What Is a Urinary Tract Infection?
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Definition
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A UTI is most commonly a bacterial infection of any part of the urinary tract, including the urethra, bladder or kidneys.
Cause
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Bacteria cause a urinary tract infection by entering through the urethra, overwhelming your immune system and beginning to grow.
Symptoms
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The most common symptoms of a urinary tract infection are a frequent need to urinate, and burning or itching during urination.
Treatment
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Doctors usually prescribe a brief course of oral antibiotics for treatment of a UTI. In some cases an antibiotic injection or IV antibiotics may be prescribed.
Complications
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Usually a urinary tract infection is easily treated, but sometimes a widespread life-threatening infection or permanent kidney damage may occur.
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