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Chronic Urinary Tract Infections

Anyone can get a urinary tract infection (UTI). Knowing what the symptoms are, when to see the doctor, how to treat it, when it may be chronic, and the prognosis, will help if you ever think you or a loved one may be experiencing a UTI.

  1. What is UTI?

    • A UTI can occur anywhere in the urinary system, but most often occur in the lower urinary tract, urethra or bladder. Chronic urinary tract infections may recur because of incomplete treatment of a prior infection or continuous exposure to the bacteria causing it. A UTI is considered chronic if it won't respond to the treatment of choice, and if it keeps coming back.

    Symptoms

    • UTI symptoms can appear quickly. They may include some or all of the following: stronger-than-normal urination urges, often with little production; feeling of burning with urination; cloudy, bloody or smelly urine; side pain; fever; nausea; pelvic pressure; discomfort in the lower abdomen and chills.

    Effects

    • Cystitis can occur when bacteria enters the lower urinary tract and causes an infection with inflammation.

    When to See a Doctor

    • If you have any of the symptoms of a UTI, you should seek help from a doctor. If you have repeated or chronic UTIs your doctor may recommend a more aggressive treatment to try and prevent the infection from spreading to the kidneys, which is a risk for people with chronic UTIs.

    Causes

    • A UTI can occur when bacteria is in the urinary tract. Common causes are a lack of fluid intake, being incontinent, not emptying the bladder completely when you urinate, prostatitis and having a catheter.

    Risk Factors

    • Risk factors for getting a UTI include being sexually active, having kidney stones, the use of a catheter to the bladder, being diabetic, having diseases that decrease immunity and getting older.

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