Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the second most common kind of infection (after chest infections). The urinary tract is made up of the kidneys, ureters (the tubes from the kidneys to the bladder), the bladder and the urethra (the tube which expels urine from the bladder). It is the system by which urine is created and passed out of the body.
The most common cause of a UTI is when bacteria from the rectal passage enter the urinary tract, usually through the urethra. This happens more often in women because a woman's urethra opening is closer to the anus than in men. Around 50% of all women develop a UTI at some stage. In men, cystitis is often associated with infection and inflammation of the prostate gland (prostatitis).
Please note: the information below is not a substitude for medical advice. If you have any concerns at all, speak to your GP or consultant.
If you would like addtional information the following articles are available on the website of The British Association of Urological Surgeons, please click on the links below:
Self help information for women with recurrent cystitis
If you are worried about your urinary symptoms, download the My WaterWorks Medical app and fill in the questionnaire which can be presented to your GP.
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Once the infection is in the urethra, it can move up to the bladder (cystitis). If it is not treated quickly, the infection can continue up the ureters to the kidneys. Bacteria can also enter the kidneys through the bloodstream. An infection of the kidneys is a serious condition that can lead to damage and scarring of the kidneys. This condition is known as pyelonephritis.
Another source of infection is via catheters. Catheters are tubes that are inserted into the urethra, for example to manage incontinence. Despite precautions, inserting a catheter can introduce bacteria into the urethra and lead to infection.
Most people with a UTI will experience some of the following symptoms, although not everyone has the same symptoms:
In children, symptoms can be more easily overlooked. If the child seems irritable, is not eating normally, has a fever that does not go away or has incontinence, he or she should be seen by a doctor.
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First, a doctor will note your symptoms, followed by one or all of these tests:
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UTIs are treated with antibiotics. There are many different types of antibiotics to treat infections. Once your urine has been analysed, the doctor can choose the best antibiotic for destroying the particular bacteria you have.
If the infection is simple and there is no obstruction, a UTI can be cured within 1 to 2 days of treatment. However, most doctors ask you to take your antibiotics for at least a week to make sure that the infection is completely cured. It is important to finish your course of antibiotics, because sometimes your symptoms may go away before the infection is fully cleared.
If you are severely ill with a kidney infection, you may be hospitalised until you can take in fluids and drugs on your own. If you have a kidney infection you will usually be on antibiotics for several weeks. To ease the pain, many people find a warm bath or a hot water bottle useful. Drink plenty of water to wash out the bacteria, and avoid coffee, alcohol and spicy foods.
If you have specific concerns about the symptoms and treatment options for UTIs, speak to your GP. You can also find useful websites via our links section.
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