Definition of UTI

The term UTI is frequently used as an abbreviation for "urinary tract infection." It can refer to an infection of the kidneys, bladder, urethra or ureters, but the majority of UTIs affect only the urethra and/or bladder.

Symptoms

• A UTI affecting only the bladder will cause frequent, painful urination, sometimes with whitish discoloration. A kidney infection causes much more severe pain and blood in the urine.

Treatment

• Physicians treat moderate and severe urinary tract infections using antibiotics. Complementary and alternative remedies include cranberry juice, blueberry juice, increased fluid intake and probiotics.

Time Frame

• With treatment, a mild UTI may last only a few days. If left untreated, a UTI can become severe, leading to kidney inflammation, high fever or long-term damage to the urinary tract.

Risk Factors

• Women, girls, the elderly and the immunocompromised are at the highest risk of developing urinary tract infections.

Misconceptions

• Many patients erroneously use the terms "bladder infection" and "UTI" interchangeably; however, a UTI can affect any part of the urinary tract.