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Urinary Tract Infection in Adults

Urinary tract infections in adults are a painful but common medical complaint. Complications are rare, but until treated, urinary tract infections can cause a serious interruption to daily life. Urinary tract infections include bladder, prostate, urethral and kidney infections.

  1. Symptoms

    • The primary symptoms of urinary tract infections in adults are a frequent urge to urinate but only passing a small amount of urine plus burning or itching during urination.

    Diagnosis

    • Doctors diagnose urinary tract infections in adults through a urinalysis and urine culture. A urine sample is required for these tests.

    Treatment

    • Most urinary tract infections can be easily alleviated with a short course of antibiotics. The physician may also prescribe medicine to ease the discomfort caused by the infection.

    Predisposition

    • Women are more prone to urinary tract infections than men. Sexual intercourse increases the risk in young women, and being menopausal increases the risk in older women.

    Prevention

    • Drinking cranberry juice or taking a cranberry-based supplement may help prevent urinary tract infections. Thorough and proper cleaning (wiping front to back) after a bowel movement or sex may also help.

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