التهاب المسالك البولية (Urinary Tract Infection)

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Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

 

On this page, you will find everything you need to know about urinary tract infections.

What is aUrinary Tract Infection?. 

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common infection of the urinary system. It occurs when bacteria infect the urinary tract, affecting parts such as the bladder, urethra, ureters, and kidneys. The most common types are urethritis and cystitis.

What are the Symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection?

  • Symptoms vary depending on the affected part of the urinary system and may include:
  • Pain or a burning sensation during urination.
  • Frequent urination.
  • The urge to urinate even when the bladder is empty.
  • The presence of blood in the urine.
  • Dark, strong-smelling, or cloudy urine.
  • Cramps or a sensation of pressure in the lower abdomen.
  • Fever.
  • Chills.
  • Lower backpain.

Nausea or vomiting.

  • For elderly people with dementia and memory or concentration problems,and those with urinary catheters, additional symptoms may include:
  • Urinary incontinence and poor bladder control..  
  • Severe shaking or shivering.

Behavioral changes such as anger or confusion.

  • In children, other observable symptoms may include:
  • Fever.
  • Bed-wetting.

General fatigue, and infants or children may be irritable.

What Causes Urinary Tract Infections?

  • The primary cause of UTIs is bacteria, typically from the skin, stool, or rectum, entering the urinary tract via the urethra. Factors that may increase the risk include:
  • Gender: UTIs are more common in women than in men due to the proximity of the urethra to the rectum and a shorter urethral length, which facilitates bacterial entry into the urinary tract.
  • Changes in vaginal flora often occur after menopause.
  • Pregnancy.
  • Age, particularly affecting the elderly and children.
  • Prior history of UTIs.
  • Having a urinary catheter.
  • Poor personal hygiene.
    • Certain conditions and diseases, such as:
    • – Enlargedprostate.. 
    • – Kidneystones..   
  • – Chronic diseases like diabetes.

After surgical procedures related to the urinary tract.

How is a Urinary Tract Infection Diagnosed?:

  • A physician will take a medical history and conduct a physical exam. Additional tests may be requested if needed, such as:
  • Urine analysis.

Laboratory blood tests.

How is a Urinary Tract Infection Treated?

  • Treatment involves several steps or needs-based measures, which may include:
  • Staying hydrated by drinking fluids. (Evidence is provided)
  • Pain relievers.
  • Resting.

Antibiotic as prescribed by your doctor. (Evidence is provided)

  • How Can You Prevent a Urinary Tract Infection?
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Dry the area after using the restroom, front to back.
  • Do not hold your need to urinate; go to the bathroom immediately to urinate.
  • Maintain personal hygiene.
  • Limit the use of sensitive area products like sprays.
  • Urinate and wash after sexual activity.
  • Avoid scented hygiene washes.

Avoid sexual intercourse if you have a UTI.

  • What are the Complications of a Urinary Tract Infection?
  • Chronic UTIs or infections that persist despite treatment or recur.
  • Bladder cancer.
  • Blood poisoning (sepsis).

Scars or damage to kidney tissues.

  • When Should YouSee a Doctor?.
  • If UTI symptoms appear.
  • If symptomsworsen anddo notimprove.
  • A fever of 38C or higher, or a drop in temperature below 36C.
  • The presence of blood in the urine.
  • If you havegone an entireday without urinating.
  • If you experience lower back or abdominal pain, or if you are pregnant.
  • Ifsymptomsappearfollowingasurgicalprocedure.
  • If you have kidney stones, diabetes, cancer, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injuries.

 

Vomiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is urinary retention related to urinary tract infections?

Urinary retention occurs when the bladder cannot empty urine, often due to weak bladder muscles, and can be a complication of UTIs.

Does recurrent urinary tract infection require continual use of antibiotics or preventive treatment?

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