Signs of Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Description

Acute infections of the urinary tract can be separated into upper and lower tract infections. The bladder is the most common site of all infections (cystitis), and is a lower tract infection. Upper tract infections involve the ureters and kidneys. Kidney infections (pyelonephritis) can be very serious with high fever, vomiting, and severe pain. Because of the shorter urethras in women they are more prone to develop urinary tract infections than men. Most urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria. Catheterization of the bladder increases the risk of the infection. In patents with a weakened immune system (diabetics, patients receiving chemotherapy, HIV/AIDS, elderly) prompt treatment is needed because of the increased chance of a life threatening infection developing.

Symptoms

Cloudy urine, blood in the urine (hematuria), foul or strong urine odor, frequent or urgent need to urinate, need to urinate at night (nocturia), pain or burning with urination (dysuria), pressure below the umbilicus of the abdomen. Elderly patients can experience significant confusion.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. A urine analysis (UA) and culture will establish the diagnosis and identify the organism.

Standard Workup

Treatment

Therapy depends on the severity of illness. Treatment includes: antibiotics, medications to decrease the burning (phenazopyridine/Pyridium), and/or pain medications. A urinalysis is sometimes recommended after treatment to ensure the infection has gone away.