Viral Urinary Tract Infection

The urinary system consists of the bladder, kidneys, urethra and ureters. An infection of any of these parts of the urinary system is classified as a urinary tract infection. The second most common infection in the body, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Disease Information Clearinghouse, urinary tract infections are caused when a virus, bacteria or fungi enter the urine, making it no longer sterile. Viral urinary tract infections are quite common, and if a person has had three or more such infections, they are likely to recur.

Risk Factors

• Some people seem to be more prone to getting urinary tract infections than others. The Mayo Clinic suggests certain factors that may make a person more susceptible to urinary tract infections. Women are more likely than men to develop a UTI, mainly because of their anatomy. Bacteria do not have to travel as far in women to reach the bladder because of their shortened urethra.

  Sexually active women are at a greater risk because intercourse can irritate the urethra and allow bacteria to easily pass through to the bladder. The use of certain birth control measures, such as diaphragms and condoms with spermicidal gels, also increases the likelihood of a woman developing a urinary tract infection.

  Post-menopausal women are more susceptible to UTIs because the tissues of the urinary tract become delicate and thinner due to estrogen loss. Diseases that weaken the immune system also may lead to urinary tract infections, as do any urinary obstructions such as kidney stones.

  Finally, those who have used catheters and tubes in the urinary tract are more prone to UTIs because of the bacteria that form on the catheter.

Symptoms

• Urinary tract infections tend to develop quickly and sometimes produce no symptoms. In other cases, symptoms may include a strong urge to urinate frequently, small amounts of urine produced and a burning sensation when urinating. UTIs also can produce bloody or strong-smelling urine. In addition, you may experience fatigue, fever, shaking, chills, pelvic and/or back pain and cloudy urine. These symptoms are not all inclusive and often can be signs of other medical conditions.

Treatment

• Antibiotics are the standard treatment method for a person with a urinary tract infection who is in otherwise good health. The symptoms will usually subside after just a few days of treatment, but it is important to finish the entire course of antibiotics prescribed, even if you are feeling better.

  If the UTI is causing painful symptoms, pain medication may be prescribed to numb the urethra and bladder. If the urinary tract infection occurs in a post-menopausal woman, vaginal estrogen therapy may be recommended to prevent further infections. In the most severe cases, hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics may be needed.

  In addition to the above treatment methods, doctors recommend that you drink plenty of water to flush the urinary tract. Heating pads also may be used to help ease the discomfort in the back, pelvis and abdomen associated with a urinary tract infection.

Complications

• If treated properly and quickly, urinary tract infections typically cause no further complications to the body. If you don't seek treatment, however, kidney infections can develop, causing permanent damage. Furthermore, pregnant women who have an untreated urinary tract infection are more likely to deliver babies prematurely and at lower birthweights.

Prevention

• You can take several measures to help reduce the occurrence of urinary tract infections. Drink ample amounts of water on a daily basis to help keep the urinary tract clear of bacteria. Steer clear of feminine hygiene sprays, powders and douches, as these can irritate the urethra. Wipe the genital area from front to back after urination and bowel movements to reduce the risk of spreading bacteria from the anus to the vagina. Clean the genital area before engaging in sexual intercourse to free the area of bacteria. Drink a full glass of water and urinate after intercourse to flush any bacteria out of the system.