 

Cranberry juice. It’s not an old wives’ tale — drinking cranberry juice can help relieve a UTI. Cranberry juice is rich in A-type proanthocyanidins (PACs). These PACs have been shown to have anti-adhesion properties, meaning they help prevent bacteria from sticking to your bladder wall.

Tip: When choosing a cranberry juice, remember to check the label. Avoid any cranberry juice labeled “cocktail” because this typically means the juice has added sugar. You want 100% cranberry juice with no added sugar.  

Urinary analgesics. There are some medications sold over the counter that can help relieve pain and burning during urination when you have a UTI. These products contain medications that help soothe the urinary tract lining, which helps relieve pain and burning. However, these medications do not contain antibiotics and cannot cure your infection.

Preventing UTIs

Once your urinary tract infection is cured, there are steps you can take to help ensure you don’t get another one:

Stay hydrated. Drinking enough fluids, especially water, can help flush out the urinary tract and prevent infections. 

Don’t hold it! Urinating regularly, as soon as you feel the need to go, can help prevent bacteria from building up in the urinary tract.

Wipe front to back. After using the restroom, women should always wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from entering the urethra. 

Urinate after sex. Urinating after sexual activity can help flush bacteria out of the urethra. 

Consider cranberries. Some studies suggest that cranberry juice and supplements may help prevent UTIs. According to research findings, a dose of 8-10 ounces of juice daily may be effective. Remember, cranberry supplements cannot cure a UTI and do not replace medical care, so talk to your doctor about adding cranberry to your diet.

Switch to cotton. Cotton is a breathable fabric, so switching to cotton underwear can promote airflow and discourage bacterial growth.

Urosepsis warning signs

If left untreated, UTIs can progress and cause serious illness, like a bloodstream infection (sepsis) or kidney damage.

Urosepsis is a severe complication of UTIs in which the infection spreads from the urinary system to the bloodstream. Urosepsis is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment by a doctor.

Symptoms of urosepsis include:

• High fever and chills

• Nausea and vomiting

• Lower back pain

• Fast breathing and heart rate

• Confusion, dizziness, or disorientation

• Severe weakness or fatigue

• Less urine output or inability to empty the bladder

If you are experiencing symptoms of a UTI, it's important to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Untreated UTIs can lead to serious complications, including kidney infections and sepsis. 

Resources: 

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