About UTIs

A urinary tract infection (also called a UTIs or a bladder infection) is an inflammation of the urinary system, which includes the urethra, the bladder and the kidneys. These infections are so common that most people will experience at least one in their lifetime. The groups most prone to urinary tract infections are pregnant women, babies and the elderly. Although they can be painful, they are also easily treated and prevented in most cases.

Types of Urinary Tract Infections

• Even though several terms are used interchangeably for urinary tract infection, there are actually three separate types, based on the part of the urinary system the infection affects. The most common type of UTI is called urethritis and affects the urethra, the tube that urine is excreted from. When urethritis travels further up the urinary tract, it usually develops into cystitis. Cystitis is the literal inflammation of the bladder. (Sometimes the term bladder infection is used to describe any type of urinary tract infection, but it is more accurately applied to the cystitis.) When cystitis travels to the kidneys and the ureters, it is called pyelonephritis. Even though urinary tract infections are caused by the same bacteria and have some of the same symptoms, as a rule kidney infections are more serious than bladder or urethra infections.

Causes

• Urinary tract infections are caused when bacteria that is normally found on the skin, in the intestinal tract or the stool is spread into the urethra. The bacteria then attach to the urinary system's lining and begin to grow and multiply, irritating and inflaming the components of it. Bacteria can find its way into the urinary system through normal sexual intercourse or wiping back to front after a bowel movement. Babies and the elderly tend to be incontinent and can spend extended periods of time sitting in diapers with feces in it. This exposes their urethras to the bacteria found in feces and increases their risks for UTIs.

Symptoms

• As the main product of your urinary system, urine holds the most the symptoms about your urinary tract infection. Your urine may be dark, smelly or contain blood if you have a urinary tract infection. You may notice that your bladder seems full more often but you have little or no urine coming out. It can also burn when you urinate because your urethra is so irritated from the infection. Your urinary tract infection may also cause burning or pain in your pelvis or your lower back, depending on where the infection is.

Treatment

• Treatment of your urinary tract infection can depend on the location of the infection. Urethritis can be fairly mild and may only require an increase in fluid intake and some over-the-counter pain medication to get you through as your immune system deals with infection. Cystitis can be just as mild. If your symptoms do not subside within a few days, your infection may be more serious than you anticipated or have traveled to the kidneys. Your health care provider will prescribe a course of oral antibiotics and an increase in fluids for some cases. If the infection has traveled to your kidneys, you may have to visit the hospital for intravenous antibiotics and overnight observation.

Prevention

• Preventing urinary tract infections starts with keeping yourself healthy. Drink lots of water and maintain a healthy diet to help your immune system fight all types of infection, including the ones affecting your urinary system. Taking cranberry or vitamin C supplement can also help prevent UTI. You should also practice good hygiene by keeping your genitals clean and dry. After sex, urinate to flush any bacteria that may have been spread to the urethra. Also, wash your genitals with mild soap and water every day and after sexual contact. Wiping front to back after a bowel movement will also help prevent UTIs.