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Urinary Tract Infection From Escherichia Coli

Urinary tract infections are common infections of the kidneys, bladder and urethra, which make up the urinary system. They can be caused by any number of bacteria but are most often brought on by Escherichia coli. Escherichia coli (also called E. coli) are common bacteria that are found in the lower intestine of many animals. Urinary tract infections from E. coli may be painful or inconvenient, but they are also easy to treat and prevent.

  1. E. coli

    • The E. coli group of bacteria includes many different types of bacteria. These bacteria can be found in the lower intestine of warm-blooded animals, including humans. In the intestines, E. coli are present from nearly birth and are the main organism that helps in the digestion of food. They can only survive for a short time outside of the intestines.

    Causes

    • Since E. coli is normally present in your intestines, it is often present in your stool and around your anus. Sometimes those bacteria can spread from those areas and find their way to your urethra. Your urethra is the opening through which your urine is excreted. Most of the time, your immune system handles any E. coli that tries to colonize in the wrong areas of your body. However, when it does not, the bacteria grow and multiply, causing infections. E. coli can travel up your urinary system causing infection, eventually reaching your kidneys.

    Symptoms

    • Urinary tract infections caused by E. coli have a variety of symptoms. You may feel pain in your lower back or pelvis because the bacteria has inflamed your kidneys and bladder. If the bacteria is concentrating on you urethra, you will experience a burning sensation when you urinate. Your urine may come out dark or cloudy. It may even be smelly or have traces of blood in it.

    Treatment

    • Once your health-care provider has diagnosed your urinary tract infection, he will probably prescribe antibiotics such as amoxicillin to treat the infection. There are also several home remedies for minor infections, including over-the-counter medicines such as Azo. Some people treat their urinary tract infections with cranberry juice therapy because cranberries have many properties that help fight infection. In the worst-case scenarios, the E. coli travel to your kidneys, which may require a hospital stay and intravenous antibiotics to treat.

    Prevention

    • Preventing E. coli urinary tract infections is as simple as keeping good hygiene. After a bowel movement, wipe front to back to avoid spreading bacteria from your stool into your urethra. Urinate after sexual intercourse to flush out any E. coli that may have been exposed to your urethra during sex. Wash your genitals at least once a day and after sex with mild soap and warm water.

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