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The
urinary system is divided into upper and lower urinary tracts.
These divisions are useful when diagnosing a urinary tract
infection as the presentation of symptoms and treatment regimen vary
between the two.
An upper urinary tract infection involves the kidney itself and is know
medically as PYELONEPHRITIS. Symptoms
include back pain, lower abdominal pain, fatigue, malaise, a fever of
101-104, irritating bladder symptoms and bacteria noted in the urine.
A lower urinary tract infection, more common in women than in men,
involves the bladder and/or the urethra which is a canal leading from the
bladder expelling the urine to the outside. Another name for the type of
infection is CYSTITIS. Symptoms
of cystitis may vary in intensity and may include the following:
pain or burning upon urination, frequency and urgency to urinate (a
constant desire to urinate despite having just done so), blood in the
urine, lower abdominal pain, low back pain and a low grade fever.
The history of one’s symptoms is critical in diagnosing a U.T.I.
A urine specimen is collected to help determine whether an
infection is present. In
certain instances, a urine culture may be required.
This is especially necessary for women prone to bladder infections
and may even have a chronic cystitis.
The urine, in a normal situation, is “sterile”, or free of bacteria.
An infection is caused by bacteria entering through the urethra and
possibly into the bladder to cause the above noted symptoms.
This bacteria, always present in the gastrointestinal tract and the
bowel movements, may contaminate the urethra and then move toward the
bladder.
TREATMENT
Medication:
antibiotics are prescribed which need to be taken for the full
course ordered or you risk reinfection or relapse.
Often times you feel better day two or three but the bacteria are
still there and may reinfect you if the prescription is not taken for the
necessary time.
Another medication, not an antibiotic, called Pyridium, may be
prescribed for you that relieves the symptoms or burning within two or
three days. This medicine
also changes the color of your urine to orange.
DRINK plenty of FLUIDS, preferably at least 2 quarts a day. Cranberry juice is an excellent choice as it alters the
chemistry of your urine to inhibit growth of bacteria.
AVOID coffee, tea, cola, alcohol or other caffeine containing drinks as
they are considered bladder irritants.
VOID frequently; this avoids holding urine in your bladder which can be a
base for continued infection.
METHODS OF PREVENTION OF URINARY INFECTIONS:
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Good
hygiene is essential.
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Drink
plenty of fluids every day; this helps flush potential bacteria from
your urinary system.
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Urinate
frequently.
-
Void
after intercourse - women are susceptible to cystitis after
intercourse since bacteria can easily be introduced into the urethra
by sexual activity.
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Use
cotton underwear (it decreases moisture).
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Do
not wear tight constricting clothing.
For
Women:
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Wipe
from front to back to avoid bacterial spread from the rectal area.
-
Change
tampons frequently and do not use perfumed napkins or tampons - as
chemicals can be irritants which can predispose you to infection.
For this reason, avoid bubble baths or vaginal sprays.
-
Only
douche if recommended by a physician.
If you have any
questions during treatment, please call or return to the University Health
Service.
(860-832-1925)
CCS
University Health Service. 12/97,
12/98, 8/00, 12/04
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